The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a versatile pet, making it a wonderful companion for those with an active lifestyle, while families with children and the elderly will find them to be loyal friends. These dogs have a docile nature, are not aggressive toward people, and adapt well to their owner's lifestyle.
These dogs have won great love from the British, who say that they help them relieve stressThis explains why they are often called "comfort dogs." Because of this, Cavaliers are especially popular among people who are often stressed at work. However, dogs of this breed are popular not only with ordinary people but also with high-ranking officials—they are often seen with members of the royal courts in Holland and Great Britain.
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Appearance and standard
Cavaliers are quite graceful animals of small size: their height is about 30-33 cm, and their weight is 5-8 kg. Every detail of their appearance attracts attention: large round eyes, elongated muzzle, high-set ears, made attractive by the beautiful locks of hair. These dogs have a straight back and a not elongated body.
The tail is also straight, forming a single line with the back. It never stands still, although in some animals it may be docked.
The Cavalier's crowning glory is its coat, which consists of silky, long hairs. This hair, which can sometimes be wavy, adorns the paws, ears, and tail.
Modern representatives of this breed have certain differences From their legendary ancestors. This is understandable, as Charles Spaniels have been subject to extensive selective breeding to infuse them with the genes of toy dogs. Therefore, they can be considered an entirely new breed, possessing unique traits and characteristics.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels available today have a very flat head and a very expressive nose. The muzzle is quite small, at least 3.8 cm long, which is not often seen in miniature dogs. The eyes are rounded and set wide apart, but they are not quite as prominent as those of the King Charles Spaniels.
Silky hair is present on the dog's ears, paws, and tail. The coat in these areas is noticeably longer than in other areas, including the lower part of the body. A slight wave effect may be present, but there are no full curls.
Within the framework of the standard under consideration, it is customary to distinguish several types of Cavalier colors:
- Bleinheim (red-chestnut spots on a pearl-white surface);
- tricolor (black spots on a pearly white surface);
- black and tan (reddish-brown spots with black patches);
- ruby.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel personality
This small animal displays a character befitting its royal status. He is very friendly with all household members, loves communication and is accustomed to being the center of attention. He is especially partial to people, especially children. They are not used to hiding their good mood, showing it off in public. But don't expect him to become a good security guard—for him, even strangers are potential friends.
These small dogs can't imagine life without their owner. If they're deprived of attention, they'll become lethargic, apathetic, and less interested in activities and walks. Cavaliers are highly intelligent and easily understand what's required of them.
King Charles Spaniels' favorite pastime is traveling with their owners, which brings them great joy. They also enjoy playing with children, even being swaddled and pushed around in a doll's stroller. King Charles Spaniels are great with children. always affectionate, so he will meekly endure the trials that will fall to his lot.
It will also bring many pleasant moments to the elderly, as it will be a friendly pet that is easy to care for. Generally, the Cavalier gets along with anyone thanks to its ability to adapt to its owner's lifestyle and temperament.
However, there are times when King Charles Spaniels become timid. This usually happens when they're around strangers. It takes time for them to regain their playful and affectionate nature. They also easily establish good relationships with other pets.
Small King Charles Spaniels do not respond well to brute force, so they may start biting to protect themselves.
Upbringing
These dogs are distinguished by a calm character and follow their owner's orders without question, making them excellent candidates for companionship.
King Charles Spaniels generally accept strangers well, immediately incorporating them into their friend list. Therefore, there's no need to even try to train them to be guard dogs. Cavaliers are more suited to hunting. One of their favorite pastimes is chasing moving objects, whether it's a thrown stick, a neighbor's cat, or a passing bicycle.
King Charles Spaniels can be easily taught standard commandsIf trained with affection and treats, they will prove to be diligent students. It's important to note that these dogs are highly intelligent, so lessons will be easy for them. However, even well-trained Cavaliers can pose some challenges during walks. Therefore, it's recommended to keep these dogs on a leash when outside.
They can't live without attention and affection. Because they require so much companionship, they thrive in large families where they'll always have someone to talk to. However, if they lack companionship, they begin to behave completely differently: they can cause problems not only with loud barking but also by damaging furniture. If this continues, it can significantly change the animal's character, causing it to tremble, knowing it will once again be left alone without its owner.
This situation can be explained by the dog's unaccustomed to being around other people and animals. This causes it to become very timid. If it finds itself in an unfamiliar situation, its behavior changes dramatically—it becomes aggressive, restless, and sometimes even a bit silly.
Maintenance and care
These dogs don't cause much trouble for their owners. They feel most comfortable in an apartment or houseThey can be fed almost the same favorite foods as most other dog breeds. Because these dogs lead a sedentary lifestyle, they don't require much exercise. A short walk every day is sufficient.
When grooming, pay attention to the condition of the coat, especially the area between the toes and the surface of the feet, where protruding hairs should be trimmed. Don't forget about the dog's ears either. Due to the breed's characteristics, they are poorly ventilated, increasing the risk of ear infections.
The coat of the Cavaliers deserves special attention and requires regular maintenanceHowever, this isn't as complicated a procedure as it might initially seem. All the owner needs to do is brush it with a bristle brush once a day. Afterwards, smooth it with a metal comb and give it a beautiful appearance with a comb.
Particular attention should be paid to grooming the fur on the elbows, behind the ears, and between the hind legs. This procedure takes no more than 5 minutes, unless you plan to groom your dog for a show. Bathe your dog if necessary. Pay particular attention to its fluffy, drooping ears, as these are the areas where a lot of dirt accumulates during walks.
In addition to the fact that these areas need to be kept clean on a regular basis, the wool also needs to be trimmedThe same approach should be taken with your dog's paws: if you want to keep their cute little pants clean, you'll need to trim the fur there regularly. If you notice tangles forming in certain areas, don't immediately resort to scissors. Apply some hair conditioner to the area and let it soak in, after which the fur should easily untangle. However, keep a close eye on your pet during this process to ensure they don't lick the product off their fur.
Health
The life expectancy of small spaniels is quite long and is 10-12 yearsDuring their life, they may be affected by diseases such as:
chronic valvular heart disease;- Legg-Perthes disease;
- intervertebral disc disease;
- hydrocephalus;
- cryptorchidism;
- epilepsy.
chronic valvular heart disease;Jumping from a high surface is especially dangerous for them, as it can lead to dislocation of the kneecap. Because these animals are quite small, they are often prone to eye injuries, which, among other things, can be affected by the following diseases:
- cataract;
- glaucoma;
- eversion of the eyelid.
Among the representatives of this breed there are such individuals that have a flattened muzzle, which increases the risk of breathing problems and snoring. The eyes and ears are particularly vulnerable to infection. Some men may develop tongue-tie syndrome.
King Charles Spaniels are generally healthy. A dog won't cause you any problems, provided you choose your puppy very carefully. Particular attention should be paid to ensuring it is free of hereditary diseases:
- heart defects;
- diseases of the knee and hip joints;
- hearing and vision impairments.
You'll make things easier for yourself if you carefully review the puppy's parents' health records and pedigree before purchasing. However, once the puppy is in your home, you'll still need to supervise it regularly and avoid overexerting it.
Keep in mind that without regular walks and play, it will be extremely difficult for a King Charles Spaniel puppy to grow normally. This can lead not only to apathy but also to weight gain. Considering that dogs of this breed prone to heart disease, this could end extremely tragically.
Make it a rule to take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup once a year. This should be done regardless of your pet's age. Remember that hereditary eye diseases such as dysplasia, retinal atrophy, cataracts, and corneal dystrophy may not manifest immediately, but rather over time.
It's best to detect illnesses early and begin treatment immediately. This will give your pet a better chance of a quick recovery.
Price of a King Charles Spaniel puppy
Prices for King Charles Spaniel puppies can vary quite widely and depend on the purpose of your purchase. If you're looking for a dog to keep as a pet, then it will cost you priced at no less than $800.
To purchase a King Charles Spaniel puppy capable of growing into a potential champion, you'll need to shell out $1,500. It's recommended to purchase a puppy from a breeder; this way, you can be assured of acquiring a purebred dog that has been properly cared for and has received the necessary vaccinations.
Conclusion
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were able to become popular primarily due to the fact that feel great in any familyTherefore, if you're looking for an affectionate companion for your children, you can't go wrong by choosing a Cavalier puppy. A distinctive feature of these animals is their lack of aggression, so you can be sure that even an adult Cavalier won't harm your children.
