Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Characteristics
Height
30 to 33 cm at the shoulder
Weight
13 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy
10 to 15 years
Coat Colours
Blenheim, ruby, black and tan, tricolour
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Playful, affectionate and sociable
About the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a sporty companion dog, captivates with their large, gentle eyes and sweet expression. They merge a profound love for humans with an equally intense passion for play.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels embody the perfect family pet for anyone seeking a loyal, playful dog. They fit seamlessly into both low- and high-activity households and harmonise with kids, dogs, and strangers.
They adapt effortlessly, shaping themselves to their owner’s lifestyle. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel yearns to delight their family members and is as content lounging at home as they are exploring the outdoors.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
5/5
Friendly with Kids
5/5
Friendly with Dogs
5/5
Ease of Grooming
3/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
Prey Drive
3/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
2/5
Good for Novice Owners
5/5
Apartment Living
5/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed History
Toy spaniels appear in 16th to 18th-century paintings by notable masters such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough. Today’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniels descend from those dogs.
These dogs derive their name from the British monarch King Charles I, who owned several toy spaniels that accompanied him everywhere.
English nobles adored these little dogs, with Mary, Queen of Scots, bringing one of her dogs to her execution.
During the 19th century, the breed mixed with Asian breeds, altering the shape of the dog’s skull and face to the modern Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Caring For a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Temperament: The typical Cavalier King Charles Spaniel exudes a relaxed, easygoing demeanour. They enjoy social interactions and meeting new people but save their most passionate attention for their family members.
- Grooming: While they require frequent brushing and grooming, it’s simple to manage at home. These dogs aren't very large, and their daily grooming doesn’t consume much time.
- Exercise: Most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels exhibit moderate energy levels and need minimal exercise to avoid boredom and stay fit. Aim for two 20-minute walks each day.
- Nutrition: Adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need around ¾ to 1 cup of dry dog food daily. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy requires about half that amount, increasing to the adult quantity as they grow. Consult your vet for specific dietary advice.
- Training: Training a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel proves straightforward, as they are intelligent and sensitive dogs. They respond well to positive, reward-based training methods.
How to Choose a Responsible Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breeder
Selecting a breeder is the most significant decision you’ll make as a dog owner. This choice affects your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s health and temperament, so purchasing from a responsible breeder is crucial. The breeder should know the genetic profile of all their breeding animals and test for common health issues.
When seeking a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for sale, visit the breeder and meet the dam and stud. Inspect the living conditions of the animals, as this is where your puppy will spend the first eight weeks of their life.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel FAQ
Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels be left alone throughout the day?
No, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to have a dependent personality and do not do well without their owners.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make good guard dogs?
No. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may bark when someone comes to the door, but they are not good guard dogs. They won’t protect your property, and will likely welcome any intruders with open paws.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
