Cavalier King Charles

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Quick Facts:

Breed Origins: England (1600’s)

Breed usage: Flushing small birds and lapdog

Dog Weight: 13 - 18 Pounds

Dog Height: 12 to 14 inches to the shoulder

Average life span: 9 - 12 years

Characteristics: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is, deservedly, one of the most popular of all breeds of dog in the U.K. He is renowned for his sweet disposition and his devotion to his owners. His greatest pleasure in life is to be close to those he loves and he must be regarded as an indoor dog to be included as a valued member of the family. If relegated to a lonely life with little human company and interaction he will fail to thrive, becoming sad and withdrawn instead of the lively out-going dog he should be. His lovely temperament is evident in his willingness to be a friend to everyone he meets. This trusting, affable nature means that he is not exactly guard-dog material. He will bark to announce visitors but thereafter will go forward to meet and greet with a gaily wagging tail and a happy smile. With children he is generally very good and will join in their games with great enjoyment. Despite his small stature and ‘cuddlesomeness’ the Cavalier is a dog and should be respected as such. He needs and deserves the same training in household rules and acceptable behaviour as any other dog if he is to fulfil his potential as a pleasant companion. Beware however those heart-melting eyes brimming with love - many good intentions have drowned in those large, dark pools. The Cavalier is also a sturdy and robust fellow who, although he loves his comforts, is quite happy to poke around after elusive rabbits and get wet, muddy and adorned with twigs and other debris in the process. Adaptable to living in town or country, mansion or apartment, with a family or individual, with young or elderly, the charming Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has proved himself to be the ideal dog for almost anyone, anywhere.

Temperament: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate tail-wagger. Outgoing and sportive. These fearless lively little dogs want to please. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and therefore are usually easy to train

and respond well to gentle obedience training. They are said to be naturally well behaved and get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets. Cavalier's love people, enjoy companionship, and need rules to follow and limits to what they are allowed to do. They should not be left alone all day. If you do need to leave them, be sure to take them for a pack walk before you leave to put them in a natural rest mode. They are descended from hunting dogs and love to romp in the great outdoors. This breed sometimes displays a chasing instinct and should be kept well enclosed or leashed so he does not get lost or run over by a car! Do not allow this sweet dog to developed Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors, where the dog thinks he is pack leader to humans. This can cause a varying degree of behavior problems, which are not Cavalier traits, but behaviors brought on by the way they are being treated. They are recommended with older considerate children, simply because most small dogs are treated in such a way they start to believe they are a pack leader to humans. In addition to being the dog's leader, socialize well to avoid them being reserved with strangers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a pleasant companion dog. It has a noteworthy sense of smell and vision and can be used in short hunts in open country. They do well in competitive obedience.

Grooming & Exercise: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's coat can tangle, so at least weekly grooming and combing is necessary. They do shed, although brushing and bathing will help decrease shedding around the house. Comb or brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. The feathered hair on the ears is prone to tangling and matting, so this dog should be thoroughly groomed often. The hair between the pads on the feet should be kept trimmed and the ears should be cleaned regularly. Always make sure the dog is thoroughly dry and warm after a bath. Check the eyes carefully for any signs of infection. This breed is an average shedder.

This breed does not require a vast amount of exercise but daily walks and games at home are recommended to prevent the CKCS becoming overweight and lazy. He will enjoy getting out and about to meet people and walks will also provide him with interesting sights and scents to keep his mind stimulated and boredom at bay. If a safe area can be found for off-lead exercise he will delight in running around and playing energetic games. Some Cavaliers retain a fair amount of their ancestors’ sporting traits so care must be taken lest the sight or scent of potential quarry trigger his hunting instinct and he disappears in joyful pursuit.

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