While the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed is bred to be a companion, their sporting forebears live on in their genes. Nothing gets them happier than flushing a bird and then attempting to retrieve it if they're not laying on a lap or receiving a belly rub.
It's no surprise that Cavaliers, despite their size, are among the most active of the toy dog breeds. They love going for walks and runs on the beach as well as participating in dog sports like agility, fly ball, and rally. It's not uncommon for them to be used as hunting dogs. The more laid-back representatives of the breed fare well as household pets and therapy dogs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel features are detailed below!
Highlights
- Cavaliers are prone to being overly reliant on others. When left alone for lengthy periods of time, they can get lonely and depressed.
- During the spring and fall, your Cavalier will shed. Brushing and combing on a regular basis are essential.
- He may want to chase birds, bunnies, and other small prey because of his spaniel instincts if he is not leashed or enclosed in a yard.
- Cavaliers may bark if someone knocks on your door, but they aren't effective watchdogs due to their outgoing personalities.
- Cavaliers are house dogs and should never be left outside.
- Never buy a puppy from a puppy mill, negligent breeder, or pet retailer if you want a healthy dog. To avoid passing on hereditary disorders to their offspring, a respectable breeder will do temperament and health testing on all of her breeding animals.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
13 to 18 pounds
Lifespan
9 to 15 years
Height
12 to 13 inches at the shoulder
History
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has spaniel ancestry, as implied by its name. Breeding little spaniels with Oriental toy breeds like the Japanese Chin and even the Tibetan Spaniel probably led to European toy dogs. The "comforter spaniels" of Tudor times were used as lap and foot warmers, as well as substitutes for hot water bottles. As if that wasn't enough, they also drew fleas away from their owners! For this reason, toy spaniels quickly became a household favourite amongst people of all ages.
King Charles II was once accused of disregarding state concerns in favour of his toy spaniels because he was so fascinated with them during the 1700s. King Charles Spaniels were named after him because of their close resemblance to him. The red and white "Blenheim" colour, which was Duke of Marlborough's favourite, was renamed after his estate after his death. For many years, the King Charles Spaniel was the chosen dog of the wealthy, but as time passed, a shorter-nosed version gained popularity.
In the early 1900s, the few dogs remaining in the breed who resembled the ancestors of the current members were seen as subpar by the general public. As luck would have it, a wealthy American, Roswell Eldridge, came to England and offered an outrageous prize money for the greatest "point-nosed" spaniels, most matching the old breed. In order to win the prize, breeders breed their old-type dogs together, and many came to respect the old type as a result. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, so named in honour of the Cavalier King, eventually became more popular than their short-nosed counterparts in England. Many Cavalier owners battled against the AKC's recognition of their dogs because they feared the complications that might arise when a breed becomes popular. The Cavalier was recognised by the AKC in 1996. It's becoming more popular by the day.
Personality & Temperament
King of the Cavaliers many aspects of Charles Spaniel's disposition make it an ideal family dog. Almost all of the dogs in this breed are happy, loving, kind, and playful. For older children, they are good playmates since they are patient, tolerant of being poked or prodded, and have a positive attitude.
Only when they're with their humans are cavies genuinely content, which is why they're such a joy to have as a pet. Their inability to handle lengthy periods of isolation is reflected in their unwillingness to live in a household where no one is at home for long amounts of time each day. It's not uncommon for a cavalier to wag its tail in response to a pleasant word or gesture, and the same can be said for harsh words or treatment.
With their upbeat personality, they are eager to meet new people and animals and are normally unfazed by larger types of dogs. When an intruder comes knocking on the door, these dogs don't make ideal guard dogs because they bark only out of enthusiasm.
Care
Many factors must be taken into account when taking care of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Puppies and older dogs alike can benefit from this. If you follow these guidelines, your pets will live long and healthy lives.
Health
There are a number of health issues that are frequent in Cavalier dogs. Cardiovascular disease is the most common and, sadly, begins to afflict the majority of people in their middle years.
Cataracts
The lens of one or both eyes might develop an opaque density, usually white or creamy in colour that impairs vision. Many breeds, including the Cavalier, have this condition, either developing or being born with it.
Diabetes Mellitus
Weight loss, excessive thirst, and an increased hunger are all symptoms of diabetes. The pancreatic islet cells that create insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose levels, are typically destroyed by an autoimmune process. Regular insulin injections are required as part of the treatment.
Dry-Eye Curly-Coat Syndrome
Cavaliers are susceptible to a rare genetic condition that affects tear formation, coat alteration, and severe skin pathology. Affected dogs find it difficult to walk, and many end up being put down as a result.
Episodic Falling
Exercise-induced abnormal muscle activity, which results in collapse, is another condition specific to this breed. Even in puppies, it's common to see signs of it, and many dogs' symptoms improve as they age.
Corneal Dystrophy
"Dystrophy" refers to an abnormal growth in corneal tissues, which is what is happening here. Pits and other irregularities may or may not be clinically significant in this ordinarily smooth tissue.
Femoral Artery Occlusion
When it comes to the arteries that carry most of the blood to the hindlimbs, Cavaliers appear to have a tendency for weak walls. Intermittent weakness or discomfort in the hindlimbs might be observed in affected dogs.
Hypothyroidism
Immune-mediated death of thyroid follicular cells is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone regulates several biological functions, including metabolism and the turnover of hair and skin cells, thus weight gain, hair loss, and skin infections are all possible symptoms.
Mitral Endocardiosis
The mitral valve prevents blood from the heart's left ventricle from leaking into the left atrium during contraction by closing. The process of this valve's deterioration and dysfunction is called endocardiosis. At 7–8 years of age, most dogs have an audible murmur due to this condition, which is extremely common in the breed.
As a result of this leak, turbulence in the blood flow causes the heart chambers to swell, resulting in indicators of heart disease such as abdominal fluid retention, coughing, and exercise intolerance. This murmur should be easily identified by a veterinarian.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Dry eye is a frequent term for this condition, as the loss of tiny tear-producing cells in the eyelids results in corneal dryness and discomfort. Topical immunosuppressive medicines are usually effective in treating this immune-mediated illness.
Microphthalmia
However, some Cavalier puppies may have congenital blindness because of too small or undeveloped eyes.
Patellar Luxation
Cavies with slightly bowed hind limbs may experience kneecap sliding during exercise in one or both of their hind limbs. Patellar luxation in dogs may necessitate one of three forms of corrective surgery.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
One of the most frequent ocular disorders in pedigree dogs, with gradual vision loss due to the death of sensory cells in their back eyes. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease. Dogs with the condition should not be utilised as breeding stock because of its hereditary basis.
Syringomyelia
In most cases, it is caused by cystic pockets of fluid collection in the spinal cord of the neck or the hindbrain, respectively. From the time a child is six months old, they are likely to display symptoms such as constant scratching of the ears or head-shaking.
Thrombocytopenia
When blood samples are taken, many Cavaliers have low platelet counts. This may be of little clinical importance. Small white blood cells called platelets play an important role in the correct development of blood clots and the prevention of bleeding. Even though the quantity of platelets in the breed may be reduced, the size of the platelets is normally high, and so they may be more useful.
Recommended Health Tests
- Patella Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Nutrition
When feeding your cavalier King Charles spaniel, like with any dog, you should use food that is specifically designed for small or toy breeds. Avoid overfeeding your dog, no matter how much he or she looks at you with puppy dog eyes. Slow-feed bowls or interactive treat toys may be a better option if they're always hungry.
Grooming
Unless you're searching for a dog that requires minimal grooming, this may not be a good fit for your lifestyle. To keep the dog's feathery ears and feet from becoming tangled or matted, it is necessary to do frequent grooming. The dog's coat will need to be combed a few times a week, or it can be cut to save time and keep the pup cooler in hot regions. However, it is a breed that sheds its coat moderately.
Exercise
Despite the fact that this dog will certainly appreciate a nice, solid walk for approximately 30 to 60 minutes a day, the breed may require a bit more activity. Playing fetch for half an hour after a half-hour stroll will be enough for your cavalier.
Training
When it comes to behaviour, Cavalier King Charles spaniels tend to be highly eager to please and food driven. If you use positive and force-free training methods like praise and praise and praise, they will respond well and be easy to train. Agility and obedience are two activities in which these dogs excel.
Dogs of this type can occasionally display spaniel-like hunting tendencies. It is important to ensure that your dog has a strong recall and is not permitted to chase tiny hairy creatures such as sheep.
Children and Other Pets
It is possible for Cavaliers to be excellent playmates for children who can enjoy throwing a ball, teaching the dog tricks, taking part in dog sports, or simply having the dog on their lap while they read or watch television. Smaller children may hurt them by accident if they play with them, thus they should be monitored when playing with them.
It is important to teach youngsters how to deal with dogs, as well as oversee any interactions between dogs and young people so that there are no incidents of either party biting the other. You should teach your youngster the importance of respecting dogs' privacy and not to disturb them while they are having a meal or napping. A dog should never be left alone with a child, no matter how affectionate the dog is.
It is possible for them to get along with other dogs and other animals if they are introduced to them at a young age. A Cavalier enjoys a good game of chase, so the cat should be self-assured. Even if the cat pursues back, they enjoy it. When it comes to pet birds, some Cavaliers get along quite fine with them, but there are others who will try to devour them or at the least, try to pull their tails. Keep an eye on your Cavalier's relationships with birds and other small creatures because they can have a strong desire to prey on these species.
Puppies
All usual puppy care instructions should be followed by puppies of this breed. It's all about regular checks, proper nutrition, and regular workout.
Dogs Similar to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The English cocker spaniel, the pug, and the Japanese chin are all dog breeds that are similar to this spaniel.
English cocker spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is descended from this sports dog breed, and as a result, both dogs have similar coat colours. Hunting urges and instincts are derived from this..
Pug
As with the Pug, the Pug is a devoted house pet. When compared to the English King Charles spaniel, they are far more aggressive and have a wide range of health issues. Their short coat is easier to care for and less likely to shed.
Japanese chin
The Japanese chin is the country's answer to the English King Charles spaniel. These dogs, who were bred to be affectionate lap dogs, were a favourite among the upper crust of Japanese society. Despite their resemblance to the English King Charles spaniel in terms of colour and hair, they have a more flattened face and more prominent eyes like the pug.