The little dog is a direct descendent of King Charles spaniel and is named after King Charles II. The term Cavalier was added after an American breeding program on their ancestors.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: United Kingdom
Used for: Companion
Average Life Span: 9-14 years
Color: Tricolor, black and tan, red and white and ruby
Coat: Medium in length and silky
Average Height: 12-13 inches
Average Weight: 10-18 pounds
Group: Gun Dog, AKC Toy
History and Domestication
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is named after King Charles II and has descended from King Charles spaniel when they were bred with Pugs in 1600s.
The result was a smaller breed with flatter noses, rounded heads, upturned faces and protruding eyes. This breed came to be known as King Charles spaniel or English Toy Spaniel.
They were later interbred in America to result into Cavalier King Charles spaniels.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Cavalier is a well-proportioned little dog. It has a rounded head, a full muzzle with a tapering and shallow stop. The nose is black. The round eyes are brown and set wide apart with dark rims. The high-set ears are long and have abundant feathering. It has a leveled top-line. The coat is silly and medium in length and has feathering on chest, ears, legs and tail.
Care, Grooming and Health
These dogs should be brushed with a firm bristle brush and bathed only when necessary. The hair between feet and pads must be trimmed. They also have to be brushed very often as their coat is prone to matting and tangling. They must be thoroughly dried and warmed after a bath. This breed sheds moderately.
Cavalier king Charles Spaniels need to be walked daily. Play takes care of their exercise needs but doesn’t fulfill their primal instinct of walking. They also enjoy romping in a safe and open area off-lead. Dogs that do not get walked are very likely to display behavioral problems.
This breed is prone to back troubles, cherry eyes, and dislocation of kneecaps, ear infections and deafness. Sometimes hip dyslexia may also occur. Do not overfeed, as they tend to gain weight very easily. They are also prone to mitral valve problems which may lead to early death.
Living Conditions
These dogs are recommended for apartment life. As they are moderately active indoors, a small yard will suffice. The Cavalier doesn’t do well in warm weather.
Temperament
Always seeming to be wagging its tail, the cavalier is an affectionate, eager and happy dog. They are outgoing and sportive and always eager and willing to please. They are an intelligent breed and hence easy to train and respond well to gentle obedience. They are known to be well-behaved and get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets. They are not suited for kennels and shouldn’t be left alone all day. These dogs love companionship and living with their pack. They also have an instinct to chase due to their hunting background. Do not let them develop small dog syndrome under any condition.
Adoption Groups
- Cavalier Rescue USA
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club
- The Cavalier Rescue
- Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue