Haven's Royal Companions
About the Breed


An introduction into Cavaliers
What a cavalier is like:

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, sweet, loving, happy, playful, wonderful companion.  They will greet you with  their tail wagging looking at you with those loving eyes  waiting for you to cuddle them.  Cavaliers love spending time with their family and fellow companions. 
  They are bold and active little dog who don't require strenuous exercise, but like to play in a spacious backyard.  Cavaliers enjoy regular walks--sometimes on a leash, just so they're not tempted to chase small animals.
  Cavaliers are extremely social and get along well with other dogs, cats, and pets.  Cavaliers make friends quickly and make a good watchdog.  They are good-tempered and generally easy to train; as long as lessons are gentle accompanied by lots of praise or rewards for their efforts.  Cavaliers are exceptionally good with children. They can be playful while being gentle and patient.  They are very devoted to their family and have endless affection for everyone. 

Appearance:

  The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should be 12 to 13 inches tall (foot to shoulders) and should weigh 10 to 18 pounds. They should have a medium-length silky coat that is either black and tan, black and white, white and chestnut, or solid chestnut.



















Grooming:

The silky coat of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should be brushed or combed on a regular basis. The feathered hair around the ears is susceptible to tangles and knots, so it is important for this breed to be thoroughly groomed on a frequent basis.  Ears should be cleaned and inspected for dirt or mites. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an average shedder.

General Health:

  Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be susceptible to hereditary eye disease, dislocated kneecaps, back troubles, ear infections, hearing problems, and syringomyelia. Hip dysplasia is also occasionally seen.  This breed should not be overfed to avoid putting on additional weight that can create health issues.  Some lines of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are genetically disposed to the early onset of a serious heart problem that can cause early death.  It’s important for buyers and owners to pre-check the medical history of the dog before selecting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel--don't be afraid of asking questions.  If you already own a Cavalier their annual vet visits are important to ensure any health issue isn't overlooked.  This breed typically lives for 9 to 14 years.


History:

The ancestors of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel were popular for centuries as luxurious lapdogs for aristocrats and nobility.  Cavaliers became increasingly prized during the reign of King Charles II of England. The breed was refined however by an American breeder who came to England in 1920s to find the perfect spaniel.  The first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel arrived in America in 1952, although this breed wasn't admitted to the AKC in 1996.  The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels AKC popularity was 25th out of 157 breeds in 2007.