Dog Breeds - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection displayed by a breed towards family members or familiar individuals can vary significantly. While some breeds tend to be more reserved and may show affection primarily towards their owner, others are known for their friendly and outgoing nature treating everyone they know as their close companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature, can significantly vary. While dogs should always be supervised around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs certain breeds are generally known for their compatibility and adaptability within family settings.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While all interactions and introductions between dogs should be supervised, certain breeds tend to have a higher predisposition to get along with other dogs both within their own household and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur or hair a breed is likely to leave behind can vary greatly. Breeds can be categorized as low-shedding, moderate-shedding, or high-shedding, which can impact grooming needs, allergies and cleaning requirements. Low-shedding breeds such as the Poodle or Bichon Frise typically have hair that grows continuously rather than shedding. They tend to leave minimal amounts of fur behind making them suitable choices for individuals with allergies or those who prefer a cleaner living environment. These breeds often require regular professional grooming and brushing to prevent matting.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
When assessing the grooming effort required, factor in how often a breed needs to be bathed, brushed, trimmed, or subjected to other coat maintenance activities. Additionally, consider the amount of time patience and budget you can allocate for these care routines. Keep in mind the frequency with which a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance routines. Make sure to evaluate your available time, patience and budget for effectively attending to these grooming duties.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Assess the inclination of a breed to produce drool. If you value an immaculate setting, dogs that can leave long strands of slobber on your arm or create notable wet spots on your clothing may not be the suitable choice for you. Take into consideration the drooling tendency of a breed. If you have a preference for a pristine environment dogs that frequently leave ropes of saliva on your arm or leave significant wet patches on your clothes may not be the optimal choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Wavy, Silky
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of friendliness a particular breed tends to exhibit towards unfamiliar individuals may vary. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior when encountering strangers irrespective of the setting, whereas other breeds may happily embrace any opportunity to meet a new person in their surroundings!
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play can extend beyond puppyhood. Certain breeds tend to maintain a strong desire for interactive play, such as tug-of-war or fetch, even into their adult years. They consistently seek opportunities for engaging in these activities. On the other hand, some breeds are content with a more relaxed lifestyle and are often found enjoying leisurely moments on the couch with their owners, prioritizing relaxation over active play most of the time
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Certain breeds have a natural inclination to be vigilant and notify their owners of the presence of strangers. These breeds are more inclined to respond to any possible danger be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. They are also more likely to become comfortable with strangers entering their home provided that these individuals are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change varies among different breeds. Some breeds are naturally more able to cope with various changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions and daily schedules. They tend to adjust relatively easily to new environments and remain unaffected by alterations in their day-to-day life. These breeds are generally more flexible and adaptable. In contrast, there are breeds that may find change more challenging and may take longer to acclimate to new situations. They may be more sensitive to changes in their routine and environment, requiring extra time and support for adjustment.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and a dog's willingness to learn new things can vary among breeds. Some breeds are known for their high trainability and eagerness to please their owners. They are often quick learners and enjoy the training process always seeking to make their owners proud. These breeds tend to be more focused and responsive during training sessions. On the other hand, there are breeds that possess a more independent and strong-willed nature. They may exhibit a preference for doing things on their own terms and are less motivated by the desire to please their owners. Training may require additional patience and persistence with these breeds as they may be less inclined to respond immediately or consistently.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed can vary significantly. High-energy breeds typically have a strong need for regular and vigorous exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. They are often active, enthusiastic and always ready for new adventures. These breeds thrive on activities like running, jumping and engaging in interactive play. They require ample opportunities to burn off their energy throughout the day.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization, including barks or howls, can vary among different breeds. Some breeds are naturally more vocal and tend to vocalize more frequently. They may bark at every passer-by alerting their owners to any potential disturbance or simply expressing their excitement or boredom. These breeds have a tendency to use barking as a means of communication in various situations.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of mental stimulation required to keep a breed happy and healthy can vary. Purpose-bred dogs, which are specifically bred to perform certain tasks or jobs, often have a higher need for mental stimulation. These breeds may thrive when engaged in activities that challenge their problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities and concentration.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection displayed by a breed towards family members or familiar individuals can vary significantly. While some breeds tend to be more reserved and may show affection primarily towards their owner, others are known for their friendly and outgoing nature treating everyone they know as their close companion.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

A breed's level of tolerance and patience with children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature, can significantly vary. While dogs should always be supervised around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs certain breeds are generally known for their compatibility and adaptability within family settings.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While all interactions and introductions between dogs should be supervised, certain breeds tend to have a higher predisposition to get along with other dogs both within their own household and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur or hair a breed is likely to leave behind can vary greatly. Breeds can be categorized as low-shedding, moderate-shedding, or high-shedding, which can impact grooming needs, allergies and cleaning requirements. Low-shedding breeds such as the Poodle or Bichon Frise typically have hair that grows continuously rather than shedding. They tend to leave minimal amounts of fur behind making them suitable choices for individuals with allergies or those who prefer a cleaner living environment. These breeds often require regular professional grooming and brushing to prevent matting.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

When assessing the grooming effort required, factor in how often a breed needs to be bathed, brushed, trimmed, or subjected to other coat maintenance activities. Additionally, consider the amount of time patience and budget you can allocate for these care routines. Keep in mind the frequency with which a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance routines. Make sure to evaluate your available time, patience and budget for effectively attending to these grooming duties.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

Assess the inclination of a breed to produce drool. If you value an immaculate setting, dogs that can leave long strands of slobber on your arm or create notable wet spots on your clothing may not be the suitable choice for you. Take into consideration the drooling tendency of a breed. If you have a preference for a pristine environment dogs that frequently leave ropes of saliva on your arm or leave significant wet patches on your clothes may not be the optimal choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Wavy, Silky

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of friendliness a particular breed tends to exhibit towards unfamiliar individuals may vary. Certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior when encountering strangers irrespective of the setting, whereas other breeds may happily embrace any opportunity to meet a new person in their surroundings!

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play can extend beyond puppyhood. Certain breeds tend to maintain a strong desire for interactive play, such as tug-of-war or fetch, even into their adult years. They consistently seek opportunities for engaging in these activities. On the other hand, some breeds are content with a more relaxed lifestyle and are often found enjoying leisurely moments on the couch with their owners, prioritizing relaxation over active play most of the time

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Certain breeds have a natural inclination to be vigilant and notify their owners of the presence of strangers. These breeds are more inclined to respond to any possible danger be it the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. They are also more likely to become comfortable with strangers entering their home provided that these individuals are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change varies among different breeds. Some breeds are naturally more able to cope with various changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions and daily schedules. They tend to adjust relatively easily to new environments and remain unaffected by alterations in their day-to-day life. These breeds are generally more flexible and adaptable. In contrast, there are breeds that may find change more challenging and may take longer to acclimate to new situations. They may be more sensitive to changes in their routine and environment, requiring extra time and support for adjustment.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and a dog's willingness to learn new things can vary among breeds. Some breeds are known for their high trainability and eagerness to please their owners. They are often quick learners and enjoy the training process always seeking to make their owners proud. These breeds tend to be more focused and responsive during training sessions. On the other hand, there are breeds that possess a more independent and strong-willed nature. They may exhibit a preference for doing things on their own terms and are less motivated by the desire to please their owners. Training may require additional patience and persistence with these breeds as they may be less inclined to respond immediately or consistently.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed can vary significantly. High-energy breeds typically have a strong need for regular and vigorous exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. They are often active, enthusiastic and always ready for new adventures. These breeds thrive on activities like running, jumping and engaging in interactive play. They require ample opportunities to burn off their energy throughout the day.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The amount of mental stimulation required to keep a breed happy and healthy can vary. Purpose-bred dogs, which are specifically bred to perform certain tasks or jobs, often have a higher need for mental stimulation. These breeds may thrive when engaged in activities that challenge their problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities and concentration.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Blenheim	364
Black & Tan	018
Black & White	019
Ruby	365

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Tan Markings	012

About The Breed

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed that embodies the rich history of British culture, as reflected in its name. These dogs offer the perfect combination of the gentle nature typically associated with toy breeds and the energetic athleticism of sporting spaniels. With their overall beauty, regal poise and calm temperament, Cavaliers truly exemplify the nobility of the canine world. Measuring no more than 13 inches in height, Cavaliers captivate people with their charming faces. Their hallmark is a sweet, tender expression that emanates from their large round eyes. They also possess a silky, luxuriously colored coat, which can come in one of four distinct varieties described in the breed's history.

Despite their aristocratic heritage, Cavaliers are not aloof. They happily engage in backyard frolics or excitedly pursue squirrels, displaying their adaptability and willingness to let loose. Cavaliers are known to be good-natured with children and other dogs, showcasing their amiable and sociable demeanor. These dogs are highly adaptable, thriving in the company of active owners or contentedly enjoying a laid-back lifestyle as couch potatoes depending on the preferences and lifestyle of their owners.

In summary, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed that embodies elegance, charm and versatility. They bring joy to their owners' lives while remaining deeply rooted in historical significance.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to be prone to various health issues. These can include eye conditions such as retinal problems and cataracts, as well as patella luxation, hip dysplasia, middle ear infections, mitral valve heart disease, and syringomyelia which is a neurological condition. Many of these health concerns can be managed through proper screening and preventive care. Responsible breeders typically prioritize the health of their Cavaliers and will conduct appropriate health tests on their breeding dogs to minimize the risk of passing on hereditary conditions to their offspring. Prospective owners should have open and honest discussions with breeders about the potential health issues and the steps taken to address them. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Patella Evaluation Hip Evaluation Cardiac Exam Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	Their lustrous and silky coat typically requires regular brushing to keep it shiny and free from tangles. Beyond maintaining coat health, brushing also provides a pleasant full-body massage for the dog, which they typically enjoy. This grooming routine not only keeps their coat in beautiful condition but also strengthens the bond between the dog and their owner. Regular grooming sessions also offer an opportunity to inspect the dog's entire body for any new or unusual bumps, skin issues, or other concerns. This thorough examination ensures that potential health issues are identified early on, allowing for prompt veterinary attention if needed. Care for the Cavalier's ears is important as well. Weekly checks for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling or discharge, can help prevent or address any ear-related problems promptly. Additionally, regular nail trimming is essential for the Cavalier's overall comfort and health. Overgrown nails can cause pain, discomfort and even structural problems, so trimming them at least once a month is recommended. By following these grooming practices, including brushing, ear checks and nail trimming, owners can keep their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's coat and overall well-being in optimum condition. It also provides valuable bonding time between the dog and their owner, fostering a strong connection

Exercise

	While the Cavalier's original purpose was being an adored lap dog, it is worth noting that its lineage traces back to sporting dogs. Consequently, it does appreciate engaging in moderate exercise and enjoying outdoor activities. The Cavalier is more than content to accompany its owner on walks and displays commendable performance in various canine sports. However, it equally relishes the idea of lounging on the sofa all day. It is essential to mention that Cavaliers should not be permitted to roam off leash due to their inherent scenting and hunting instincts; if they encounter an intriguing trail or a captivating creature, they might not respond to calls. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have a fenced yard as a precautionary measure.

Training

	The Cavalier is renowned for its amiable and loving disposition, displaying a remarkable eagerness to please its human companions. This breed exhibits a friendly and welcoming nature towards both strangers and other animals, making them highly sociable pets. They are particularly well-suited for households with children, as they are known for their gentle approach. Cavaliers are intelligent creatures that can be easily trained, showcasing excellent performance in a range of canine sports like obedience, rally, and agility. Moreover, their inherent sweetness makes them perfect candidates for therapy dog work. It is crucial to note that early socialization and participation in puppy training classes are highly beneficial for young Cavaliers, enabling them to acquire good manners and adapt comfortably to various people and situations.

Nutrition

	To ensure the optimal health and well-being of your Cavalier, it is vital to provide them with high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age bracket, whether they are a puppy, adult, or senior. Due to their susceptibility to weight gain, it is important to monitor calorie intake and weight levels. Treats can be utilized effectively in training but should be given in moderation to avoid potential obesity issues. Feeding table scraps should be done sparingly, or better yet, avoided altogether, especially foods that contain high levels of fat or cooked bones, which can pose hazards to your dog's health. Familiarize yourself with a list of human foods that are safe for dogs and those that are not. If any concerns arise regarding your dog's weight or diet, consulting with a veterinarian is recommended.

Historiography

Toy spaniels have a long history tied to European nobility, dating back to the Renaissance. Specifically, two British monarchs of the 17th century, King Charles I and his son Charles II, had a strong affinity for a black and tan variety of toy spaniel, which was eventually named after the latter monarch. Charles II's devotion to breeding spaniels was well-known, even surpassing his focus on ruling Britain as noted by the famous diarist Samuel Pepys of the Restoration era. Toy spaniels remained highly favored among British aristocrats up until the early 19th century. The Marlborough family, for instance bred a line of red-and-white toy spaniels at Blenheim Palace during this period. However, by the time of Queen Victoria, the breed underwent changes through crossbreeding with Asian toy breeds, such as Pugs and Japanese Chin. This resulted in what is known today as the English Toy Spaniel (or King Charles Spaniel in the United Kingdom), characterized by a flatter face and a domed skull compared to the spaniels of Charles II's time. This new style became predominant almost driving the traditional toy spaniel to extinction although not entirely forgotten.

In the 1920s, enthusiasts of the breed wondered if the old-style toy spaniel depicted in ancestor portraits hanging in English manor houses still existed. An affluent American named Roswell Eldridge offered a cash prize to British breeders who could produce "Blenheim Spaniels of the Old World type," which sparked a revival of the traditional variety. These revived dogs were ultimately named Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with the term "Cavalier" paying homage to the monarchist party that supported the Stuarts during the civil war that led to the execution of Charles I.

One distinctive aspect of the breed is its four distinct color patterns, each associated with a particular noble family at various points in history. These patterns are the Blenheim, characterized by chestnut markings on a white background; Tricolor, featuring black markings on a white background; Black and Tan, which showcases black with tan markings and Ruby a rich red coloration.