Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a compact and well-proportioned body with a narrow muzzle, long floppy ears, and large round eyes that give it an endearing expression. Its coat is long and soft, may be slightly wavy, and comes in various colour combinations including Blenheim, tricolour, ruby, and black & tan.

The Cavalier King Charles is a friendly and affectionate companion dog with moderate exercise needs. A daily walk and playtime of 45 minutes to an hour is usually enough to keep it physically and mentally satisfied. It enjoys relaxed walks, games in the house or garden, and short scent or fetch games, especially when together with its owner. Although not a highly athletic dog, the Cavalier likes to join in with whatever you do—as long as it’s together. Lack of exercise can lead to obesity or boredom, but intense physical activity is usually unnecessary or even undesirable.

The long and soft coat of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and dirt. Daily brushing helps keep the coat in good condition. It’s also important to keep the ears clean, trim the nails regularly, and care for the teeth through frequent brushing. Regular check-ups with the vet contribute to the dog’s overall health.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a loving and affectionate breed but is unfortunately prone to several hereditary conditions. Mitral valve disease (a type of heart disease) is very common in this breed, sometimes appearing at a young age. This condition affects the heart valve and can lead to heart failure, making regular vet check-ups essential. The Cavalier is also susceptible to Syringomyelia, a neurological disorder where cavities form in the spinal cord due to pressure in the skull, which can cause pain and behavioural changes. Eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts are also seen and may impair vision. Additionally, allergies, ear infections, and food intolerances are not uncommon, as are patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap) and hip dysplasia, though these occur less frequently. Lastly, Cavaliers can be prone to epilepsy and hypothyroidism. Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection are key to giving them a healthy life.

While the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has unique characteristics, there are other breeds that share similar traits and appearance:

• English Cocker Spaniel: this breed shares the friendly and social temperament, and has a similar build and coat type.
• Cavapoo: a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, known for its gentle character and hypoallergenic coat.
• Cavachon: a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, loved for its playful and affectionate nature.