Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their elegant and well-balanced build, with a silky, flowing coat and large, expressive eyes.

Small, typically 12-13 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 13-18 pounds.

Moderate length, silky, with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail.

Four recognized colors - Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tricolor (black, white, and tan), Black and Tan, and Ruby (rich red).

Slightly rounded skull with a well-defined stop and a tapered muzzle.

Large, round, dark brown, and set well apart, giving a gentle expression.

Usually well-set and carried happily, often docked in some countries, but increasingly left natural.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are renowned for their affectionate, gentle, and friendly nature, making them excellent companions.

Extremely loving and enjoy close contact with their human families.

Generally good-natured with strangers, children, and other animals.

Can thrive in various living situations, from apartments to houses with yards.

Enjoy interactive play and are moderately active.

Known for their soft and gentle demeanor, making them suitable for families with young children.

Do not like being left alone for extended periods and can develop separation anxiety.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are best suited for individuals or families looking for a loving, adaptable, and relatively low-maintenance companion.

Moderate exercise needs, suitable for moderately active owners.

Their gentle nature means they are not effective guard dogs.

The ideal owner for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is someone who can provide plenty of love, attention, and consistent care, and who is prepared to manage potential health issues with regular veterinary support.

Care involves regular grooming to maintain their silky coat, a balanced diet, and creating a comfortable living environment.

Brush 2-3 times a week to prevent mats and tangles; more frequent brushing may be needed during shedding seasons.

Bathe as needed, typically every few months, or when they get dirty.

Check and clean their ears weekly to prevent infections, as their long ears can trap moisture.

Trim nails regularly, usually every 2-3 weeks, to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

Regular teeth brushing is recommended to prevent dental disease.

Adaptable to various living situations, but should not be left alone for extended periods.

Cavaliers are generally easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, requiring moderate daily exercise.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial for developing a well-behaved companion. They can be sensitive, so harsh training methods should be avoided.

They require moderate exercise, typically 30-60 minutes per day, which can include walks, playtime in a secure area, and interactive games. Mental stimulation is also important; puzzle toys and training sessions can keep them engaged.

Establish a consistent routine for training and exercise to reinforce good behavior.

Use treats, praise, and positive interactions to motivate them during training.

Expose them to various people, animals, and environments from a young age.

Provide puzzle toys and engage in training activities to keep their minds active.

Important due to their occasional interest in chasing small animals.

Cavaliers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain genetic health issues.

A common heart condition in Cavaliers, where the mitral valve degenerates, leading to heart failure.

A serious neurological condition where fluid-filled cavities develop within the spinal cord.

A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and pain.

Including cataracts and dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).

Due to their long, floppy ears, Cavaliers are prone to ear infections.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel traces its roots back to the royal courts of Europe, particularly favored by King Charles II of England in the 17th century, from whom they derive their name. Originally bred as companion dogs, they were often seen in royal portraits. The breed declined in popularity after the King's reign but saw a resurgence in the 20th century, thanks to dedicated breeders in the United Kingdom. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1995. A key event was the establishment of The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA, which helped standardize the breed.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically live between 9 and 14 years, with many living longer with proper care and regular veterinary check-ups.

Yes, they are known for their gentle and friendly nature, making them excellent companions for children.

They have moderate shedding, and regular brushing (2-3 times a week) can help manage this.

They require moderate exercise, about 30-60 minutes per day, including walks and playtime.

Yes, they are intelligent and eager to please, responding well to positive reinforcement methods.

Yes, they are adaptable and can thrive in apartment settings as long as they get enough exercise.

Common health issues include Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), Syringomyelia (SM), hip dysplasia, and eye conditions.

They are not excessive barkers, but they may bark to alert their owners to strangers or unusual sounds.

Generally, yes. They are friendly and sociable, and usually get along well with other dogs and pets.

Brushing 2-3 times a week is recommended, with more frequent brushing during shedding seasons. Bathing can be done as needed, typically every few months.