If you ’ve been searching for a hound that ’s small , affectionate and flashy , check out the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel . This sweet yet outgoing breed has beguile the hearts of propagation of dog owner . encounter out what pee this strain tick , and decide if a chevalier is the right dog for you .
History and Origin
Descended from the favourite hunting and companion dogs ofEngland ’s King Charles II , the Cavalier has been observe in hunky-dory art for hundred . Today ’s Cavaliers sport the longer gun muzzle of the erstwhile - style specimens Charles II valued so highly . For a time , a shorter muzzled version of the breed became quite popular , but thanks to AmericanRoswell Eldridge , the original type was recover . Eldridge achieved this by offering a cash prize at Crufts dog show to anyone who exhibited dogs with the original style muzzle .
Eldridge offered a first prize of 25 pounds sterling – the equivalent of more than $ 2,500 today – to the manful and distaff spaniels who came closest to his published description in his now - famous ad on the hunting for the original Cavalier King Charles Spaniel . 2d and third place also won a cash loot and Eldridge remain the search for approximately 5 old age , eventually spending more than $ 20,000 in an effort to save up the stock .
The breed achievedAmerican Kennel Club ( AKC)recognition in 1995 . Cavalier joined challenger in the Toy Group starting January 1 , 1996 . Today , members of this strain are equally comfortable competing in canine athletics or cozying up on the couch with their citizenry .
Breed Characteristics
If the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is moving , you’re able to almost guarantee their tail is wagging . Their upbeat , upbeat personality and loving tread through biography make them the idealistic companion dog .
Appearance
Cavaliers are a small yet refined stock with heavier osseous tissue structure than the average toy breed . This gives them a sturdy appearance , and their portly frame suffice them well in the domain . The typical Cavalier stands about 12 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 12 and 18 Ezra Pound . Weight and frame should be proportionate to avoid obesity . This strain has a particularly sweet and warm expression irrespective of the colour pattern of their coat , with a gag less than 2 inches long and a pretty flat head . The ear are long and should cater a figure for the facial expression .
The tail is fairly long and carried level with the body when moving . dockage is allowable according to AKC standard , but no more than one third of the original length should be hit .
The Cavalier ’s pelage is one of the breed ’s most distinguishing characteristics . The hair is jolly long , and most specimens exhibit a slight wave . The furnishings on the chest and ear are slightly longer , and the foot , legs , and tail are heavily feathered . This breed typically come in four color variations .
Temperament
This Spaniel is typically well-chosen and eager to please . The strain is very affectionate and always quick to join in on your activities . Cavalier also love to take part in playing field sports . They are rarely fast-growing , but they do have fearless characters , so you ’re not probable to ever meet a shy or anxious Cavalier .
These weenie are good at assume life as it comes and make comparatively good companions for people of all geezerhood . They also be given to get along well with other dog and sometimes even with cats , but they should be watched tight around small pets like birds and gnawer because their hunting instincts may come into period of play .
Training
As for training , there is n’t much you ca n’t teach these dogs . House preparation andbasic obedienceare achieved with general ease . Most of these dogs also learn tricks very quickly . If anything , Cavaliers may be a bit too smart for their own good , and they ’ll practice that intelligence activity to figure out how to get just about anything they require . Loving counseling and early training are needed to base fairish boundaries .
Exercise Requirements
The Cavalier is less sedentary than many toy breeds and requires a good daily manner of walking to stay primed in intellect and body . A walk of roughly two to three urban center block – less than a quarter of a mile – will help burn off extra Energy Department and render sensory stimulation to aid stave in off ennui .
Health
This strain is not without their health challenges . Responsible breeders riddle their dogs for transmitted predispositions to certain disease , and most Cavaliers can live to a ripe older age .
Lifespan
On intermediate , most Cavaliers dwell 10 to 12 old age with right dieting and employment . Long - live members of the breed can reach 14 yr or more of old age .
Grooming
high-handed King Charles Spaniels do require a bit of dress to keep in good shape . A everyday brush will remove promiscuous pilus and tangles , specially around the ears and feathering on the legs . A monthly bath will be sufficient in metropolis life situations , but the undercarriage may call for bathing more frequently in males . Be sure to do a thorough check for check and fleas if you work your dog in the study .
Pay especial attention to the capitulum , maintain the tomentum surcharge from the canals and cater a hebdomadary ear lavation . Likewise , the hairsbreadth between the pads is also prone to mat and should be kept trimmed to avoid overgrowth . cut the nails every two weeks or more as needed .
Fun Facts About the Breed
If the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel could talk , these are among some of the facts they would separate you about :
Purchasing or Adopting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you ’re explore for a pup , you’re able to start by searching theAKC Marketplace . you could also look for the directory of breeders on theAmerican Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club . Keep in psyche , you will want to vet breeder yourself to ensure they ’re reputable . require to compensate around $ 1,500 for a high - quality puppy from a responsible breeder . depend on their markings and the breeder , you’re able to line up them for cut-rate sale for up to $ 2,500 .
Rescue Organizations
If you do n’t have a specific age range in judgment , you may search for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and mix at breed - specific rescues :
Is this the Right Breed for You?
In the United States , Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the most popular domestic dog breed for fellowship pets . These dogs are wonderful companions for nestling . They are intelligent , devoted , adventuresome , and lively , and they will spring up up to be loving family appendage partake many memories together .
