Breed Characteristics
Things You Should Know Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, one of the largest of the Toy breeds, are usually very affectionate and are adorable lapdogs that want nothing more than a comfy couch or to cuddle on your lap whenever possible. However, they are very much a spaniel, descending from a long line of hunters. Give them room to run—preferably in a fenced back yard—and take them for a jaunt in the woods now and then. Please don’t forget the leash: They love to chase cars & small critters! ________________________________ Being people-oriented dogs, Cavaliers crave companionship and attention, rewarding their owners with equal amounts of affection. Don’t ignore them or leave them alone for too long. They can get depressed and lonely and may bark and dig if left to their own devices out in the yard for too long a period. The ideal home is one with a stay-at-home parent, work-at-home spouse or retired couple. _________________________________ It should go without saying that the Cavalier is not meant to live outdoors. He’s a family dog who needs to be with his people and protected from excessive heat and cold. _________________________________ Cavalier King Charles spaniels: Handsome, good-natured and the aristocrats of the dog world Read more at: https://www.countrylife.co.uk/out-and-about/dogs/cavalier-king-charles-spaniels-handsome-good-natured-aristocrats-dog-world-206750#5ZmWip0zZmqQXei5.99 ______________________________ A healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can live as long as 14 years. Common health problems include a heart condition called mitral valve disease, hip dysplasia and ear infections. ________________________________ Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. _________________________________ Remember too that a long-term financial commitment comes with dog ownership. Not only the initial purchase price of the dog (and this is NOT the time to bargain shop!), but the cost of food, veterinary care, boarding, equipment and training classes, all add up over the years. ________________________________ A Look Back For centuries, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (a namesake of King Charles II of Britain) has been recorded inpaintings and tapestries together with their aristocratic families. It is obvious from these works of art that Cavaliers were a luxury item and lived "the easy life" as house pets. Though used successfully for shooting small game, the Cavalier's true purpose has always been that of companion. . |
What They Are Like to Live With
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an elegant, energetic toy breed that is compatible for city or country life. Successful in conformation shows, obedience and agility, they also make wonderful therapy dogs due to their sweet, gentle nature. Friendly and easy to train, the Cavalier is a trustworthy companion and thrives as part of a family. These dogs get along with everybody—cats and other pets included. They are very good playmates for children, being patient and playful, and make a good first impression with strangers. The breed is adaptable in their need for exercise,happy with either sleeping on the couch or taking long walks Some can be a little reserved with new people, but they quickly warm up. For this reason, the Cavalier King Charles is probably not the best choice for a watchdog. _________________________________ Cavaliers need lots of attention as this dog was bred originally to warm the feet of royalty, they enjoy lots of laptime. You must keep this breed on lead or in a fenced yard because they are so friendly and interested in the world that they will run off to visit everyone and snoop behind every bush! The Look of
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavaliers have small, well-proportioned frames with silky, wavy coats. Their rounded heads are in proportion to their bodies with conical muzzles and dark, well-developed noses. Their pendant (hanging) ears are set high and slightly feathered. They have long necks, sloping shoulders and straight forelegs. Their wagging tails are covered in fur and are not carried too high. ____________________ Their silky coats come in four colors - Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tricolor (black, white, and tan), Ruby (solid red) and Black and Tan. Overall, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have an elegant and noble posture. ________________________________ The coat requires weekly brushing, but no trimming. Like other long eared breeds, weekly ear cleaning is recommended to avoid infections. _______________________________ Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping a Cavalier at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life.
________________________________ This sturdy toy breed is a re-creation of the toy spaniels that populated royal courts and noble homes in Europe from the 15th to the 19th centuries. True to their heritage as “comforter dogs,” Cavaliers love to be in a lap. The typical Cavalier is always happy, trusting and easygoing, a friend to everyone he meets. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel today is a beloved, and increasingly popular, companion dog. He’s small, loving, playful and attractive. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel could get voted “most likely to be everyone’s buddy.” They just want to be loved by everyone and anyone. That personality, combined with sad puppy eyes, makes this breed pretty impossible to resist. Go ahead, we dare you!
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