For this month’s breed post, we have the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Known for their constant waggy tails, the Cavalier is a charming and happy-go-lucky little dog that absolutely loves to be with people and thrives on human company.
The Cavalier descended from the King Charles spaniel. In the early 19th century, King Charles spaniels were interbred with pugs, which resulted in a smaller version with a stubbier, flatter nose, a more rounded head and much more protruding eyes. It’s quite common for the Cavalier to be mistaken for a King Charles spaniel, and the main difference to tell them apart is to check the muzzle length and the shape of the head. The Cavalier is also a fair bit larger than a King Charles, weighing around 8kg to the King Charles smaller 5kg.
Originally used for hunting, Cavaliers were not very well suited to this role, and were much happier being lapdogs. Although they love nothing better than to be curled up on your lap or looking lovingly into their owner’s eyes, the Cavalier is still a spaniel at heart. This means you need to keep a watchful eye over them if they are off-lead in the park as they could have the desire to chase, should there be a squirrel or rabbit nearby.
The Cavalier is an intelligent dog and, with the right training, will be happy and willing to learn what you are trying to teach them. However they are quite sensitive souls, so losing your temper if they do something wrong will most likely result in them wanting to sulk, or even hide from you. Positive reinforcement is the best way to keep a Cavalier on the right track, and he will react very well to seeing how proud you are that he has done something well.
Due to their kind hearted nature, the Cavalier does not make a great guard dog although quite endearingly they do often become vocal when someone knocks on your front door. However, once the door has been opened it’s a different story, and the Cavalier is instantly relaxed and happy to greet a potential new friend.
Unfortunately Cavaliers do suffer quite a lot of health problems, predominantly relating to their eyes. Compared to other dogs, Cavaliers have a higher chance of suffering with corneal dystrophy, cherry eye and keratitis. If your Cavalier shows any sign of discomfort like rubbing their eye or squinting, or any noticeable discharge, please do make sure that you take them to the vets straight away to double check there is nothing to be concerned about.
If treated kindly and with respect, the Cavalier is very content to be around children. Once bonded, the Cavalier will be any little human’s very best friend, and will always be on hand for cuddles. Always affectionate and loyal, if it’s a playful, relatively low maintenance and extremely affectionate dog you are looking for, you could do worse than a Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
I have a King Charles Cavalier and as much as she’s a lap dog she loves being outdoors; and despite having a low grade heart murmur she runs like the wind. Love her to bits and one of the most friendly breeds I’ve come across, but she’s definitely a sulker if she doesn’t get her way!
I have a tri colour male,he also is very much a lap dog but once outside he likes to rule his surroundings, his tail madly wagging. he will be 7 in july i was told he had a irregularly heart beat sometimes they can here it other times not, My dog has a naughty time around 8pm he will just disappear then reappear like magic with something he shouldn’t have.
Hi Karen. She sounds like quite a character. We’re glad to hear that, despite her heart murmur, she is still living life to the full and having such a great time. Please pass on a big hug to her from us.
Thanks, will do. Cavaliers do love their own breed xx
This is such a great breed – perfect family pet!