About the Breed
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a British breed of toy dog of spaniel type. Four colours are recognised: Blenheim, tricolour, black and tan, and ruby; the coat is smooth and silky. Cavaliers are renowned for their warm, friendly nature. They *typically get along well with children, other dogs (and many even cats), making them a good choice for families or multi-pet households.
Born companions, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an ideal mix of sporty and cuddly. While they were bred to be lapdogs, they retained many of the instincts that made them successful hunters and sporting dogs. Cavaliers are known as the most loving and affectionate dogs. They are incredibly easy-going and sweet natured.
Learn More About Cavaliers
Overview
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a perfect mix of sporty and cuddly, making them the ideal companion. Bred to be loving lapdogs, they are known for their sweet, easy-going, and affectionate nature. Cavaliers come in four distinct color patterns: black & tan, tricolor, blenheim, and ruby, with rare instances of chocolate or all-black.
Size
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will typically stand between 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 15 to 20 pounds.
Health
Cavaliers are generally healthy dogs who live to be 9-14 years old. They may be susceptible to certain diseases, including mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia. The health history of their parents, along with their diet and exercise play a large role in the health of the Cavalier.
Training
Cavaliers are one most people-pleasing breeds you’ll find. Because of this, consistent, positive reinforcement is the most useful training technique. Harsh tones will only hurt during the training process, as they are sensitive to the mood of the people around them.
Grooming
Cavaliers are easy to maintain. Their coats should be brushed once a week or so. Many Cavalier owners find that their dogs love nothing more than a good brush. For them, it’s like a full-body massage. In addition to their coats, their ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, their nails trimmed monthly, and their teeth brushed a few times per week.
Exercise
Cavaliers adapt well to their owner’s lifestyle. They were bed to be a lapdog but they love moderate exercise and outdoor activities. Just don’t let them off the leash outdoors – their hunting instincts mean they might run off on the trail of a small animal or scent.