Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a gentle and affectionate dog breed. Their playful yet calm personality is why so many people choose this loyal companion to join their family.
All About Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Origin: UK
- Size: Small
- Height: 12 – 13 inches
- Weight: 7 – 8kg
- Other names: Cavaliers, Charlies, Cavies
- Lifespan: 9 – 14 years
- Temperament: Kind, Gentle, Loyal
- Colours: Ruby, Blenheim, Tri-colour, Black & Tan
- Coat: Long, Silky
- Shedding: Moderate
- Energy level: Medium
- Exercise Requirements: Moderate – Daily walks and playtime
- AKC Breed Group: Toy
- Training: Highly Trainable
History Of The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be dated back to as early as the 16th century. King Charles II of England loved them, hence why this breed was named after him. Many paintings of this era include spaniels as loving companions of the aristocracy. In the early 1920’s the breed was split into two, forming King Charles Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
The breed was officially recognised by The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom in 1945 and has since become popular around the world.
Choosing A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy
Choosing a puppy is a long-term commitment, so making sure you choose the best one to join your family is important. Here are a few tips on what to consider when choosing a new puppy:
Choose a reputable breeder
When looking for a puppy, make sure you find a responsible dog owner or reputable breeder to visit. People who breed for the love of the dogs and not just for money will ensure their puppies will be healthy and ready to join a new family.
Health screenings
Ask about the health of the puppies' parents as well as the puppies themselves. Ask if they have been tested for any known health conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart issues or eye problems.
Meet the parents
Ask to meet the puppy’s parents. This gives you the chance to observe their behaviour, see if they are healthy and get a better understanding of their temperament. It can also help you get an idea of what to expect from your puppy as he grows up.
Play with the puppies
Playing with the litter will allow you to see how they play and look out for any health concerns. A healthy puppy should be active, playful, and curious about its surroundings. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should have a friendly and gentle nature, so choosing a pup that shows this to you could be a great choice. Once you have decided on a puppy, ask to visit it on a number of occasions to make sure no issues arise before you decide to take it home.
Training So Far
Getting an idea of the training the puppies have had so far will help when you get it home. Most breeders will start dog training early on, from toilet training to teaching socialisation skills. Socialising them during their early weeks helps them become a more well-adjusted and adaptable adult dog.
Getting tips on what they have done and how they have done it can help you continue these methods.
Food
Make sure you ask what food the pups have been eating. Initially, feeding them the same food will help decrease any stomach issues they may have. You can then slowly wean them onto other food if you wish to change it.
The more questions you ask, the better chance you will have of choosing the right puppy for you. This is an exciting time for all involved, so make sure you make the right choices for your family.
Health Guide
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a healthy breed, but there are some known health conditions they can be more prone to as they grow. These conditions are usually inherited, so knowing the genetics of their parents is key here.
Some health issues they could face include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Problems
- Eye Conditions
- Dislocated Knee Caps
- Heart Conditions
A healthy diet and regular exercise are key to keeping your dog healthy. Getting your dog checked yearly by a professional vet will help ensure your dog is in full health, and any issues that start to arise can be dealt with quickly.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Coat & Colour Types
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a medium-length coat that is slightly wavy and silky to the touch.
As it is not too thick, it can be easily maintained with regular brushing. Brushing will also help with removing loose hair and help you keep on top of any mats that appear. With these types of spaniels, this usually happens behind their ears and around the joint areas.
The four common fur colours of spaniels are:
- Ruby
- Blenheim
- Tri-colour
- Black & Tan
Grooming
Due to having a longer coat than many dogs, they will need to be brushed 2-3 times a week.
As they have big floppy ears, it is key to keep them as clean as you can ensure they do not get infected or get a wax buildup. If you are unsure of how to do this, a vet or dog care professional can give you advice.
Cavaliers are also prone to tear staining, so wiping around the eyes regularly with a damp cloth will help remove these stains and prevent any skin irritation.
How Much Should I Feed My Spaniel?
This will vary depending on your dog’s age, size, activity level, and overall health. For an average-sized adult spaniel, they need between 375 and 560 calories per day.
Dividing your dog’s daily portion of food into two or more meals can help prevent them from overeating. This can also help reduce the risk of any digestive or stomach issues occurring. Food that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates and grain-free is an ideal choice for Cavaliers.
Top Personality Traits
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. Their gentle temperament and adaptable personalities make them an ideal addition to family life.
These playful lapdogs form strong bonds with their owners and love socialising, so are great with other animals, children and visiting friends and family.
Cavaliers are intelligent dogs and are true people pleasers. This fact makes them fairly easy to train.
As they love company, they can become anxious when left alone, so leaving them with plenty of interactive toys to play with will help keep them entertained. It may also be worthwhile considering a service like doggy day care or a dog walker if you will need to leave them alone regularly, as this will keep them busy whilst you get on with your day-to-day activities.