Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: a small and elegant dog

Cavalier King Charles Spaniël rennend

The Cavalier is a fun, cheerful and sweet dog descended from the Spaniel. Due to his crossbreed he has both the characteristics of a lapdog and a sporting dog. This makes him suitable for active owners, but also for house sparrows. In the past, this dog was mainly associated with the royal family, where he served as a companion dog and feet warmer. Nowadays, this breed is becoming increasingly popular and is also very popular with families and the elderly. Are you curious about what the Cavalier has to offer and how best to care for this dog? Then read on quickly!

 

History: a royal feet warmer

As the name suggests, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is descended from the Spaniel. They probably came about because small Spaniels were crossed with small Oriental breeds. Because they are small, this breed is also often called a “toy dog”.

This breed used to be known primarily as a dog of the rich. King Charles II was so fond of the Cavalier that the breed soon became associated with him and eventually even got its name. In those days the dogs served mainly as lap and foot warmers. A real companion animal, in other words. For a long time the dog was a pet of the rich, with whom it roamed around in beautiful homes. Later the breed also became very popular as a family dog, especially in England. Nowadays the popularity of this breed continues to grow.

 

The character: sweet, gentle and playful

The Cavalier has a very gentle and sweet character. They enjoy attention immensely and are eager to please their owner. The nice thing about this breed is that they have two sides. On the one hand they are quiet lap dogs that love to be petted, on the other hand they are very lively and sporty. This makes the Cavalier a suitable dog for both active owners and owners who prefer to be at home.

You can say that the Cavalier is the ideal pet. Besides its good character, it also gets along very well with children, other pets and strangers. Here, of course, as with any other breed, proper socialization is essential.

A Cavalier is often quite quiet indoors, but when he is outside he comes alive. He loves to sniff around, play and explore his surroundings. When they are following their nose, they can sometimes be a tad stubborn. But after a good education, you can safely let this breed run free. Remember that it is in a safe environment.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniël puppy

The appearance: small, elegant and graceful

The Cavalier with its long coat, long ears and well-balanced body has a very elegant appearance. They exude something regal. It is a small dog that is about the same size as the distance from your elbow to the ground. They have a height at the withers of about 30 to 35 cm and a weight of 5 to 8 kg.

The head of a Cavalier is in proportion to his body, not too big and not too small. He has large eyes and a clear gaze. The eyes give this breed an endearing expression. One look from these dogs’ eyes will make you melt. In addition to the expression, the ears of this breed are also distinctive. They are long and set high. When the dog is alert, the ears will point forward and frame the dog’s face. The dog’s muzzle is slightly tapered.

The body of a Cavalier is fairly well muscled, but not overly so. They owe their elegant appearance to their nicely sloping shoulders. This breed often carries its tail gaily and just below its back. They wag their tail a lot.

Furthermore, the coat of a Cavalier is medium-length, straight, soft and without curls. Under the chest, near the ears and on the legs, this breed has long hair. The dog comes in four different colors:

  • Blenheim: the basic color is white with chestnut-colored markings on it, in the middle of head in this color can be seen a Blenheim spot.
  • Tricolor: the basic color is white with well-interrupted black markings. Near the eyes, cheeks and ears they have a brown color.
  • Ruby: a rich red color all over the body.
  • Black and brown: a black base color with at the eyes, cheeks, ears, chest and legs a rich brown color.

 

The care

The care of a Cavalier is fairly intensive. The coat does not need a lot of attention, but it is important to brush it well at least every week. The hair of this breed can easily tangle, so make sure you check the coat regularly. In addition to keeping the skin and coat healthy by brushing, a Cavalier can also enjoy it immensely.

In addition, the Cavalier’s ears need a lot of attention. Check weekly for signs of infection and clean the ears as needed. This breed can also suffer from dirt in the eyes. So always keep your Cavalier’s eyes clean so that no infections can occur around the eyes. Also, just like any other dog, nails should be trimmed at least once a month. Nails that are too long can cause pain and problems.

Finally, it is important to pay close attention to nutrition with this breed. As a puppy, the Cavalier often has trouble getting enough food in. So keep a close eye on how much your dog eats. If you notice that this is structurally insufficient, then consult a veterinarian. When the Cavalier is an adult, he has a tendency to quickly become overweight. So always pay attention to the calorie intake. Give portions appropriate to the length and weight of your dog. Treats can be used in moderation during training.

 

Are there diseases that often occur in this breed?

Unfortunately, these dogs are prone to various health problems. The problems that need to be considered the most are:

  • Eye disorders
  • Patella luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Middle ear infections
  • Mitral valve heart disease
  • Syringomyelia (neurological disorder)

If you are planning to purchase a Cavalier, it is wise to discuss all of these health problems with the dog’s breeder. Also, if you wish to breed with your Cavalier, it is wise to first have the dogs tested for these conditions.

Despite the fact that a Cavalier is prone to a fair number of conditions, most can comfortably live to a ripe old age. If you care for your dog properly, feed it the right food and treat it with love, it will promote the health of your dog. A healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will live to be about 9 to 14 years old.

 

Dog training

Although the Cavalier is known as a lap dog, it also greatly enjoys outdoor activities. These characteristics it has inherited from the Spaniel, which was originally bred as a sporting dog. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is therefore a dog that is easy to train. They are very smart and are often good at dog sports such as rally, agility and obedience.

It is advisable, as with all other breeds, to take a puppy training course with a Cavalier. This helps with proper socialization. The puppy will learn to feel at ease with different people, dogs and situations. In addition, the puppy will learn to listen to you and you will build a good bond during training. Because a Cavalier is a sweet and gentle breed, it is important to train him with a gentle hand. Be clear and consistent, but in a friendly way.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniël liggend

What does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cost?

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a passport will cost approximately $1200 to $1700. Please note that prices may vary from breeder to breeder. In any case, make sure that you always purchase a Cavalier from a recognized breeder. They are reliable and have the health of the mother dog and puppies in mind. A recognized breeder tests the dogs for diseases and has them vaccinated. In that case you are assured of a healthy puppy. You can find an authorized breeder through breed associations that are affiliated with the AKC.

Besides the purchase costs you must also take into account maintenance costs. These are one-time costs for a leash, food bowls, a basket, a bench and toys. But also recurring costs for example for food, dog tax, deworming and vet costs. Take into account about $800 to $1000 per year for maintenance costs.

 

Recognition in the US

The AKC officially recognized the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in 1995. The breed standard can be found on the website of the AKC. In the US there is a breed club active that is concerned with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, namely the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club. They are committed to maintaining a healthy breed. In addition, they organize various events and activities. You can also contact them if you are looking for a puppy or stud.

 

What do you think of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, friendly and playful dog. He is affectionate and likes to crawl on the lap of his owner. In addition, this dog loves to be outside. The Cavalier is always in for a nice walk or a game of fetch. This breed is also good at various dog sports. He gets along well with children, elderly and other animals. It is the ideal family dog. Do you already own a Cavalier and do you want to share your experiences? Or are you planning on getting a Cavalier and still have questions? Then leave a comment below this article!

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Onlinedogworld Team

Onlinedogworld Team

Our readers and writers have one thing in common: a passion for dogs. At Onlinedogworld we try to help dog owners (and dogs) by giving them information about dog breeds, dog training and dog behavior. Our team does their best to make Onlinedogworld the best possible place to go to for dog owners, by keep improving the website.
Onlinedogworld Team

Onlinedogworld Team

Our readers and writers have one thing in common: a passion for dogs. At Onlinedogworld we try to help dog owners (and dogs) by giving them information about dog breeds, dog training and dog behavior. Our team does their best to make Onlinedogworld the best possible place to go to for dog owners, by keep improving the website.

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