The Great Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breed Profile and Information

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes a good family pet. She likes to live indoors and will do well with frequent walks or a properly fenced in exercise area. Please keep in mind that she will suffer in extreme heat. She is highly intelligent and generally good with children and other pets.

Good With Children?

Very good with older children. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised with a dog or puppy.

Good With Other Pets?

Yes, very good with other pets, especially if socialized early.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12 to 13 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 10 to 18 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is no exception. Be on the look out for syringomyelia (fluid filled cavities develop within spinal cord, also called neck scratchers disease, dog scratches in the air near the neck, can progress and can be painfull), canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), ear infections, back problems, heart murmers and dislocating kneecaps. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a moderate length, curl free, silky coat which sheds. She should be brushed regularly, paying particular attention to her feathery ears. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Her fur may need to be trimmed between the pads of her feet, her eyes checked and ears cleaned.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can live between 9 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel History

She is believed to have originated in England. She was first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1996.