This beautiful small spaniel has dark round expressive eyes that are large but not prominent. The tail is sometimes
docked to no less then three times its length. It has a conical muzzle and a flat skull. It has a shallow stop, with well
developed nose and wide nostrils. The ears are long with abundant feathering. It has a silky coat, sometimes with a slight
waviness that comes in ruby, black & tan, tri-color and blenheim (rich chestnut on a pearly-white background). On Blenheim
dogs, a chestnut-red spot on top of the head between the ears is preferred by breeders, but not critical. Blenheim =
red and white Prince Charles = tricolor King Charles = black and tan Ruby = rich mahogany red
Temperament
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate tail-wagger. Lively, outgoing and sportive.
These fearless lively little dogs want to please. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and therefore are
usually easy to train and respond well to gentle obedience training. They are said to be naturally well behaved and get along
well with other dogs and non-canine pets. Cavalier's love people and need lots of companionship to be happy. They should
not be left alone all day. They are descended from hunting dogs and love to romp in the great outdoors. This breed sometimes
displays a chasing instinct and should be kept well enclosed or leashed so he does not get lost or run over by a car! They
do best with older considerate children and some can be reserved with strangers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a pleasant
companion dog. It has a noteworthy sense of smell and vision and can be used in short hunts in open country. They do well
in competitive obedience.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are good
for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. The Cavalier does not do well
in very warm conditions.
Exercise
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need a daily walk.
Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct
to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good
romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.
Life Expectancy
About 9-14
years.
Grooming
Comb or brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary.
The feathered hair on the ears is prone to tangling and matting, so this dog should be thoroughly groomed often. The hair
between the pads on the feet should be kept trimmed and the ears should be cleaned regularly. Always make sure the dog is
thoroughly dry and warm after a bath. Check the eyes carefully for any signs of infection. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is descended from the King Charles Spaniel and
other small Toy Spaniels seen in many sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth century paintings. Its breeders were trying to
reproduce a toy dog similar to those seen in portraits from the time of England's Charles II, who was said to dote on
these small dogs. In the 1920's the American, Roswell Eldridge, offered prize money during a Cruft's Dog Show
in London, to any person exhibiting King Charles Spaniel with long noses. He was looking for dogs
similar to those appearing in Van Dyck's paintings of King Charles II and his spaniels. By the 1940's these
dogs were classified as a separate breed and were given the prefix Cavalier, to differentiate them from their forebears. The
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was shown in the Toy Group of the AKC beginning in 1996.
