| AKC Group: | Toy |
| A.K.A.: | Cavalier |
| Functions: | Lap dog |
| Year of Origin: | 1500s |
| Country of Origin: | England |
| Life Span (yr): | 9 - 14 |
| Colors: | Ruby, Blenheim, Tricolor, Black and Tan |
| Height (Inch): | 12 - 13 |
| Weight (lb): | 13 - 18 |
| Size: | Small |
| Hair Length: | Medium |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: |  |
| Ease of Training: | |
| Exercise Needed: |  |
| Self Protection: |  |
| Grooming: | |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: | |
Appearance:
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel looks like he is fit to be among the greatest kings and queens. Although he looks like his sporty relatives, his outward appearance is gentle. He has a soft coat that often has a wave to it, although it is never curly. The fur has a unique characteristic in that it feathers out on his ears, legs, chest, feet, and tail. His eyes are large and usually dark brown in color. They lend to his naturally sweet expression. His ears are long and sit at the top of his rounded head. All the physical characteristics of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel seem perfectly proportional.
Temperament:
The temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be characterized as playful, friendly, and affectionate. He is a happy, gentle dog that is never timid around strangers. As an active dog, he loves to play with his owners, especially children. However, because of his small size, as a puppy he may be too fragile to be around rough toddlers without a supervising adult. Cavalier King Spaniels are great companions, often just looking to their owners for attention and a little pat here and there. He is even friendly towards other dogs and cats – never showing shy or nervous side to his personality.
Health:
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known to face several debilitating diseases; however, several of them are genetic in nature. One of the most common and most deadly is heart disease, ranging from mitral valve disease to heart murmurs leading to heart attacks. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can occasionally experience eye diseases, such as cataracts, retinal dysplasia, and cherry eye. Patellar luxation or a knee cap that pops out of place is another common health issue. He may also suffer from ear infections that can turn into deafness, if left untreated or in especially severe cases. Weight gain can be an issue for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – with related medical problems including hip dysplasia.
Maintenance:
Taking care of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is relatively easy. Although routine grooming is required, it is not necessary to trim his fur. Simply brush his coat one time a week to prevent tangles or matting from occurring. In areas where his fur is longer, such as his ears, chest, and tail, he may need to be brushed several times a week. Frequently brushing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should keep loose fur to a minimum. As with most breeds, his nails should be trimmed. There is no need to bathe him more than once a week and most owners only bathe him every couple of months.