Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is descended from toy spaniels that were popular among the nobility. King Charles II was a big fan of the dog during his reign from 1660 to 1685.

In the early 18th century, they returned to popularity and were used for hunting. The first Cavalier club wasn't created until 1928, and in 1945 the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was recognised by the Kennel Club as a separate breed.

Who are Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs best for?

This toy spaniel is a small, affectionate dog, which is ideal for families or older people looking for a canine companion.

As a breed, they tend to form strong attachments, so they are better suited to people that are able to spend a lot of time with them. They can suffer from separation anxiety, so people working from home or those that are retired would be great candidates for this dog.

They only need around 40 minutes of exercise a day, so if you are looking for an active dog to join you on hikes and big walks, this might not be the best choice of breed for you.

How much grooming does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?

Regular bathing and grooming are necessary to keep your Cavalier Kinng Charles Spaniel looking at its best. It would be best to bathe your dog as often as once a week and no less than once every six weeks. Grooming your dog should be a daily task.

To keep your dog's coat looking great and tangle-free and help stimulate and spread the dog's natural oils, brushing the dog daily with a medium bristle brush is advised.

Brushing your dog for around ten minutes a day, especially if your dog has a medium to long coat, should help prevent knots on its underbelly, tail, ears, chest, or legs.

Misting the coat with a light water spray before brushing will help you to remove dead hair and achieve a soft, silky appearance. This breed will shed all year round, and daily brushing will help to manage the hair that is cast and stop your home from getting covered.

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel bark much?

Because the CKCS has a docile, laid-back nature, they are not known for barking frequently. This is great for people living in apartments as you won't need to worry about them disturbing neighbours.

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel bite?

It is natural for puppies to bite and nip while playing. Training from an early age and socialisation classes to get them used to other dogs will help to stop this.

CKCSs are generally docile in nature and don't tend to be aggressive with other dogs. If your dog is showing aggressive tendencies, this could be due to an underlying factor.

Taking your dog to a vet to get them checked over and speaking with a dog behaviourist should help to determine what is causing this. You will then be provided with advice on how to manage this and train your dog.

What is the temperament & personality of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

One of the best things about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is the temperament. They are generally friendly and are good with kids and strangers. Personalities will change between individual dogs, with some being more laid back and sedate with others being more playful.

What is the weight & size of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed would usually measure from around 30 to 33 cm in height to the shoulder and weigh between 5.5 kilos and 8 kilos.

How much training does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?

When training Cavaliers, positive reinforcement through treats is a great way to get results. They tend to be intelligent, obedient dogs that train well.

House training can be a bit more complicated, but maintaining a consistent schedule and rewarding them for going to the toilet when you are out should help them to get in the swing of it.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are regarded as being a generally healthy breed. However, each breed will be more prone to certain conditions than others, which is no different here.

Here are the most common conditions the CKCS is likely to suffer from;

• Mitral Valve Disease - Mitral Valve Disease or MVD is a condition that affects the valves of the heart, causing them to deteriorate. The main symptom of this will be a heart murmur that gradually worsens. This is a genetically inherited condition, so reputable breeders will regularly check their dogs for it.

• Episodic Falling - Episodic Falling can be confused with epilepsy, but the main difference is the dog remains conscious. The cause of the falls or seizure-like episodes is the dog's inability to relax its muscles.

• Syringomyelia (SM) - Syringomyelia is a condition caused by a malformed skull. This reduces the brain's space and can result in pain and paralysis. Symptoms of this condition developing include head and neck sensitivity and the dog trying to scratch the area. Consult with your vet if you have concerns that are familiar with this.

• Patellar Luxation - Patellar Luxation is a painful condition that causes the dog's kneecaps to slide out of place. Mild cases can be managed with pain medication, and more severe cases may require corrective surgery.

• Hip Dysplasia - If the bones around the hip and the hip socket grow at different rates, there can be an issue with how they fit together. This condition can cause pain and lameness but can be resolved with surgery.

• Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye) - This condition causes the tear glands to produce fewer tears and can lead to blindness. Administering eye drops daily can help combat this issue.

What is the lifespan of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

The average life span of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between 9 and 14 years. The dog's bloodline, diet, and lifestyle will have a significant impact on how long you can expect your dog to live.

How much should you feed a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels should eat between half a cup and a full cup of quality dry food. This should be divided into two meals, and you should ensure the dog food contains all the nutrients necessary for the dog's development.

What is the price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in Australia?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to over $7,000 for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies in Australia. This will depend on the breeder and the dog's bloodline.

Finding a responsible breeder is essential if you want to minimise the risk of buying a Cavalier with health problems. Asking to see the paperwork and the puppy's parents is a great way to ensure the breeding dogs are healthy.

Contacting the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel National Breed Club for advice on breeders is another way to ensure you are buying purebred dogs from a reputable breeder.