- Breed name: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Original breed name: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- AKC list of the most popular dogs: 19
- FCI classification: Group 9, companion and leisure dogs
- Origin: England
- Size: Small Dog
- Average life expectancy: 12-15 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog, recognizable for his long and soft fur, named after King Charles. A dog that will adapt perfectly to life either in the apartment or in the house. Great pet for people with children, gentle character, very lively, balanced and good-natured.
ORIGIN
Small breeds of dogs, especially Spaniels, have been popular in England for centuries, primarily due to the ban on hunting with a dog taller than 28 cm, which was in force in the 11th century. This is how the dwarf spaniel was born in Great Britain. Centuries later, it became popular as a pet, not as a hunting dog. Later, by crossing with Pekingese and pugs, a dog known today as the Cavalier was created. The Spaniard was a frequent guest of the court, so he got the name Cavalier of King Charles. Interestingly, King Charles II issued an order that this dog should not be banned from entering any institution, including Parliament. This order is still valid today.
APPEARANCE
The Cavalier is between 29 and 33 cm tall by standard, and weighs between 5.5 and 8.5 kg. He has round dark eyes, which are one of the most pronounced facial features. His ears are long, overgrown with long silky fur like the rest of his body. It appears in several colors: ruby (mahogany reddish), black-cream, tricolor (black-white-cream) and most often with chestnut zones on a white background. He has a straight back and a very short, short body, and is considered a dog with an easy, elegant stride.
CHARACTER
Lively, cheerful and joyful dog that almost always wags its tail. They are afectionate with their owner, and enjoy lounging in his lap. They also love nature and going on excursions. They can be a little harder to train, it is necessary to dedicate enough time and patience to them, but above all, the orders must be gentle, not harsh. Cavalier will react best to such behavior. They get along well with children as well as with other pets. They do not tolerate loneliness well, so it is not recommended to left them alone for long periods of time. They are a great choice for apartment living, but they are happiest if they have at least a small yard where they can run and explore freely with the help of their perfect sense of hearing and smell.
HEALTH AND CARE
Cavalier is prone to spinal cord diseases, knee sprains, and various ear infections. They like to eat a lot, so it is necessary to pay special attention to their diet, because as a breed they are prone to obesity. Which can further lead to hip dysplasia and other additional health problems.
As for grooming, his long and soft fur needs regular care. It is obligatory to brush several times a week, especially during the molting period. The hair is silky and quite thin, so it is prone to tangling. Eyes and ears should be checked regularly to see the first signs of possible infection. They do not tolerate heat well, so make sure that your dog is protected from the hottest parts during the day. Regular walks are a must.
Statistics
- Energy level: Medium level
- Playfulness level: High
- Relation to other dogs: Restrained
- Relationship with other pets: Friendly
- Attitude towards strangers: Friendly
- Ease of training: Difficult to train
- Protection: Low level of protection
- Maintenance required: Moderate
- Heat tolerance: Low tolerance