Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health

July 28, 2024 By Salva Off

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, renowned for its long ears, large brown eyes, and loving behavior that captivates all who encounter it, is a dog breed originating from England. Standing around 12 – 13 inches (30 – 33 cm) tall at the shoulder, this small breed typically weighs between 13 – 18 pounds(6 – 8 kg). Known for forming strong connections with family members, these dogs are prone to certain health issues. Regular health check-ups are essential due to common conditions like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, mitral valve disease, and eye disorders.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Quick Facts

Origin: England
Size: 12-13 inches (30-33 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)
Breed group: Toy
Lifespan: 9-14 years
Coat: Long, silky, and soft
Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, friendly, playful

HISTORY

Toy spaniels were cherished by European nobility from the Renaissance onward. King Charles I and his son Charles II of 17th-century Britain favored a black and tan variety, inspiring the breed’s name. Samuel Pepys noted Charles II’s passion for spaniel breeding over governance. The breed remained popular with British aristocrats into the 19th century, especially the Marlborough family, renowned for breeding red-and-white spaniels at Blenheim Palace. Victorian crosses with Asian toy breeds introduced the modern English Toy Spaniel, with a domed skull and flatter face. Interest in the traditional Restoration-era spaniel led Roswell Eldridge to offer prizes for ‘Old World Blenheim Spaniels,’ reviving the original style as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The breed’s notable characteristics include four distinct color patterns: Blenheim, Tricolor, Black and Tan, and Ruby, each historically linked to noble families.

NUTRITION

It’s important to feed Cavaliers high-quality dog food that matches their age stage—whether they’re puppies, adults, or olders. Some Cavaliers are prone to gaining weight, so monitor their calorie intake and keep an eye on their weight. If you give treats, do so in moderation; while treats can aid in training, excessive treats can lead to obesity. Limit table scraps, avoiding cooked bones and high-fat foods. Educate yourself on safe human foods for dogs and consult your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.

HEALTH

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are predisposed to various health issues, including certain eye conditions such as retinal problems and cataracts, patella luxation, hip dysplasia, middle ear infections, mitral valve heart disease, and a neurological condition known as syringomyelia. These conditions can be screened for, and many Cavaliers live comfortably into their senior years with proper care. It’s advisable for owners to discuss potential health concerns with their dog’s breeder. A reputable breeder will conduct health tests on all prospective breeding dogs.

According to recommendations from the National Breed Club, important health tests for Cavaliers include patella evaluation, hip evaluation, cardiac examination, and evaluations by an ophthalmologist to detect any eye issues. These screenings help ensure the overall health and well-being of the breed.

TRAINING

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for its sweet, gentle, and affectionate nature, always eager to please its human companions. They are friendly with strangers, get along well with other animals, and are great with children. Cavaliers are intelligent and easy to train, excelling in obedience, rally, and agility. They also make wonderful therapy dogs. Early socialization and training classes help Cavaliers develop good manners and adapt well to different people and situations.

GROOMING

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s lustrous, silky coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing and occasional baths to keep it in beautiful condition. Brushing not only enhances the coat’s shine and prevents tangles but also provides a pleasurable full-body massage for the dog. Grooming sessions strengthen the bond between dog and owner and allow for a thorough inspection of the dog’s body for any abnormalities. It’s important to check the ears weekly for signs of infection and trim the nails at least once a month to prevent discomfort and structural issues caused by overgrown nails.

EXERCISE

Despite being bred as a cherished lap dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel retains its ancestry as a sporting breed and appreciates moderate exercise and outdoor activities. They enjoy going on walks with their owners and can excel in various canine sports. However, Cavaliers are also content to relax on the sofa for extended periods. It’s crucial to keep them on leash during walks as they have retained scenting and hunting instincts. They may not reliably come when called if they are following an intriguing scent or chasing after prey. Therefore, a fenced yard is recommended to ensure their safety and prevent them from wandering off.