Are you planning to buy a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy breed that is highly affectionate, intelligent, patient, playful and eager to please. This breed could be perfect for you if you need a low-shedding dog that gets along well with people and other dogs.
Breed In Brief:
This breed ranks 20th for one of the most popular pure-breed options in the U.S.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, playful, intelligent dogs.
Height: 12 -13 inches
Weight: 13 -18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 -15 years
Temperament:
Cavaliers are not shy. They are very affectionate and will want to be on your lap or with you most of time. They are adaptable to other pets and children and especially like to cuddle.
These dogs are not barkers. They will express their happiness with whole body wiggles.
These dogs are not good guard dogs. They will approach strangers with tongues out and tails wagging. Their small size also works against them. If you are needing a pet for protection or to alert you to strangers, this is not the dog for you.
Overall Care:
Feeding:
This breed tends to overeat. They love food and treats. You must monitor their food consumption. Do not refill their bowl every time it is empty.
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Grooming:
Cavaliers have a long lustrous coat. That requires regular grooming to keep tangle free. A good brushing once a week should suffice. They do not need to be trimmed but some people do cut back their long feathers.
Cavaliers are light on shedding. You can expect some light shedding in the spring and fall.
A Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniel will need its ears cleaned regularly.
Training:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are of average intelligence in working and obedience. If you are interested in competing in agility drills, this is one of their strengths. They are easy to train and easy to housebreak.
Exercise:
You should expect to give you Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 20 minutes of exercise per day. They require space to play and love to chase squirrels.
You will need to keep your dog on a leash when walking. They have a tendency to run after birds, squirrels, bikes or cars.
Health:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have several common hereditary health conditions:
- Mitral valve disease
- Syringomyelia
- Retinal disorders
- Cataracts
- Slipping patella
- Hip dysplasia
Bad breeding increases the risk that your Cavalier will develop MVD. You need to find a breeder that breeds dogs with healthy hearts to limit your risk. Doing research on your breeder is important.
History:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred to warm laps and flush birds out of bushes. Spaniels have a strong instinct to hunt and chase things. This can include moving cars and squirrels. Because of this, it is important to keep this dog leashed when out for walks. Their hunting instincts may overtake their training to stay with you.
This breed is cuddly. They like to be on your lap. In times past they would keep you warm while riding in your carriage or sitting in your castle.
Costs:
Costs can range from $1200 to $10,000 depending on the pedigree. The better the championship lineage the more you will pay.
Conclusion:
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is ideal as a family dog or as a companion for empty nesters. They adapt easily and quickly to any environment, location (city or country), family group and even thrive with other dogs. The Cavalier loves to cuddle and has been described as the perfect lap dog.
