The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a descendant of the King Charles spaniel and other toy spaniels, is a sophisticated and adorable breed that has been popular for centuries. They have large, round dark eyes that are filled with wonder. Their long, sometimes docked tails have elegant feathering. Their coat is lustrous, long, and silky, and it comes in an array of colors – ruby, black, tan, multi-colored, or brown. Feathered fur also flows from their long, drooping ears. Their nose and muzzle are slightly protrudes and points forward, and they have characteristic wide nostrils.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are loving and loyal pets. They have cheerful personalities, and they really love being around people. They are highly intelligent dogs who respond very positively to commands and training. Puppies are said to be very quick to understand the concept of house training. Since they thrive on companionship, you should never leave your Cavalier King Charles alone for most of the day or for days at a time. Some dogs of this breed are a little shy around strangers, but if they are regularly exposed to new people, they are less likely to be reserved. They do not like to play rough, so it is better not to have a King Charles living with young kids. They love playing and showing affection – and they are known for their perky tail-wagging, especially when they are trying to attract their master’s attention. Keep in mind that their ancestors were hunters, so they have a strong chasing instinct – therefore, you have to make sure that the backyard is very well-enclosed or they are kept on a leash when they frolic outdoors.
The average lifespan for this breed is between nine and fourteen years. Unfortunately, there are several health problems that are prevalent amongst dogs of this breed. For one, this breed tends to gain weight very easily, and overweight King Charles Spaniels are at an increased risk for heart, bladder, hip and knee problems. It is crucial that owners carefully monitor their dog’s diet and exercise so that his or her weight is healthy. Adult males and females should fall somewhere between ten and eighteen pounds, based on an average height range of twelve to thirteen inches. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also at a heightened risk for such conditions as syringomyelia, hereditary eye disease, back problems, ear infections, and deafness. When choosing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it is imperative that you only go to a trusted breeder who is able to supply medical information not only about the dog you want to bring home but also about previous generations before him or her.
This breed can thrive well in either an apartment or a large house, just as long as there is some active outdoor play incorporated in the daily routine. It is crucial that special care is taken in grooming these dogs, as their long silky and feathery fur is easily matted and tangled, especially around the ears. They should be combed and brushed frequently, either by a skilled owner or a professional dog groomer. This breed is an average shedder, although sometimes it may seem like they are excessive shedders simply because of how long their hairs are. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is featured in many paintings that were done during the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries.
