Quick Stats for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs
- Height (at the shoulders): 12 – 13 inches (30 – 33 cm)
- Weight: 10 – 18 pounds (5 – 8 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 9 – 14 years
- AKC Group: Toy Group – AKC recognized in 1995
- Shedding: average shedder
- Living Conditions: good for apartments; moderately active indoors; okay with small yard
Personality of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is said to be one of the best companion dogs and family pets. They are playful, quiet, affectionate, intelligent, and well behaved. They are great around children, strangers, other dogs, and other household pets, and considered a companion dog almost exclusively.
History of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs
The Cavalier King Charles dog is originally from Spain.
History says that people bred Oriental toy breeds with small Spaniels to create small lapdogs that were called comfort Spaniels. Wealthy people actually used them as foot warmers and to attract fleas that would otherwise be a problem for the owner. These dogs became quite popular among people of all ages.
One story claims that sometime during the 1700s, King Charles II became so taken by these toy Spaniels that he actually ignored matters of state just to spend more time with his dogs.
Stories like these about the King traveled far and wide and eventually everyone associated the dogs with King Charles himself. Over time, the dogs become known as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. For generations these dogs remained a favorite among wealthy families.
Eventually, the breed started to change. People started to prefer the shorter-nosed Toy Spaniel.
The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a member of the Toy Group.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs Care and Grooming
These dogs require moderate daily exercise. Take them on a long walk or play active games with them in a safely enclosed area.
Grooming requirements include a good brushing every other day with a quality dog brush. They are prone to tangles and mats on the ears.
These dogs are average shedders.
Health Problems of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs
The average life expectancy of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs is about nine to fourteen years.
Major health concerns for this breed are:
- CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
- mitral valve disease
- syringomyelia
Minor health issues include:
- entropion
- patellar luxation
- tends to gain weight easily
- ear infections
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Best,
Omar Reyes
For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:
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