Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: An Affectionate and Gentle Companion Dog Breed

The History of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a rich history as a beloved companion breed. They get their name from King Charles II of Britain, who was an avid lover of small toy spaniels and owned many throughout his lifetime in the 1600s. The little spaniels would often be seen following King Charles II around the royal courts.

During King Charles II's reign, toy spaniels with flat noses and domed heads were highly popular. These traits were selectively bred into the early version of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Unfortunately, by the late 1600s, the public grew interested in breeding King Charles Spaniels with flat-nosed dogs like Pugs and Japanese Chin. This breeding led to the version of the King Charles Spaniel we know today, characterized by a pushed-in nose and domed head.

Efforts to Recreate the Original Breed

In the 1920s, efforts grew to recreate the type of toy spaniel owned by King Charles II. Breeders focused on breeding King Charles Spaniels with flat noses and domed skulls with small toy spaniels and English Toy Spaniels who had longer noses. These efforts led to the recreation of the long-nosed, flat-headed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel we know today.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as a breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in 1945. The breed quickly grew in popularity and remains a popular companion dog today. They currently rank as the 19th most popular breed according the American Kennel Club.

Appearance and Personality of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Small in Size, Huge in Personality

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for being small, standing 12 to 13 inches tall on average and weighing 10 to 18 pounds. They have a moderate length silky coat that comes in four color variations: Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolor, black and tan, and ruby.

Their adorable appearance reflects their equally endearing personality. Cavaliers are known as an affectionate breed that thrives on human interaction and companionship. They exhibit a happy and sweet temperament. With enough daily exercise and stimulation, they easily adjust to any household including those with children or other pets.

Eager to Please with a Playful Side

The eager to please nature of the Cavalier means they are highly obedient and trainable dogs. Their playful and curious personality also means they excel at canine activities like agility training, rally obedience, or flyball. An engaged Cavalier is a happy Cavalier.

However, their extreme sociability can mean separation anxiety becomes an issue if a Cavalier is left alone for long periods. They closely bond with their family and aim to always be by their side.

Common Health Issues for Cavaliers

Unfortunately, the Cavalier's cute appearance comes at a cost. As a breed, they are prone to several serious health conditions that potential owners should be aware of.

Mitral Valve Disease

A significant concern in the breed is early-onset mitral valve disease. This condition causes the heart's mitral valve to leak blood back into the left atrium. As the condition progresses over time, circulating blood volume decreases leading to fluid buildup in the lungs. Cavaliers with advanced mitral valve disease can experience difficulty breathing or even sudden death.

According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, over 50% of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels had evidence of mitral valve disease by age 5 years old. By age 10, that number jumped to over 90%. As a result, regular evaluation by a veterinary cardiologist is imperative for catching mitral valve disease early.

Syringomyelia

Another serious concern for Cavaliers is a condition called syringomyelia (SM). With SM, a fluid filled cavity called a syrinx forms within the spinal cord near the brain. The syrinx places pressure on the spinal cord resulting in neuropathic pain, scratching, and scoliosis.

Syringomyelia occurs in the breed due to an anomalously small and sloped skull that compresses the brain. Researchers estimate 70 to 95% of Cavaliers possess the malformations that lead to SM. Like mitral valve disease, routine MRI screening of the neck and head region helps identify dogs at risk early.

Additional Health Issues

Other health conditions found more commonly in Cavalier King Charles spaniels includes hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, eye issues like cataracts, and ear infections. As with all breeds, staying current on vet visits assists with early detection if issues surface.

Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel the Right Dog For You?

Perspective owners should strongly consider the common health issues affecting Cavaliers before choosing to add one to their family. While their sweet personality makes them ideal small companion dogs, they do require owners willing to provide medical care if health conditions develop.

Their medical expenses risk being high if conditions like mitral valve disease or syringomyelia emerge. Testing and treating these issues often involves specialist care. Still, with a commitment to proper preventative medicine and checkups, it remains possible to minimize this risk.

For owners seeking an affectionate and gentle small dog breed that thrives as part of the family, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel remains an excellent option. Early health screening, maintaining a healthy body weight, proper dental care, and vet monitoring enables them to live a happy and good quality life.

FAQs

What is the personality of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel like?

Cavaliers have an affectionate, gentle, playful, and eager to please personality. They thrive on human companionship and bond very closely with their family. Cavaliers get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized.

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels prone to health problems?

Unfortunately yes. Mitral valve disease and syringomyelia are two serious genetic conditions found commonly in the breed. Regular veterinary checkups and early screening tests helps detect issues early on. Maintaining a healthy weight and proper care also supports their wellbeing.

What type of coat and grooming do Cavaliers have?

Cavaliers have a silky, moderate length coat that requires weekly brushing to minimize shedding and keep the coat free of mats. Occasional bathing and ear cleaning is also advised. Trimming around the feet and ears is optional.

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do well in apartments?

Yes. Due to their small size, Cavaliers can thrive in any home environment including apartments. Their exercise needs are moderate. They enjoy 20-30 minutes of activity a day with plenty of playtime sprinkled in. A short walk and indoor play session sufficiently tires them out.