| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the smallest dogs in the World: Let’s see all of its characteristics
In order to find out the origins of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, we need to travel back in time to the year 1300; it is believed that during this period the Spaniel hunting dogs from Spain entered England for the very first time.
The propagation of Spaniels in England was due to a law established by this country; this law prohibited that dogs that could not go through a hole of 12 inches diameter (approximately 30 cm.) would not be allowed to be used as hunting dogs.
We can find artworks and literary works from this period with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels being used as hunting and companion dogs of ladies and noblemen.
Artists like Tiziano Vecellio, in English known as Titian (1488) or Sir Anthony van Dyck (1598), portrayed this dog breed in their paintings; this could give an idea of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s evolution through time.
This dog breed was endangered during the period between the First and Second World War due to the arrival of short-muzzled dog breeds like the Pug, the Pekingese and the Japanese Chin, to some countries.
Portrait of Charles II’s three older sons, oil canvas painting of Anthony van Dyck, Sabauda Gallery in Turin.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Types
In 1662, Charles II married Catherine of Braganza: they shared a passion for Spaniels, and let their dogs run free through the halls and rooms of the Palace.
Catherine came from Portugal and she took with her the Japanese Chins she had received as a present from missionaries that came from the Orient. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the result of the breeding of miniature Spaniels and these oriental dogs.
The name of the Cavalier King Charles was in honor of Charles II who was extremely passionate about this dog breed. In 1928, the standard of the Cavalier was defined and the breed spread widely; nowadays you can find it all over the World.
This small dog is known for having a flat head decorated with two adorable long ears, its coat is long and smooth, and you can find it in different colors:
- Red
- Black and Tan
- Blenheim (white with brown spots)
- Tricolored
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Temperament
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate, joyful and very brave dog, it has the ability to adapt to every situation, it is not aggressive at all and for this particular reason it was chosen during centuries as a companion dog.
It has a cheerful temperament, so it never stays still; you will have to acquire a lot of toys if you are willing to adopt this adorable but restless dog.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as we mention earlier adapts easily, it loves being at home, but also running and playing in the backyard; you must take it to regular walks because it needs a lot of exercise.
We recommend letting your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sleep inside the house, as it is not used to being outdoors and it prefers the comfort and warmth of its home.
In the past, it was used as a hunting dog, but then it became the English Court’s favorite, as well as the perfect choice for everyone who wanted a companion dog.
Nowadays it is only adopted as a companion dog; thanks to its small size you can take it anywhere in a dog purse because it is light and usually weighs between 11-17 lb (5 y 8 kg.).
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Health
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a delicate dog breed; you must pay extra attention to its health. The most common disease of this breed is syringomyelia: a disorder in which liquid or cysts form within the spinal cord.
It is also prone to have mitral insufficiency and ocular disorders like cataracts. It is important to exercise your Cavalier so it does not develop obesity or overweight that could lead to severe cardiac diseases.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Relationship with the Owner
It is a sociable dog and enjoys being in the company of its family, thanks to its temperament it is also used as a therapy dog. The ideal owner for this dog breed must cuddle and play with it all the time. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is always looking for its owner’s attention and closeness.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Relationship with Children
The Cavalier’s small size and energy makes it the perfect dog for children, it does not usually bark and loves to play. Do not forget to buy your pet some toys, they will be helpful.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Relationship with Other Dogs
This is a very active dog and does not have any issues sharing its time with other dogs, animals or human beings, even better if they are small-sized or puppies.
Cavalier King Charles spaniel: Price, Breeders, and Puppies For Sale
If you ever see a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy it is impossible not to completely fall in love with its beautiful eyes, it will enchant you instantly. The price of one of these adorable puppies can be 700-1200 dollars, 600-1000 English pounds.
This is a very delicate dog, so it is important to purchase it from a reliable breeder, to insure that your puppy has been:
- Raised to have good character and good health;
- Carefully selected (its parents were chosen without any genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too aggressive or fearful;
- Vaccinated and well-cared for.
When you adopt a puppy, a reliable breeder provides you with an official veterinarian certificate, in which it is formally stipulated that the animal is in perfect health and dewormed.
You can ask for a pedigree certificate, which allows you to check your dog breed´s purity. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics that distinguish it among the others.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new four-legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Curiosities
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has not only made the English Royalty Family fall in love, there is a list of famous people from different countries that had a Cavalier in their lives, for example: Coco Chanel, Oscar Wilde, Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan, etc.
From politics, to literature, music and fashion, this dog breed even appeared on the big screen in movies like Sex and the City, among others.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Russian Toy
- Manchester Terrier
- American Hairless Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Alaskan Klee Kai
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Griffon Belge
- Maltese
- Chihuahua
- Lakeland Terrier
