If you’re considering adding a Cavalier to your family, there are some things you should know about this popular breed.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an adaptable dog that does well with both active owners and couch potatoes.
Regular exercise will keep your dog healthy and happy. A 30-minute walk twice a day is ideal.
Physical Characteristics
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, sturdy dogs that stand 12 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 13 and 18 pounds. They’re a very popular breed because of their lovable personalities and their willingness to please.
Their friendly nature makes them great companions for children or adults. They’re also very happy to play with other dogs. However, they’re best suited to homes where there are adults or older children who will take the time to play with them.
They’re a very active breed, and they can become bored or frustrated if they’re left alone for too long. Ideally, they’d live in a home with a stay-at-home parent or retired couple who can spend time with them and play with them when they’re bored.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a short, dense coat that is medium in length and comes in colors such as tricolor, black and tan, or Blenheim (red and white). They’re often referred to as a “blenheim” dog because of their similar coloring to the red-and-white spaniels John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, kept at his estate in England.
Historically, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were highly prized as bird hunters, but they became increasingly popular as companions and lap dogs during the 1800s. They were bred to be small, and this made them ideal as pet dogs.
If you’re considering adding a Cavalier to your family, make sure you do your research and check out a reputable breeder or rescue. You can also ask your veterinarian for advice.
There are some health conditions that the Cavalier is susceptible to, but they can be treated or prevented with proper care. Some of these include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and heart disease.
A mitral valve defect is the most common form of canine heart disease. It occurs when the mitral valve, which is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart, becomes enlargement and leaky. The dog’s heart has to work harder to pump blood out and can develop congestive heart failure as a result.
Temperament
Cavaliers are very friendly, affectionate dogs that love to be in a lap. Their sweet temperament makes them excellent family pets, and they are especially fond of children. They are also a good choice for people with allergies or other health concerns.
They are highly intelligent and responsive to training, but harsh words can cause them to become defensive. Use food rewards instead of yelling when you want them to learn something new.
When choosing a puppy, look for one from a reputable breeder who raises her puppies in a loving home environment and tests them for genetic diseases. Then, socialize your pup from an early age so he grows up confident and happy in his new surroundings.
These playful little dogs thrive in families with older children who are willing to play with them and teach them obedience and other tricks. They are also good with other pets, but they should never be left alone for long periods of time because they can become anxious and destructive when left unsupervised.
A healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs regular grooming to keep their long, silky coats in top shape. Their ears, tails and legs should be brushed twice a week to prevent tangles and mats from forming. Brush their teeth and trim their nails regularly, too.
The Cavalier Dog breed is a small, toy spaniel that comes in four different colors: black and tan, mahogany ruby, red and white (Blenheim) and tricolor (chestnut markings on a pearl white background). These adorable dogs are bred for show and make great companions.
Their wagging tails and large eyes are sure to melt your heart. They are also known as the “comforter dogs,” because they make the perfect cuddle buddy.
They are very devoted to their people, so it’s important to make sure they get plenty of attention and exercise. They love to go for walks, hikes and car rides but need some active playtime too.
If you’re looking for a loyal, sweet and cheerful companion who will always be there for you, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the ideal choice. They’re a joy to have in the house and are great with kids, other animals and older people.
Health Issues
The Cavalier Dog is a breed that’s often prone to health conditions. These can be expensive, time-consuming and painful for the pet and the owner. It’s important to know about these health concerns before adopting a Cavalier.
One of the most common health problems associated with the Cavalier is heart disease. This is an inherited condition that affects the mitral valve in the heart, causing blood to leak back into the heart. This is the leading cause of death for this breed.
Aside from MVD, this breed is also predisposed to certain eye diseases like cataracts and retinal dysplasia. Your Cavalier’s vet will check for signs of these conditions and recommend treatment if necessary.
Another disease that can afflict your Cavalier is ear infections. Known as “glue ear” due to the thick mucous plug that fills the middle ear, this disorder is common in this breed and affects close to 50% of them.
It is usually diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 8 years, although it may start earlier. Affected dogs will have poor hearing and a lack of response to sounds such as your voice, squeaky toys, clapping, whistling, doorbells, etc.
This is a painful and debilitating disease that can be difficult to diagnose, but your vet will help determine the extent of the problem by taking x-rays. Your vet will likely prescribe medication to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
Intervertebral disc disease is also an issue for this breed, which occurs when the jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae slips or ruptures. This can lead to pain, lameness, and stiff back legs.
If your Cavalier starts dragging his back legs or shows other signs of spinal problems, contact us immediately. The sooner your dog is diagnosed, the faster the treatment can begin.
Other neurologic issues can also impact your Cavalier, including seizures, tremors and weakness. Some of these disorders are treatable with medication or surgery, while others are more serious and can be fatal.
Fortunately, there is much research being done on CKCS to find better treatments for these disorders and other canine health issues. By supporting these efforts, you can help save the lives of your Cavalier and all other canines.
Training
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed with a friendly personality and a keen desire to please its owners. With the right training, these dogs can be obedient, happy and well-behaved pets. They are also popular as therapy dogs and for participating in dog sports.
They are extremely trainable and learn quickly if you use positive, reward-based training methods. They love to play and are eager to learn new tricks.
It is important to socialize Cavalier puppies as early as possible, so they grow up confident and have good manners. They will be timid and nervous at first, but with patience and lots of fun, they will soon become loving companions.
A Cavalier puppy needs daily exercise to keep it healthy and to build strong bones, muscles and joints. It’s best to walk them for at least 30 minutes a day, and more when they are young.
Cavaliers love exercise, but they shouldn’t be pushed to do too much at once. They can become tired and suffer from mental and physical health issues if they are overexerted.
When it comes to toilet training, a clicker is an excellent tool for rewarding your dog when they go outside. Start using it when he is a pup to help him understand that you mean business and will reward him when he goes where you want him to.
Once your pup is older, you can switch to a more traditional training method. Begin by showing your pup where he needs to go and then using verbal commands like “Go potty,” “Potty inside,” or “Toilet outside.” Then, reward him when he follows your commands.
As long as you have patience and consistency, your pup will toilet in the place you want him to. Make sure he has a designated area where he can go and take him out for bathroom breaks frequently.
A crate is a great way to train your pup to stay in a specific location while you’re not home. This will keep him secure and he’ll be less likely to soil the crate.
