The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: small dog with an adorable head

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the perfect little dog with an adorable face that you want to hug and pet. The sociable, kind, loving company above all, he is the ideal companion dog.

• Height:                25 to 34 cm
• Weight:                between 5.4 and 8 kg
• Hair:                    long
• Color:                  black and tan or ruby ​​or Blenheim (bright chestnut markings on a                                  white background) or tricolor (black, white, and tan)
• Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
• Gestation period: 63 days

Description and characteristics of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an adorable, lively, and graceful little dog from the spaniel family. His body is short and well proportioned. His head is practically flat between his ears, which are long and droopy. Its cone-shaped muzzle is short and straight. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has large, dark eyes which give it its gentle expression and make it all its charm. His long hair is silky with lots of bangs. It can be of different colors depending on the variety of its race.

Origin of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Le Cavalier King Charles, originaire de Grande Bretagne, tient son nom du roi Charles II d’Angleterre qui a régné au 17e siècle, dont il était l’animal de compagnie favori. Des peintures célèbres de cette époque ont d’ailleurs représenté le Cavalier King Charles. Au début du 20e siècle, les descendants de cette race n’ayant plus tout à fait les mêmes caractéristiques qu’au 17e siècle, des cynophiles ont décidé de le croiser avec des Pékinois et des Carlin. Le Cavalier King Charles a ensuite été reconnu comme chien de race en Grande Bretagne en 1928. Il est arrivé en France à partir du milieu des années 70.

Character and behavior of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Who is it for?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a happy, cuddly, and very sociable dog who likes to be surrounded by other animals, as well as by humans. He shows great kindness and he is not at all aggressive. It is therefore the ideal companion for children with whom he loves to play and be cuddled. By its sweetness, it is also a dog very well suited for the elderly. The most important thing for him is to be next to his masters. He, therefore, lives perfectly well in an apartment, as in a house, in the city as in the countryside.

On the other hand, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel adapts perfectly to the rhythm of his masters. He is sporty and playful if his masters are; he is calm if his masters are. When he is happy, he has the particularity of spinning his tail like a fan.

How to take care of your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: his needs

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a dog of great sensitivity and an unfailing attachment that can show behavioral problems of anxiety when separated from its masters. It is therefore advisable not to overprotect him to help him manage these situations as well as possible, which, however, should not be repeated often for his well-being. In general, the Cavalier King Charles does not bear to be left alone at the risk of letting himself waste away: he was born to live with men.

Side grooming, the Cavalier King Charles does not require special care despite its long and silky hair. Brushing two to three times a week is enough to maintain his coat.

Feeding the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The diet must be well adapted to the weight, size, and age of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. In the same way, his rations must correspond to his level of physical activity. Industrial food offers croquettes or other specialties corresponding to each need, but the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel also appreciates homemade food, which will be mainly meat-based.

The health of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a fairly robust dog but he is more particularly prone to heart disease, degeneration of the mitral valve, which increases the volume of the heart and ultimately causes pulmonary edema. Monitoring of his heart by regular ultrasounds is therefore recommended. His eyes and ears are also susceptible to parasites and diseases and require special constant care.