Meet the Breed
DescriptionThis beautiful small spaniel has dark round expressive eyes that are large but not prominent. It has a conical muzzle and a flat skull. It has a shallow stop, with well developed nose and wide nostrils. The ears are long with abundant feathering. It has a silky coat, sometimes with a slight waviness that comes in ruby, black & tan, tri-color and blenheim (rich chestnut on a pearly-white background). On Blenheim dogs, a chestnut-red spot on top of the head between the ears is preferred by breeders, but not critical.SizeHeight: 12-13 inches (30-33 cm.)Weight: 10-18 pounds (5-8 kg.)GroomingComb or brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. The feathered hair on the ears is prone to tangling and matting, so this dog should be thoroughly groomed often. The hair between the pads on the feet should be kept trimmed and the ears should be cleaned regularly. TempermentThe Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate tail-wagger. Cavalier's love people and enjoy companionship, They should not be left alone all day.
Description
This beautiful small spaniel has dark round expressive eyes that are large but not prominent. It has a conical muzzle and a flat skull. It has a shallow stop, with well developed nose and wide nostrils. The ears are long with abundant feathering. It has a silky coat, sometimes with a slight waviness that comes in ruby, black & tan, tri-color and blenheim (rich chestnut on a pearly-white background). On Blenheim dogs, a chestnut-red spot on top of the head between the ears is preferred by breeders, but not critical.
Size
Height: 12-13 inches (30-33 cm.)
Weight: 10-18 pounds (5-8 kg.)
Grooming
Comb or brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. The feathered hair on the ears is prone to tangling and matting, so this dog should be thoroughly groomed often. The hair between the pads on the feet should be kept trimmed and the ears should be cleaned regularly.
Temperment
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate tail-wagger. Cavalier's love people and enjoy companionship, They should not be left alone all day.
Health ProblemsProne to syringomyelia, hereditary eye disease, dislocating kneecaps (patella), back troubles, ear infections, early onset of deafness or hearing trouble. Sometime's hip dysplasia. Don't over feed. It is extremely important to check the medical history of several previous generations.Mitral valve disease (MVD) is a degenerative condition that affects the mitral valve of the heart. Inevitably, it results in a compromise of the circulation and heart enlargement. This can lead to heart failure and death. It is important that your Cavalier be checked annually by your veterinarian for any heart murmur that could mean the valve is being compromised. If a murmur is diagnosed, do not panic! MVD can progress rapidly, but also very slowly. Life ExpectancyAbout 9-14 years.
Health Problems
Prone to syringomyelia, hereditary eye disease, dislocating kneecaps (patella), back troubles, ear infections, early onset of deafness or hearing trouble. Sometime's hip dysplasia. Don't over feed. It is extremely important to check the medical history of several previous generations.
Mitral valve disease (MVD) is a degenerative condition that affects the mitral valve of the heart. Inevitably, it results in a compromise of the circulation and heart enlargement. This can lead to heart failure and death. It is important that your Cavalier be checked annually by your veterinarian for any heart murmur that could mean the valve is being compromised. If a murmur is diagnosed, do not panic! MVD can progress rapidly, but also very slowly.
Life Expectancy
About 9-14 years.
