The Cavalier King Charles dogs often find themselves in a strange predicament. Although they are spaniels, they are mainly lap dogs. Clubs classify them as toy dogs, but they’re the biggest in that category. Regardless of what they are, these sweet, cute, and lovable canines can become endearing. Get to know the Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies right here!
Cavalier King Charles Dogs | Fun Canine Royalty
Cavalier King Charles Dog Personality
- Sweet and affectionate
- Happy and free
- Playful and active
- Highly dependent
- Obedient and loyal
- Very friendly to humans and animals
- Sensitive
One look at Cavalier King Charles dogs, and you won’t have to wonder why they’re one of the most popular breeds in the world. You can never say no to that almost-endless tail wagging or that pair of big gorgeous eyes. You want to touch their silky smooth coat too.
But there’s more to the breed than their looks. The Cavalier King Charles dogs are some of the sweetest and most affectionate canines. They are more than happy to cuddle with you anytime, anywhere, making them great lap dogs.
These dogs, though, cannot thrive well when left alone for long periods. Cavalier King Charles dogs crave for interaction and attention. Moreover, they are incredibly playful and active. When there’s not much to do, they can display some destructive behavior.
These dogs are amazing for families with small children and other pets. They can quickly adapt to their environment, and they are very friendly. However, playtime may still require supervision to ensure kids don’t hurt their little friend. You may also need to introduce them gradually to small pets since Cavies (their nickname) tend to chase animals, thanks to their spaniel blood.
They are not wary of strangers, which may not make them excellent guard or watchdogs, but they can bark very loudly when needed. Meanwhile, training them is not a problem. While their intelligence is average, they score very well in obedience. In fact, for this reason, these dogs are well-known in conformation competitions. But when training, make sure you don’t hit or even shout at them. They are very sensitive and are, therefore, prone to sulking, isolation, and depression.
Size & Color
Among the breeds under the spaniel group, the Cavalier King Charles dogs are one of the smallest. Their height can range between 12 inches and 13 inches. There’s not much difference between the males and females. That is why they are considered as toy dogs.
How much do Cavalier King Charles spaniels weigh? Their bodies are sturdy, and they can weigh between 12 and 18 pounds. Although their actual sizes and weight can vary depending on their nutrition, level of activity, and genetics, most toy dogs weigh only 6 ounces upon birth and reach 6 pounds by their eighth month.
Cavalier King Charles dogs come in four known colors. These are Blenheim (combination of pearl white and chestnut brown), black and tan, ruby (reddish brown with no distinct markings), and tricolor (white coat with black marks and tan marks on specific body parts such as the cheeks and the eyes).
Note: It may look like the Cavies are similar to King Charles spaniels, but they have huge differences. Cavies have muzzles while King Charles dogs don’t. Instead, they have a flat face. The latter also tend to be smaller and weigh significantly lighter than the former.
Health
What diseases are Cavalier King Charles spaniels prone to? These energetic dogs are healthy, but they may suffer from certain diseases.
Diseases
- Mitral Valve Disease – It’s the leading cause of death among the Cavies, and sadly, it can begin as early as 5 years. A polygenetic disease (which means more than one gene may cause it), it is the deterioration of one or more of the mitral valves of the heart. These valves help regulate the direction of the blood flow. When they experience damage, they can lead to heart failure. Because of its prevalence, you should have your Cavalier King Charles dogs checked for heart murmur as early as 1 year old.
- Syringomyelia (SM) – It is one of the standard serious Cavalier King Charles spaniel health problems. Dogs as young as 1 year old can develop it. It is characterized by Chiari-like malformation (CM), which means the cerebellum, which controls balance, could outgrow the skull near the spinal cord it squeezes out of the skull’s hole. It then blocks the natural flow of the cerebrospinal fluid, and the differences in pressure can lead to cavities filled with fluid in the spinal cord. This causes various clinical symptoms from phantom itching to twisting and yelping due to pain, as well as paralysis.
- Cataracts – Many dog breeds are susceptible to genetic eye diseases, and the Cavies are one of them. The lens opacity can develop very early at around 6 months (early-onset juvenile cataract). The condition may also occur due to an underlying condition such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which refers to the degeneration of the receptor cells of the eyes.
- Curly Coat Syndrome – It is a painful condition that affects the skin (and coat) and usually the eyes, making them very dry and sore since they are not able to produce tears. The flaking can make walking and stand difficult for the Cavalier King Charles dogs. Interestingly, it affects only a small percentage of those that carry the defective gene.
- Patellar Luxation – Patellar luxation is a loose kneecap. When the kneecap is out of its groove, it can lead to the gradual wear of the groove and can later affect the knee joint. It significantly raises the risk of premature arthritis, lameness, and pain. This condition may be present in 20 percent of the Cavies.
Life Span
Cavalier King Charles dogs can live for about 9 years, but if you take care of them correctly with regular checkup, correct nutrition, and exercise, they can be around for as long as 14 years, outliving other spaniels such as American water spaniel, King Charles spaniel, and English Cocker spaniel.
When it comes to exercise, the Cavies are fine taking a pleasant stroll at dusk with you for about an hour. They are already active, so they don’t need more vigorous exercise.
Food & Diet
On average, adult Cavalier King Charles dogs need to eat two meals a day with each serving measuring 1 to 1.5 cups of commercial dry food or kibbles. If you want to give them canned or wet food, an average-sized dog may need at least one can each day. The actual serving, though, depends on the doctor’s and manufacturer’s recommendation. You may want to lay low on the treats to avoid fast weight gain.
Because of the increased risk of mitral valve disease, it’s best to give them complete and high-quality dog food. This will not come very cheap, but it offers the best value. It is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is easy to digest, so it doesn’t put a lot of strain on the vital organs such as the liver and the kidneys.
Grooming Requirements
- Brush hair at least 3 times a week
- Trim nails 2 times a month
- Brush teeth at least 2 times a week
- Bathe as necessary
- Clean ears regularly
Despite their silky coats, Cavalier King Charles dogs are easy to maintain. You can use a slicker brush to get rid of the tangles. Due to their flappy non-perky ears, it’s best to pay more attention to the hairs around this area. Bathing, on the other hand, should take no more than a few minutes.
Price Of A Cavalier King Charles Puppy
New on #Thebe Advertiser #Botswana: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale http://t.co/ajX1piOqyh #Advert… pic.twitter.com/7ifQ8grqgw
— Thebe Advertiser (@ThebeCoBw) October 6, 2015
Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies for sale can cost around $1,200 or more, depending on their quality. The closer they are to the standards of recognized clubs, the more expensive they get. They can even fetch a price of more than $3,000. If you want to adopt, the shelter may ask for a fee or donation, which can be around $100 to $300.
History
The Cavalier King Charles dogs known today have been around recently (when compared to the history of other breeds). However, their ancestors were the favorite pooches of the rich and the royals of England as early as the seventeenth century. In fact, the dog obtained its name from King Charles II, who loved it. But when the House of Stuart’s reign fell, these canines were also neglected as the new monarchs favored another breed. Eventually, the King Charles spaniel, a cross between a Pug and a Cavalier, was born.
Then came American Roswell Eldridge who wanted to have King Charles II’s spaniel. Disappointed the royal spaniels didn’t look the same way as he envisioned, he provided a reward for anyone who could breed a dog with his standards. He died before he could choose, but the enthusiasm lived on. In 1928, breeders formed the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club and came up with dogs with longer faces and bigger bodies. Consequently, the Cavalier King Charles dogs you’re more familiar with came about.
The Second World War almost wiped them out, but some of those that survived landed in the United States in 1956 through W. Lyon Brown.
Fun Fact
If you’re a huge fan of Sex and the City, then you’d be happy to know Charlotte York’s dog is a Cavalier King Charles she named Elizabeth Taylor Goldenblatt. In real life, the likes of former president Ronald Reagan and Coco Chanel owned one.
How easy is it to bathe Cavalier King Charles dogs? Watch this video and learn the best tips:
Cavalier King Charles dogs have the spunk, charm, energy, and beauty there’s no reason why you cannot love them! So go on and adopt one or look for responsible breeders and get yourself some pups.
Do you own a Cavalier King Charles dog? Share their photos in the comments below!
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