Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Pet ID: 242208-01
Color: Ruby

The Cavalier is in the class of the oldest toy dog breeds. They are small and were originally bred as lap dogs because of their cute look and small size. They are known to be friendly and extremely affectionate. The kind of dog that would crawl under the covers with you. Petland is honored to offer the highest quality Cavalier King Charles puppies that will be an instant fit on your lap and in your family.

History

Toy spaniels were the province of European nobility from at least Renaissance times. Two 17th-century British monarchs, the ill-fated King Charles I and his son Charles II, were especially devoted to a black and tan variety of toy spaniel that eventually was named in the latter’s honor. According to the famed diarist of the Restoration era, Samuel Pepys, Charles II seemed more concerned with breeding spaniels than ruling Britain. Toy spaniels remained a great favorite of British aristocrats into the early 19th century. Among their upper-crust partisans of this era was the Marlborough family, who bred a line of red-and-whites at Blenheim Palace. Later in the century, in the age of Victoria, the breed was crossed with Asian toys, probably Pugs and Japanese Chin, and became what is known in America as the English Toy Spaniel (or, in the United Kingdom, the King Charles Spaniel).

This new-style toy spaniel had a domed skull and a flatter face than those of Charles’s time. Before long, this type came to dominate, and the traditional toy spaniel of the Restoration was rendered nearly extinct’ but not forgotten.

Fanciers of the 1920s wondered whether there still existed the old-type toy spaniel immortalized in ancestor portraits hanging in the stately halls of English manors. A wealthy American named Roswell Eldridge offered a cash prize to British breeders who could produce ‘Bleinheim Spaniels of the Old World type.’ The prospect of prize money drove breeders to revive the old style. These dogs were dubbed Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. (The name Cavalier is a nod to the monarchist party that supported the Stuarts during the civil war that cost Charles I his head.)

The breed is notable for its four distinct color patterns, each of which, at various times, was associated with a particular noble family: Blenheim (chestnut markings on a white background), Tricolor (black markings on a white background), Black and Tan (black with tan markings), and Ruby (a rich red).

Personality

The Cavalier King Charles’ popularity is what it is today much thanks to its joyful, sweet, and loving personality. They have very calm and easy-going demeanors and adore their family. They are known to quickly form bonds with those they love and do excellent in families that have children and other pets in the home. They almost never show signs of aggression and are always anxiously waiting for you to get home. This is one of those breeds that will steal your heart in no time at all.

Appearance

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a luxurious coat that is slick, smooth, soft, and silky. They can be found in several solid colors or blended colors such as Chestnut, tan, white, tricolor, and ruby. They do appreciate a thorough daily brushing which will help keep their beautiful coats smooth and clean. Many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels owners use a medium bristle brush which helps to evenly brush the dog’s coat. A bi-weekly bath will help this dog look and feel her best. Nail clipping and routine teeth cleanings are also highly recommended.

Care

For the first six months of their life, Cavalier King Charles pups should be fed three times a day. The feeding should be broken up into eight-hour intervals. A proper and nutritious diet is crucial in the early months of this dog’s life for both physical and mental development. This breed does do well alone; however, owners must remember this is a companion dog who does thrive from human interaction.

Life Expectancy

• The Cavalier King Charles is the largest dog in the toy breed.
• This breed stands between twelve and thirteen inches tall.
• The average weight of a Cavalier King Charles is between thirteen to eighteen pounds.
• These adorable dogs have an average life expectancy of nine to fourteen years.

Breed Facts

Fact: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is considered the largest dog within the toy group.

Fact: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is ranked in the Top 50 smartest breeds in Stanley Coren’s “The Intelligence of Dogs.”

Fact: The Cavalier was featured on the hit HBO series “Sex and the City”as Charlotte York’s dog.

Fact: Cavaliers have been used as therapy dogs.