Office: (254) 947-4475
Cell: (254) 721-1101
Fax: (254) 947-5576
Email: homeland44@aol.com
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ABOUT THE BREED
This beautiful small spaniel has dark round expressive eyes that are large
but not prominent. The tail is sometimes docked to no less then three times
its length. It has a conical muzzle and a flat skull. It has a shallow stop,
with well developed nose and wide nostrils. The ears are long with abundant
feathering. It has a silky coat, sometimes with a slight waviness that comes in
ruby, black & tan, tri-color and blenheim (rich chestnut on a pearly-white
background).
Temperament: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate
tail-wagger. Lively, outgoing and sportive. These fearless lively little dogs
want to please. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and
therefore are usually easy to train and respond well to gentle obedience
training. They are said to be naturally well behaved and get along well with other
dogs and non-canine pets. Cavalier's love people and need lots of
companionship to be happy. They should not be left alone all day. They are descended
from hunting dogs and love to romp in the great outdoors. This breed sometimes
displays a chasing instinct and should be kept well enclosed or leashed so he
does not get lost or run over by a car! They do best with older considerate
children and some can be reserved with strangers. The Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel is a pleasant companion dog. It has a noteworthy sense of smell and
vision and can be used in short hunts in open country. They do well in
competitive obedience.
Height & Weight Height: 12-13 inches (30-33 cm.)
Weight: 10-18 pounds (5-8 kg.)
Health Problems: Don't over feed. This breed tends to gain weight easily.
Some lines are genetically disposed to a serious heart problem, which sometimes
causes early death. When selecting one of these dogs, it is extremely
important to check the medical history of several previous generations. They are
also prone to hereditary eye disease, dislocating kneecaps, and ear
infections.
Living Conditions: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is good for apartment
life. They are moderately active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.
The Cavalier does not do well in very warm conditions.
Exercise: Whatever exercise you can provide will be just fine with this
adaptable dog, as they will adapt to your family's circumstances. However, they
greatly enjoy a good romp in the park.
Life Expectancy: About 9-14 years.
Grooming: Comb or brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo
as necessary. The feathered hair on the ears is prone to tangling and matting,
so this dog should be thoroughly groomed often. The hair between the pads on
the feet should be kept trimmed and the ears should be cleaned regularly.
Always make sure the dog is thoroughly dry and warm after a bath. Check the
eyes carefully for any signs of infection. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin: Developed from a cross between the King Charles and a Cocker Spaniel,
the Cavalier differs greatly from its forebears. Its breeders were trying
to reproduce a toy dog similar to those seen in portraits from the time of
England's Charles II, who was said to dote on these small dogs. In the 1920's
the American, Roswell Eldridge, offered prize money during a Cruft's Dog Show
in London, to any person exhibiting King Charles Spaniels with long noses.
He was looking for dogs similar to those appearing in Van Dyck's paintings of
King Charles II and his spaniels. By the 1940's these dogs were classified
as a separate breed and were given the prefix Cavalier, to differentiate them
from their forebears. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was shown in the Toy
Group of the AKC beginning in 1996.
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