About Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Identification

• The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the largest toy breed. As adults, they typically stand 12 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh about 15 to 20 pounds. The spaniels have a long soft coat which is not overly thick. The fur is either black and tan, or red (chestnut), in a solid pattern or broken up with white.

History

• The breed has been traced back to 15th century Europe, where they became popular as a pretty little family dog, particularly for the upper classes. The toy spaniel was perfect for lap-sitting with the women as well as going for small-game hunts with the men. They also were good dogs to have around children, being gentle and fun companions. The dogs appear in many royal portraits, and King Charles II of the 1600s is credited with their increasing favor. This king even issued a royal edict that no public building could forbid a toy spaniel from entering. Because of his devotion, people began calling this type of dog King Charles Spaniels.

Recognition

• Over time, people bred the dogs to have rounded heads and faces rather than the original spaniel-like face, but in the early 1900s some breeders worked again to restore these toy spaniels to their earlier look. The English Kennel Club designated the breed as King Charles Spaniels, Cavalier type, in 1928, in honor of a political group which had supported King Charles II. In 1945 they issued the dog its own breed status. Official American Kennel Club recognition did not occur until 1993. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the most popular toy breed in England and one of the favorite breeds of all there. They are still not overly common in the United States, but are increasing in popularity.

Features

• In many ways, these dogs are the perfect companion pet. They were bred for numerous advantageous qualities. Spaniels perform a style of hunting spaniels which requires obedience, and the dogs are easily trained, as well as smart enough to learn many instructions. They are attractive and affectionate, and are very sociable with people and with other dogs.

Considerations

• Because the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sporting breed, they require regular exercise. They should not be walked without a leash because of their tendency to chase after squirrels and other small animals. Also, the dog's congenial nature means it will approach other dogs who might not be friendly. They can be very expensive to purchase, with the typical price range in the U.S. running around $500 to $1200 as of 2009.

Caution

• In-breeding has led to some hereditary issues. This is a common problem with some popular breeds, as ignorant or unscrupulous breeders continue to mate the same lines and spread the conditions. The most prevalent issue with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is heart problems. About 50 percent of these dogs over 4 years of age have a deteriorating mitral valve. Mitral valve prolapse or insufficiency affects even more Cavaliers as they age, making their average lifespan only 7 to 10 years, though many fortunate owners have dogs who live well beyond that. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need regular testing for heart problems and if the condition does occur, they will need regular treatment. The breed also is subject to hip dysplasia, neurological disorders and eye disorders. Purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder who provides documentation of health of the parents is important.