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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Origin
This was once the favorite breed of King Charles II of England. The small
sporting breed was 1st named the King Charles Spaniel. Later oriental breeds
came into fashion and breeders started crossbreeding the spaniels. Developed
from a cross between the King Charles and a Cocker Spaniel, the Cavalier differs
greatly from its forebears. 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 1926 the American, Roswell Eldridge,
offered monetary prizes during a Cruft's Dog Show in London, to any person
exhibiting King Charles Spaniels with long noses. He was looking for dogs
similar to those appearing in Van Dyck's paintings of King Charles II and his
spaniels. British breeders rose to the occasion and by 1945 they recreated the
breed. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was accepted by the Kennel Club in
1945. These dogs were classified as a separate breed and were given the prefix
Cavalier, to differentiate them from their forebears. To avoid confusion with
the now-snub-nosed King Charles Spaniels, the breed was named the Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel since Charles was known as the Cavalier King. The first
Cavaliers were sent to America in 1952 by Lady Forwood as a gift.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was shown in
the Toy Group of the AKC beginning in 1996.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Basic Description
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beautiful small spaniel
having dark round expressive eyes that are large but not prominent. Their 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 Cavalier ears are long. To add to its endearing appearance,
the Cavalier carries feathering on the ears, legs, feet and tail. Popularity is always gaining
as people realize they make a great family companion being full of affection requiring
little exercise. This breed is very popular in Britain.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Coat
The coat is long, silky with sometimes a slight wave.
Four colour variations are found in the breed.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 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. in dog shows no trimming is permitted or needed.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Temperament
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel temperament is happy
affectionate dog. The Cavalier is an eager, a lively tail-wagger as is well know
for being a wonderful companion. They have an outgoing, sporting and fearless
nature. These lively little dogs want to please. The breed was known as the
"Comforter" or the "Spaniel Gentle" in the early days of history. The Cavaliers
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 in front
of 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. Again, the Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel interacts well with children.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Activity Level:
Though playful and alert, the Cavalier is a born lapdog whose
exercise requirements are easily satisfied. It is relatively quiet and
calm-natured.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Height and Weight
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel height is 12-13 inches (30-33
cm.) The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weight: 10-18 pounds (5-8 kg.)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Problems:
As with most dogs, Cavaliers may have some potential health
problems. The Cavalier also can have some pending on bloodlines with hereditary
diseases. Do not over feed Cavaliers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel tends to
gain weight easily. Some lines are genetically disposed to a serious heart
problem, which sometimes causes early death. When selecting one of these dogs,
it is extremely important to check the medical history of several previous
generations. They are also prone to hereditary eye disease, dislocating
kneecaps, and ear infections. Our kennel offers this information to well inform
our puppy owners we screen for these problems so they will have a happy healthy
puppy.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Living Conditions
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can live well in an apartment
dwelling. They are moderately active indoors and a small yard will be
sufficient. If no yard, they will do well with daily walks or a romp in the
park. The Cavalier does not do well in very warm conditions.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Life Expectancy
About 9-14 years.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Recognized Group
Gun Dog, AKC Toy
The dog registered by the AKC as the English Toy Spaniel is called the King
Charles Spaniel in England.
To confuse matters further, one variety of the AKC English Toy Spaniel is called
the "King Charles and Ruby."
The other variety is the "Blenheim and Prince Charles." The true purpose of this
breed has always been that of a companion dog. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
is the number one toy dog in England. On January 1, 1996 it entered the ring as
the 140th AKC-recognized breed.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Recognition:
FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC