cavalier king charles spaniels

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred as lap dogs and become quite popular with royals. The breed is named for King Charles II who was rarely seen without his Toy Spaniels. Like many characters from British history, Cavalier Spaniels exhibit many noble characteristics, namely a friendly and affectionate personality, and a silky-smooth coat.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is so popular around the globe because the silky canine incorporates the best of two worlds; toy-size pooch and affectionate canine companion. Renowned for their friendly disposition and affectionate demeanor, Cavalier Spaniels make terrific family pets, they even get along with well with other dogs and children. Cavaliers are hardly considered the best watchdogs due to their abundance of affection and incredibly friendly temperament.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's personality is arguably its best feature; friendly, and affectionate with no tendency towards nervousness, shyness, or aggression. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are friendly with other pets, children, and even strangers. Cavaliers love their owners who describe them as playful, gentle, quiet, and very affectionate.

Cavaliers are generally calm which makes them a great choice for apartment living. They love to cuddle but are also always down for an energetic adventure. Cavaliers are also smart with large dark puppy-dog eyes that they use to get food and affection from their owners.

Known for being one of the sweetest and friendliest breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an average life expectancy of 12-15 years. The Cavalier is generally a healthy breed but there are some unique health conditions they are prone to. It is important to monitor them for any physical or behavioral changes, along with contacting your veterinarian with any concerns. Most vets will recommend running basic health screenings to diagnose or even rule out potential health risks associated with this breed.

Health Concerns
• Patellar Luxation
• Hip Dysplasia
• Mitral Valve Heart Disease
• Syringomyelia
• Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS)

Minor Health Concerns
• Eye Issues
• Ear Infections

Suggested Screenings
• Eye Exam
• Knee Exam
• Hip X-ray
• Cardiac Exam
• Blood Test

Routine Care
• Neuter or Spay
• Regular Dental Exams
• Eye Care
• Ear Care
• Controlled Exercise

Though Cavalier Spaniels are generally considered low-maintenance, there are a few breed-specific characteristics that owners should be aware of.

Toy dog breeds, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are susceptible to back, hip, and joint issues which can cause pain, bladder and bowel control problems, and even partial paralysis. To avoid future spinal issues, it's best to prevent your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from leaping off furniture or stairs.

Cavalier Spaniels tend to bark when left alone for extended periods. Regular socialization and exercise can reduce stress and a Cavalier Spaniel's urge to bark.

The Cavalier Spaniel's ears are floppy, silky, and adorable, but they are also a potential breeding ground for a bacterial infection. For this reason, it is important for owners to regularly clean their Cavalier Spaniel's ears.

Though your Cavalier Spaniel may seem like a couch potato, they are energetic, and athletic and never turn down a chance to play outside. The Cavalier's prey drive is strong; it will jump at a chance to chase birds and rabbits, so it is always important to keep them on a leash when outdoors. They do best with two 15-minute walks a day.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are incredibly social, affectionate, and friendly. However, if not socialized early Cavaliers may develop several undesired behaviors. It's important to socialize a Cavalier Spaniel so that it can experience positive social interactions with other pets, new family members, and strangers.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are smart, gentle, and eager to please, as such they are also comparatively easy to train, and adapt well to new situations.