The Cavalier

Group:

Toy

History:

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a long-standing history as a companion dog to the wealthy and elite. The breed was developed in England, most likely from toy spaniels. The Cavalier was never bred to work, but the breed does have some traits of sporting dogs because of its spaniel heritage. Cavaliers (or similar dogs) have been popular for hundreds of years in England and even portrayed in many paintings. However, the breed was not brought to the US until the 1950s. Later, in the 1990s, the Cavalier was admitted into the AKC.

Size:

11-18 pounds

Colors:

Blenheim (chestnut and white)
Tricolor (black, white, and tan)
Ruby (solid red)
Black and Tan

Health Problems:

Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:

Patellar Luxation

Degenerative Valve Disease

Syringomyelia

About the Breed:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a happy, outgoing dog with silky hair, a puppy-like face, and a small but well-balanced body. This adorable little dog is friendly, loyal, intelligent and playful, making it a suitable companion for all kinds of families.

The Cavalier has a soft and silky medium-long hair coat with a moderate shedding rate. Routine grooming is important for the breed - especially brushing three to four times per week and cleaning of ears to prevent infections.

As with any dog breed, the Cavalier should be thoroughly trained. This breed is quite smart and should learn quickly. The Cavalier does have a fair amount of energy that can be easily managed with routine exercise.

The Cavalier is a people-oriented lap dog that also has a bit of a sporting side, so it is ideal for those who want a compact but energetic companion dog. The even-tempered and affectionate demeanor of this breed makes it a good choice for families with children.