Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavaliers are of disputed origin, but similar spaniels are featured in paintings from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries with the children of court families. Cavaliers are a perfect example of a luxurious toy dog: the common man could not afford to raise a dog that did not work.

Appearance

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are known for their sweet, almost melting expressions. Cavaliers average about 12 to 13 inches at the shoulders and generally weigh between 10 to 18 pounds. They have a medium-length, silky coat that can be black and tan, black and white, chestnut, or reddish-brown.

Personality

Cavaliers are gentle, playful creatures. They make wonderful companions and happily greet family members, other dogs, pets, and strangers. They are quiet but sociable, and are typically non-aggressive. Cavaliers fare best when surrounded by people; leaving them isolated for long-periods of time can be taxing.

History

Small spaniel-types have existed for centuries, evident in artwork from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is so named due to its status as a great favorite of Charles I of Britain, a tradition carried by Charles II. However, Cavaliers fell out of style during the reign of William and Mary (where the favored dog was the Pug). The breed commonly seen today was revived by the American Roswell Elridge; Elridge came to England in the early 1920s seeking a pair of spaniels like the old type he had seen in paintings. Failing to find such specimens, Elridge offered a large monetary prize for the best efforts in breeding creatures closely resembling the “Old Type”. This revitalized interest in the Toy Spaniel, eventually leading to the creation of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Care

Cavaliers require only occasional brushing, but may be done frequently to reduce hair in the home. The fine hairs behind the Cavaliers’ ears should be paid extra attention. They can be trained for agility or even hunting. They need a moderate amount of exercise a day, usually in the form of walks or romp.

Health

The breed has two major health concerns: mitral valve insufficiency and canine hip dysplasia. Minor concerns include patellar luxation and entropion. Average lifespan is 12 years. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels should get regular medical check-ups for cardiac, hip, knee, and eye.

Conditions Summary

• Mitral Valve Insufficiency: a form of heart failure, leading to high blood pressure and fluid in the lungs.
• Canine Hip Dysplasia: a condition where the hip and thigh bone joint gradually becomes disconnected, leading to other symptoms.
• Patellar Luxation: a condition where the knee cap moves out of position momentarily, can lead to lameness.
• Entropion: the lower eyelid rolls inward, causing pain and possible infections and permanent damage.

References

The Complete Dog Book. New York: Ballantine Books, 2006. Print.

"Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: A Guide to Dogs and Puppies of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed." The Dog Guide: Helping You Find Your Perfect Dog. 

"Animal Planet :: Dog Breed Profile :: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel." Animal Planet : Pets, Wild Animals, Dog Breeds, Cat Breeds. 

"American Kennel Club - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel." American Kennel Club - Akc.org.  

"Choosing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel." Pet Place:Pet Care Information - Pet Information - Pet Health Information.  

"Heart Failure (Mitral Valve Insufficiency) in the Dog." Pet Health Care | Dog and Cat Behavior Information by Veterinarians.  

"Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention." Pet Health Care | Dog and Cat Behavior Information by Veterinarians.  

"Luxating Patella: A Knee Problem in Dogs." Pet Health Care | Dog and Cat Behavior Information by Veterinarians.  

"Entropion - Inward Folding Eyelids in Dogs." Pet Health Care | Dog and Cat Behavior Information by Veterinarians.