What are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Characteristics?

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is friendly and affectionate. This dog breed falls into the "toy" classification but has characteristics of a spaniel, too. The ancestry of this breed dates back to the era of King Charles II of Britain, an ardent fan. Consider the various characteristics of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel to determine whether this dog is the right one for your family.

  1. Appearance

    • A full grown dog is 12 to 13 inches in height and 13 to 18 pounds. The coat is long, soft and silky with feathering on the ears, legs, tail and feet. Traditional colors are blenheim (chestnut and white), tri-color (black, white and tan), ruby (solid red) and black and tan. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is nicely proportioned with large, round eyes, long ears and an undocked tail.

    Temperament

    • According to the American Kennel Club, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel likes children and other dogs. The breed is affectionate, playful, intelligent and easy to train. Companionship either with people or another dog is necessary for the dog to thrive. This dog should not be left alone for long periods of time.

    Care

    • The coat of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel requires regular brushing. This breed sheds and does not require trimming. Regular exercise is important but does not need to be excessive. Because this breed enjoys a chase, a fenced backyard is desirable.

    Health Considerations

    • The long history of breeding Cavalier King Charles spaniels has contributed to specific genetic health disorders in this type of dog. According to Your Purebred Puppy, heart mitral valve (HMV) disease, which leads to heart failure, is the leading cause of death in a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Syringomyelia, an inherited neurological disease in which the skull does not allow enough room for the brain to grow, is also more likely to occur in this breed.