The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a loyal breed that loves to spend time with their owner. They possess a good temperament, and they make a great addition to families with children and other pets. With so many positive qualities, itโs no surprise that theyโre among some of the most popular breeds, with many people wanting to add this loving breed to their family.
At Space Coast Pet Services, weโre here to guide you through everything pet-related, and that includes picking the right pup for you and your lifestyle. Hereโs everything you need to know about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel so youโre fully prepared to bring home your new furry friend.
Basic Characteristics of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy Spaniel that can trace its roots back to royalty and noble life. They pair elegance with athleticism, making them a popular pick among dog owners.
As a type of toy breed, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, compact dogs. In fact, they typically only grow between 12 and 13 inches tall. Healthy adults weigh on average between 13 and 18 pounds, with males tending to be larger than females.
Overall, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are equally fearless and charismatic, with large, sweet eyes and a gentle expression that shows off their personality. They have long, silky fur that feathers on their ears, legs, and tails. There are four standard colors for this breed, including chestnut and white, black and tan, black and white, and ruby. Other colors appear too, such as brown/chocolate, but they arenโt the standard for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Grooming and Varieties of the Cavalier King Charles
Meet elizabeth, age 13 ๐
Cavaliers have medium-length coats that can be trimmed down into a variety of cuts. Some people prefer to leave their Cavalierโs coat long, showing off the feathering thatโs standard in this breedโs fur. Others go shorter with their pupโs fur. Regardless of the length you choose for your Cavalier, their coat is relatively low-maintenance, with monthly baths and daily brushing taking care of any dirt or tangles. While you can add in the occasional extra bath here and there, make sure not to overdo it. Too many baths can strip your Cavalierโs fur and skin of oils, which can lead to problems like dry skin and itching.
When grooming your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, itโs also important to take time and brush their teeth, as well as tend to their nails. These essential hygiene steps keep your dog looking and feeling good.
Temperament of Cavaliers
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels sport a pleasant temperament, with an eagerness to train and a love for all their family members โ human or pet. However, despite their small size, they do have moderate to high levels of energy, as well as a strong need for mental stimulation, which makes enrichment and daily exercise a must-have for this breed. Thankfully, with how playful Cavaliers can be, itโs easy to find ways to keep them entertained.
This breed is also quite adaptive. While not the most adaptable breed, they can adjust to new routines and situations well with time. They pair friendliness with a moderate level of protectiveness, making them a good choice for a family dog youโll want to introduce to others.
Exercising Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
As mentioned above, Cavaliers need a moderate level of exercise to stay healthy. This helps them use up their energy while also managing their weight and strengthening their joints and bones, which is vital as they age.
Overall, you should aim for around one hour of exercise each day for your Cavalier. This can be broken up throughout the day and can include walking or playing. Times that you walk your dog for restroom purposes can also factor into the total time spent exercising your Cavalier.
Food Consumption
To fight off some of the health conditions that Cavaliers are predisposed to, which are discussed in greater detail below, itโs recommended to feed them a high-quality diet. One Cavalier organization even recommends skipping kibble altogether when possible, instead opting for homemade meals consisting of animal proteins and vegetables.
If youโre worried about your Cavalierโs diet, always make sure to talk to your veterinarian first. This is true for all changes in your dogโs routine and health. Your vet is the most knowledgeable about your dogโs health, and they can help guide you in making the right decisions.
Overall, you should aim to feed your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at least twice a day. This includes once in the morning and once at night. Fresh, clean water should always be readily available for your pup.
Common Health Problems for Cavaliers
The average lifespan for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12 to 15 years. This breed is generally healthy but has a predisposition to specific health conditions, including a few serious ones that warrant monitoring. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to orthopedic and eye problems. However, they may also suffer from mitral valve disease (MVD), a condition of the heart, and Syringomyelia (SM), a neurological condition.
Regular vet appointments are key to catching any conditions quickly. Itโs also important to provide your pet with the correct levels of exercise and a proper diet to help prevent certain conditions, especially those revolving around the joints.
Bringing Your New Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Home
Welcoming a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel into your home is a joyful and rewarding experience. With the right mix of love, patience, training, and socialization, your Cavalier will flourish as a sweet, gentle, and loyal companion. Remember, every dog is an individual, even within the same breed, so take the time to learn your dogโs unique personality and needs.
If you are considering adoption, explore reputable breeders and dedicated Cavalier rescue organizations that specialize in finding loving, prepared homes for these wonderful dogs. Donโt forget to check the local animal shelters. By choosing a pet whose needs match your lifestyle, you set the stage for a happy and healthy life together.
Once your new Cavalier is part of the family, let Space Coast Pet Services be your trusted partner in their care. Whether you need daily dog walks, in-home pet sitting, or care while you are on vacation, our professional and compassionate team is here to keep tails wagging and give you peace of mind.
Contact us today to schedule your meet and greet and see why Viera, Suntree, Rockledge, and Melbourne pet parents have been trusting us with their furry family members since 2016.
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