What Are Cavalier Puppies?

Cavalier puppies are Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel breed is named for King Charles II but is a distinct breed from the King Charles spaniel. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are happy dogs that are eager to please and love to be around people. They are also called Ruby spaniels or Blenheim spaniels, due their distinctive coloring. Ruby spaniels are red. Blenheim spaniels are white with chestnut markings, with a white blaze between the eyes and ears. There may be a chestnut mark, called the blenheim spot, in the center of the white blaze.

  1. Characteristics

    • Cavalier King Charles spaniels have a slightly rounded head, long ears and full muzzle. They have a silky coat that may be ruby, black and tan, chestnut and white, or tricolored. Tricolored are black, white and tan. They weigh between 10 and 18 pounds, and are about 12 inches high. They usually live nine to 14 years. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have large, round, dark brown eyes with dark rims that give them a soft expression.

    Temperament

    • King Charles spaniels are affectionate, energetic and intelligent. They require daily walks, exercise and companionship. They get along well with people, other dogs and other pets. They are descended from hunting breeds so they have a strong sense of smell, good eyesight and an instinct to chase. They are fearless and do well with obedience training.

    Puppies

    • Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies are relatively easy to housebreak and train. As with any breed, take the puppy outside soon after eating and when he wakes up. Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. They are a toy breed and should be kept indoors with their human families. Temperature extremes can cause severe health problems or even death. Puppies should be examined for hereditary eye defects and cardiac mitral valve disease.

    Breeding History

    • The original King Charles spaniel had a longer nose than the current breed. In the late 1600s, the King Charles spaniel was interbred with pugs, resulting in a smaller dog with a flatter nose and upturned face. In the 1920s, an American named Roswell Eldridge revived interest in the longer-nosed dog depicted in paintings of King Charles II with his dogs. British and American breeders revived the longer-nosed breed. In the 1940s, the longer-nosed dog was classified as a separate breed called the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. It achieved full recognition by the American Kennel Association in 1996 and is classified in the toy group.