Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Although it was developed to be a friendship breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel still has the athletic characteristics of its spaniel forebears. If they’re not sitting on someone’s lap or getting a belly rub, nothing gets them happier than to flush a bird and then try to retrieve it.
These dogs may still be available at shelters and rescues even though they are purebred. Do not overlook adoption! Avoid going shopping if you want to have a dog. The largest of the toy breeds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel like running on the beach, going on hikes, and participating in dog sports like agility, flyball, and rally. They are usually just as athletic as true sporting canines. The more laid-back members of the breed make good therapy dogs and household pets.
See the list of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel characteristics In petlifehealth below for the whole thing!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is without a doubt a contender for the title of “top tail-wagger” since it is adorable and little. In fact, one of the characteristics that breeders look for in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is a tail that moves continuously while the dog walks.
If his large, black eyes and round face aren’t enough to win you over, the unique wag of the Cavalier’s plumy tail certainly will. They have the power to make anybody under their influence eat endlessly and get constant attention. They have a nice appearance and are warm and shiny. Avoid the temptation to give in and give your Cavalier what he or she is demanding, such as a stroll or some fun, given that this breed is prone to gaining weight, which can destroy its beautiful lines. Cavaliers roam the house on slippered paws, always following in the human’s footsteps. When a Cavalier resides there, you will never be alone, not even in the bathroom. Since they are so attached to their people, they operate best when someone is home during the day to keep them company. Because they are housedogs, they cannot endure being abandoned or confined to the backyard.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are frequently intelligent and willing to do everything you ask of them throughout training. Training is made effective with the use of food incentives and positive reinforcement. Screaming at cavaliers won’t work because of their gentle nature and could even encourage them to retreat or go into hiding. Instead, reward them when you see them performing in the way you like, whether it’s chewing on a toy rather of your Prada shoes or not barking at the dog next door. They will go above and above to find you more appealing things.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can have trouble housebreaking, like many toy breeds do, but if you keep them on a routine and give them plenty of opportunities to go outside, they will eventually learn to be reliable within the home.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel History
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a relatively new breed that was just restored less than a century ago, although the toy spaniel has been around for generations and has been a companion of royalty and nobility.
The forebears of cavaliers are the toy spaniels seen in several paintings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries by well-known artists like Van Dyck and Gainsborough. The spaniels portrayed in those paintings had flat heads, long, thin noses, and high-set ears.
These little spaniels were adored by England’s royal and noble families. Mary, Queen of Scots accompanied herself on her journey to beheaded by a little spaniel, and her great-grandson Charles I and grandson Charles II, who are credited with giving the breed its name, both cherished the miniature dogs. There are rumors that King Charles II, who reigned from 1660 until 1685, regularly traveled with at least two or three of these little spaniels. He even ordered that the spaniels be allowed access to the Houses of Parliament. It is reported that the order is still in effect in England today, however this hasn’t lately been confirmed.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel were displaced as the new royal favorites after Charles II’s death by Pugs and other short-faced breeds. These dogs were bred with King Charles Spaniels, and as a result, many of their traits, such as the shorter snout and the domed head, were passed on to the offspring.
The only place where King Charles Spaniels, the breed that the monarch himself had prized, had a home was at Blenheim Palace, the country estate of the Dukes of Marlborough. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with this coloration are now known to as Blenheim due to the ongoing breeding of red and white Toy Spaniels in this region. Due to the lack of a breed standard and of dog exhibitions at the time, the Dukes of Marlborough created a range of toy spaniels that varied in kind and size. But around the middle of the 19th century, English breeders started holding dog shows and worked to enhance a number of canine breeds. The characteristics of toy spaniels, such as their flat face, undershot jaw, domed skull, and large, round, forward-looking eyes, were well known at that time. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel were essentially non-existent in earlier paintings.
In the 1920s, an American named Roswell Eldridge started searching for little spaniels in England that resembled those in the old paintings. He searched for more than five years, even at the Crufts Dog Show, where he persuaded the Kennel Club (England’s equivalent of the American Kennel Club) to allow him to offer 25 pounds sterling (a sizeable sum at the time) for the best dog and best bitch of the style that was fashionable during King Charles II’s reign. He provided this prize for five years.
In 1928, Miss Mostyn Walker was awarded the 25-pound prize after she submitted Ann’s Son for review. Just one month before Crufts, Roswell Eldridge passed away, thus he was unable to see the prize being presented. As interest in the breed grew, a breed club was formed. The term Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was created to distinguish the breed from the King Charles Spaniel with a Flat Face (known as the English Toy Spaniel in the United States).
The organization held its first meeting on the second day of Crufts in 1928, at which time a breed standard—a thorough description of the ideal look of the breed—was produced. Ann’s Son was displayed as an example of the breed by the club members together with all the copies of historical artworks that showed small dogs of this type. One thing that all club members agreed upon from the start was that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would be kept as natural as possible and that trimming and shaping the dog for the show ring would be avoided.
Despite the Kennel Club‘s initial resistance to the new breed, breeders spent years working to have the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel recognized as a separate breed in 1945.
Robrull of Veren and Bertie of Rookery nook, two male Cavaliers from England, were transported to the United States in the 1940s. However, it wasn’t until 1952 that Cavaliers truly took off in the United States. In that year, Mrs. (Sally) Lyons Brown of Kentucky received Psyche of Eye worth, a black and tan puppy from Lady Mary Forwood of England. She fell in love with the breed and imported more of it. She started contacting Americans who had Cavaliers when she realized she couldn’t register her pups with the American Kennel Club. At that time, there were no more than twelve. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Organization, USA (CKCSC, USA), which she founded in 1954, has been the country’s only breed club and registered organization for Cavaliers for more than fifty years.
The members of the CKCSC, USA decided not to pursue the breed’s full recognition at this time because they felt that the club’s strict code of ethics prevented the breed from being commercially promoted. They were concerned that if the breed became too well-known, it would attract too many breeders who wouldn’t adhere to the standards they had set. The majority of the AKC Miscellaneous classification was kept in order for members who wanted to compete their dogs in obedience competitions to do so. The American Kennel Club (AKC) allowed the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA to take over as the breed’s parent club in 1992. No, the members cast ballots. A small group of CKCSC, USA members who also sought parent-club membership with the AKC created the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (ACKCSC). This was approved, and the AKC legally recognized the breed in March 1995.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Size
This little but sturdy dog is 12 to 13 inches height at the shoulder and weighs 13 to 18 pounds. You should avoid buying a Cavalier from a breeder that offers pups that are just half that size since there is no such thing as a “toy” Cavalier.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a regal, tasteful, and very cute overall appearance.
It belongs to the larger toy breeds. The distinctively charming, adoring aspect of the Cavalier is due to its large, round, dark brown eyes, which are widely spaced on its face. The head is softly rounded, and the nose is broad yet slightly tapered. The dog’s long, feathery ears, which are set high and wide on the crown, spread slightly forward to frame its face when it is focused.
The neck is rather long, and the shoulders are lopsided. The chest is rather deep and the body is tiny. The tail is joyfully carried when moving.
The long, silky, smooth coat is available in four different colorways: ruby (solid red), tricolor (black and white with tan points), black and tan, and red and white with a partially crimson mask and ears on a white body.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Personality
Will Rogers, the comedian who is renowned for declaring that he never met a stranger, is someone that the outgoing Cavalier admires. The more laps (or goodies) they offer, the better, since the Cavalier is eager to meet everyone who passes him.
Like any other breed of dog, Cavaliers can have a variety of temperaments, from subdued and serene to boisterous and vivacious. They are a poor choice for a watchdog since they might or might not bark when someone knocks on the door — unless, of course, you want to watch the robber take the silver. There are, of course, exceptions; some Cavaliers will warn you to any neighborhood activity and growl furiously whenever a stranger approaches. In general, though, purchasing an alarm system is better than depending on your Cavalier to alert you to any issues.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health
Despite having generally good health, Cavaliers are prone to several health problems like other breeds. Not all Cavaliers will develop one or more of these ailments, but you should be aware of them if you’re considering buying one.
If you are buying a puppy, look for a trustworthy breeder that will provide you the health certificates for both of your dog’s parents. Health certificates prove that a dog has completed testing and been found to be clear of a certain condition. You may expect health certifications from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), Auburn University, the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF), and von Willebrand’s disease, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and Thrombopathia to be present on Cavaliers. To confirm health clearances, visit the OFA website (offa.org).
- Syringomyelia (SM): The spine and brain are also impacted by this condition, which seems to hit Cavaliers often. Possible symptoms range from mild pain to terrible anguish and partial paralysis. It happens as a result of the skull being distorted, which reduces brain space. The majority of the time, symptoms appear between the ages of 6 months and 4 years. Early signs may include sensitivity in the head, neck, or shoulders. The dog may also occasionally whine or lick his neck or shoulder repeatedly, frequently just on one side of the body (“air scratching”). Even when moving, they could attempt to scratch.
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): This condition is widespread among Cavaliers. The dog first develops a cardiac murmur, and as the disease progresses, it becomes heart failure. Heart disease can develop in older dogs of any breed, but Cavaliers are more likely to get it early—sometimes as young as one or two years old. Ongoing research is being done to find a solution. In an effort to prevent it from affecting future generations, responsible breeders frequently have their breeding dogs evaluated by veterinary cardiologists for the ailment, which appears to have a genetic component.
- Episodic Falling: Despite the fact that the dog is conscious during the fall or seizure, this condition is occasionally mistaken for epilepsy. It happens because the dog’s muscles are unable to unwind. From brief, mild falling events to protracted, seizure-like episodes, the symptoms might vary. Despite the fact that symptoms frequently occur before five months, they may not become obvious for a very long time.
- Patellar Luxation: The patella is the kneecap. Luxation is the medical term for the displacement of anatomical parts (as a bone at a joint). A painful disease known as patellar luxation causes the knee joint, usually in the rear leg, to shift in and out of alignment. Although it can be incapacitating, many dogs with this condition lead very normal lives.
- Hip Dysplasia: This hip joint deformity is thought to be caused by a number of factors, including diet, environment, and inheritance. The majority of the impacted Cavaliers may live normal, healthy lives. Rarely, a person may require surgery in order to live a regular life.
- Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye): This condition is often brought on by an immune reaction to the dog’s tear glands, which causes the dog to generate less tears. Once diagnosed, this condition can be successfully managed with regular eye drops. If the issue is not resolved, blindness might result.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Care
Charles the Cavalier Due to their size and frequently placid disposition, spaniels are good pets for those who live in apartments or condos. They are quite busy indoors, and the only outside place they have is a little yard.
For this breed, a fully fenced yard or unrestricted walks are required. They lack street smarts and will dart in front of a moving car if they spot a bird or other interesting prey. A daily stroll or game of fetch in the backyard will be enjoyed by your Cavalier, who will modify his activity level to match yours. Because he is a short-nosed breed, avoid taking him for a walk during the warmest part of the day, and never leave him in a hot yard without access to shade or cold Fresh Water.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Exercise
The Cavalier is a descendent of a sports dog, therefore although being bred to be a loyal lap dog, it does like some modest exercise and outside activities. He excels in several canine sports and likes going on walks with his owner, but he’s as satisfied to spend the day cuddled up on the couch. Cavaliers shouldn’t be left alone since they still possess strong scent-finding and hunting instincts. They might not answer their name when called if they’ve found a fascinating track to follow or a creature to chase. A fence around your yard is recommended.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Training
The Cavalier is a gentle, sociable breed that wants to please its master. They get along nicely with strangers, animals, and children, and they are great among youngsters. Cavaliers thrive in a number of canine sports, such as agility, rally, and obedience. They are quick learners and bright. They also make wonderful therapy dogs because of their caring nature. The baby Cavalier will acquire manners and become more comfortable with a range of people and situations, as is the case with many breeds, with the aid of puppy training sessions and early socialization.
Living With
The care of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is straightforward. The Cavalier has earned the nickname “perfect lap dog” and makes a great family dog or “empty nester” companion. The Cavalier enjoys cuddling. Although they frequently greet visitors loudly, cavaliers are not frequently used as guard dogs. The Cavalier’s beautiful coat must be maintained with regular care. Little more than a thorough weekly brushing is required, in addition to routine washing and professional trimming when necessary. Light shedding often receives little attention in the spring and fall.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Food
1/2 to 1 cup of premium dry food per day, divided between two meals.
Use a measuring cup to feed your Cavalier two times each day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you’re unsure whether he’s fat, have him undergo the eye and hands exams. look at him from below. There need to be a waist present. After that, place your hands on his back with your fingers extended and your thumbs down his spine. You should be able to feel his ribs without applying much pressure, but you won’t be able to see them. If you can’t, he needs less food and more exercise. If you feed a canned or raw food to your Cavalier, it’s a good idea to cover the ears with a snood, headband, or pull them back with a hair scrunchie. Otherwise, food will end up in his fur, which is not desirable. To prevent the ears from dragging in bowls, look for ones with a small diameter for both food and water.
NOTE: Your adult dog’s size, age, build, metabolism, and level of activity all affect how much food he needs. Every dog is different, just like every person, thus they don’t all need the same amount of food. It should almost go without saying that a dog that is extremely active will need more than a dog that is a couch potato. Your choice of dog food is important as well; the better the food, the more it will nourish your dog and require less shaking into the bowl.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Grooming And Coat Color
Cavaliers are known for their medium-length, velvety to the touch, and occasionally somewhat wavy coats. Adult cavaliers have feathers covering their ears, breast, legs, feet, and tail.
There are four color options for cavaliers:
⦁ Blenheim has a backdrop that is entirely white and a strong chestnut tint. Some Blenheim’s have a chestnut lozenge in the shape of a thumb on the top of their foreheads.
⦁ Tricolor, with white fur and black markings on the underside of the tail and above the eyes.
⦁ Tan markings can be seen on the chest, legs, tail’s underside, and the regions around the eyes, cheeks, and ears.
⦁ Ruby is a uniform, rich reddish-brown hue devoid of any white specks or markings.
Blenheim is the most prevalent hue, although the others are not unheard of.
Maintaining cavaliers is not that tough. You should brush or comb them three to four times a week, and you should wash them as necessary. For a dog who enjoys playing outside and spends a lot of time on your bed or other furniture, it may be once a week.
Since the feathery hair on the ears and legs is prone to tangling, check these areas frequently for mats that need to be gently combed out. Keep your Cavalier’s ears clean and clip the hair around the foot pads on a regular basis. The only real difficulty is keeping white paws from seeming grimy. On average, Cavaliers lose. Despite the fact that some people cut their feet for aesthetic reasons, they don’t need any special trimming or clipping. In fact, keeping the feathering natural is preferred. Some of us like the look of the hobbit with the fuzzy feet.
Brush your Cavalier’s teeth at least twice or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that reside there. Preventing bad breath and gum disease is much more beneficial than cleaning your teeth twice a day.
You should cut your dog’s nails once or twice a month if they don’t naturally wear down. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they are too long. Short, well manicured nails keep the feet in good shape and prevent your legs from being scratched when your Cavalier comes up to greet you.
Start introducing your Cavalier puppy to brushing and exams as soon as he is old enough. Dogs’ feet can be sensitive, so handle his paws frequently and check his lips and ears. By making grooming a pleasurable experience filled with praise and incentives, you may lay the groundwork for straightforward veterinary exams and other handling when he is an adult.
Watch for sores, rashes, or infection-related signs such as redness, soreness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, or eyes, as well as on the feet, during grooming. The optimal eye condition is one with no redness or discharge. Your comprehensive weekly exam may enable you to spot any health risks early on.