Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavaliers are adorable, fun-sized dogs with big brown puppy eyes. They have droopy, feathered ears and medium-sized silky fur. Their snouts are short but definite. These furry friends are adaptable to different environments, people and homes.

Other Names
Cavie
Country of Origin
England
Colour

Black, tan, ruby, tricolour and red and white.

Size
Small
Height / Weight
The average height of both dogs and bitches is between 30 to 33 cm and the weight is between 5.5 and 8 kg.
Health
Cavaliers are extremely prone to Mitral Valve Disease, to avoid it is wise to adopt from dogs that have shown no sign of the disease at 3-5 years of age, this can be confirmed with a breeder. They are also prone to ear infections, heart murmurs, joint and skin issues as well as cataracts.
Life Span

12-15 years

Intelligence
As Cavaliers are eager to please their family they are very easily trained and are often a popular breed in obedience trials. This dog can also be trained to be an indoor dog because of their clean nature.
Exercise
Medium
Suitability (Children)
Medium
Feeding

Cavaliers have a tendency to become overweight so it is important not to over feed them. Despite this they have no special dietary requirements and are undemanding dogs to feed.

Feeding Cost
$5 to $10 p/w
Other Cost
Excercise
Although this breed does not require strenuous exercise, and will adapt to your lifestyle, it is important to exercise regularly to keep your Cavalier healthy.
Hair Shed
Little
Ailments
Cavaliers are extremely prone to Mitral Valve Disease, to avoid it is wise to adopt from dogs that have shown no sign of the disease at 3-5 years of age, this can be confirmed with a breeder. They are also prone to ear infections, heart murmurs, joint and skin issues as well as cataracts.
Grooming
Cavaliers should be groomed thoroughly once a week. The nails and the hair between the pads of the feet should be trimmed once a month. This is a shedding dog but good grooming should keep the hair load on your furniture fairly low. Special attention must be given to the ears are they are drop ears and there is very little air circulation. No trimming is necessary, and is disallowed, for the show ring.
Grooming Frequency
Once a week
Trimming
None
The Royal name of the King Charles Spaniel originates from King Charles II of England, who was so fond of his Spaniels he bestowed his own name of them and would not part from them. These dogs were bred to be companion dogs and to attract fleas of their mistresses, so the owner would not get bitten and die of the plague. After the death of King Charles this breed's popularity went down. From then on they were bred with other dogs to create the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that is so well known today. In 1995 this breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club.


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