About the Breed

 The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a much admired Royal Spaniel having  been known in Europe and Great Britain since the 16th Century,  descending from the toy spaniels of Europe.
Packs of the little dogs  are said to have been kept by members of the nobility as sporting dogs  possessing a highly developed scenting capacity and enjoying nothing  better than wading in water. As lap dogs they were popular with the  ladies who used them as comforters by laying them on their stomachs or  feet as 'warmers' during their long carriage journeys, thereby being  known as the "comforter" of "spaniel gentle".
They first appeared in  the courts of England with the reign of Queen Mary the first. The breed  which appears in many of the great paintings by the Masters, received  it's name from King Charles II who was always surrounded by the Royal  Spaniels. The original toy spaniels became virtually extinct in the  Victorian and Edwardian eras as short nosed breeds took the fore. By  1923 the King Charles Spaniel (today's English Toy), with it's flat  nose, had replaced the old-type toy spaniel.
In 1926 the incentive  for revitalization of the old-type Toy Spaniel was provided by Mr.  Roswell Eldridge, an American, who offered prizes of 25 pounds for the  Best Dog and Best Bitch of this type at "Crufts".
The name Cavalier  was added when the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was founded in  1928 to further develop the breed. It was not until 1945 that the Kennel  Club (England) granted separate registration from the King Charles. A  year later the Club held it's first Championship Show at  Stratford-on-Avon. The popularity of these companion dogs had spread  around the world and in 1957 the breed gained Canadian Kennel Club  recognition. In 1996 it gained American Kennel Club recognition.

Cavaliers  make excellent pets, being very outgoing, happy, loving and devoted  dogs. It would be difficult to find a dog with a more delightful  temperament. Though they are small enough to suit the city dwelling dog  lover, they are equally at home in the country. Though most Spaniels  were originally bred as hunting dogs, the Cavalier has been bred  exclusively as a companion dog since the days of King Charles the II,  and as a Pet and Companion, the Cavalier has no equal.
Cavaliers are a  charming Toy Spaniel, elegant but sporting and are versatile dogs,  equally happy living in the lap of luxury or hiking in the woods with  their owners. Cavaliers make excellent pets for families with children,  professional people, or senior citizens. Those people who are lucky  enough to own a Cavalier will have a dog who is a loving companion and  friend.
Cavaliers are a joy to teach being very people oriented, they  are extremely intelligent and readily absorb all they are taught and  are always eager to please you. They are often seen in the obedience  ring, scent hurdling, lure coursing and in fly ball.
Every dog needs  some basic maintenance grooming, nails clipped and coat brushed. Twice  weekly brushing should maintain the coat and prevent coat matting.

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 10-20 lbs

Height: 11-13 inches

Color(s):   Blenheim: Bright chestnut red markings broken up on a pearly white background.
                  Tri Color: Jet black markings broken up on a pearly white background.
                  Ruby: Whole colored rich red.
                  Black & Tan: Jet black with rich tan markings over the eyes, on  sides of muzzle, chest       and on under carriage.

Coat: The Cavalier  King Charles Spaniel has a coat of silky hair that is medium to long in  length. The coat is not curly but may have a slight wave. There is  feathering in the tail, legs, feet, ears and chest.

Overview: The  Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is graceful and elegant. They are most  associated in history with those of nobility and aristocracy. They are a  well-balanced toy Spaniel that display an affectionate and loving  nature.

Character: This breed is a true companion and lap dog.  They are gentle, but also have a sporting character, which enables them  to do well in agility and hunting events. This breed loves to swim and  is a natural retriever.

Temperament: The Cavalier King Charles  Spaniel is best suited for a pampered indoor life. They display the  temperament of an extrovert. They can be quite spirited and vocal. The  Cavalier prefers to be with their family or other dogs. Although this  breed is gentle and affectionate, they do not have patience for unruly  children.

Care: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel must be brushed  weekly to prevent mats and tangles. Special attention must be given to  the hair behind the ears. The Cavalier has a tendency to develop heart  abnormalities early in life. It is extremely important to have regular  veterinary examinations. They are also prone to allergies, deafness,  cataracts, and diabetes.

Training: The Cavalier King Charles  Spaniel is highly intelligent and eager to learn. They can be trained in  hunting and agility, and also do well in competitive obedience. The  Cavalier makes an excellent therapy dog. They respond well to gentle  training and high praise.

Activity: The Cavalier King Charles  Spaniel is an active and sporting breed that requires regular exercise  to help keep their heart healthy. A fenced yard is a must, as they will  give chase to anything that moves. They are able to adapt to apartment  or condominium living provided there is a small yard.