The Pet Answer

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small dogs that typically weigh between 13 and 18 pounds and stand about 12 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder. However, there can be some variation in size within the breed, but generally a properly fed, healthy dog should be within this range. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a small, gentle breed with a friendly and affectionate personality. They’re known for their long, silky coats, which can be either straight or slightly wavy. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels come in four different color patterns. These color patterns are, solid Ruby, Black and Tan, Tricolor (which is Ruby, Black, and White), and Blenheim (a combination of Chestnut and White). A Little Background The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was originally bred to be a lapdog and companion for the wealthy in England. They were particularly popular among members of the royal court, including King Charles II, who was said to have been rarely seen without one of his beloved "Charlies" by his side. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the breed was interbred with other toy spaniels, which resulted in a larger and more substantial dog. This new breed, known as the English Toy Spaniel, was not as popular with the royal court and the original, smaller "Charlie" became increasingly rare. In the early 20th century, American Roswell Eldridge offered prize money at Crufts for any dog that most closely resembled the smaller, original version of the breed. This renewed interest in the smaller Cavalier King Charles Spaniel led to a resurgence in breeding them and the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in England in 1945. Today, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a popular companion dog and a beloved member of many families. They have a friendly and affectionate nature, making them great with children and other pets. Cavaliers are also intelligent and trainable, and can excel in obedience and agility training. They have also been known to be used as therapy dogs, due to their gentle and loving temperament. Getting Along With Other Pets If you have other pets in the home, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will very likely get along with them just fine. As long as your other pet is properly trained or is not aggressive, you will be happy with the pet attitude in the home. But there may be a couple you’ll need to train your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to leave alone. Cats - Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are typically good with cats and can be trained to live peacefully with them. They are playful and may enjoy playing with their feline friends, but it's important to supervise them to make sure everyone is safe. Dogs - Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to be sociable and friendly with other dogs. They enjoy playing with their canine companions and can make great playmates. Birds - These dogs are generally friendly with birds, but in the beginning, it's important to supervise them as your individual Cavalier may have a stronger prey drive and may chase smaller birds. Fish - They have no interest in fish and would not be a problem if you have fish tanks in the house. Small Mammals - Your Cavalier may have a stronger prey drive and may chase small mammals such as hamsters or guinea pigs, so it is important to always supervise them when they are around these pets. reptiles - They have no interest in reptiles and would not be a problem if you have reptiles in the house. It's important to note that individual personalities can vary, and it's always best to introduce a new pet to your household slowly and carefully to ensure that they get along well. Training Techniques The best way to train your Cavalier, is simply to train with love. Sounds gushy, right? Well, kinda, but here are 6 ways to train your dog that will yield the best results for this breed. Positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a key strategy for training Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. This means using treats, praise, and other rewards to reinforce desired behaviors. This approach can help the dog to understand what is expected of them and can make training more enjoyable for both the dog and the trainer. Consistency: Consistency is important when training any dog. It's important to use the same commands and rewards every time you train your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This will help the dog to understand what is expected of them and will make training more effective. Socialization: Socialization is an important part of training for any dog, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are no exception. It's important to expose your dog to a variety of people, places, and experiences from an early age to help them become well-adjusted and confident. Patience: Patience is key when training any dog. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, but they may not always understand what is expected of them right away. It's important to be patient and to take the time to help the dog understand what you are trying to teach them. Start early: It's best to start training your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as early as possible. Puppies are more open to learning new things and they tend to learn faster than adult dogs. Enroll in training classes: Enrolling in a training class can be a great way to get additional help with training your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These classes can provide a supportive and structured environment in which to learn new skills and behaviors. Remember that training should be a fun and positive experience for both you and your dog. With patience, consistency and positive reinforcement, you will be able to train your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to be a well-behaved and obedient companion. The Need For Attention Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to be affectionate and sociable dogs that crave human companionship. They are considered to be a "velcro dog" meaning they love to be close to their owners and follow them around everywhere. The Cavalier has a strong attachment to their owners and enjoy being with them. They are considered to be a moderate to high maintenance breed in terms of attention and require a moderate to high level of daily interaction, attention, and exercise. A Cavalier also known to be very sensitive to their owner's moods and emotions. They are not suited for a lifestyle where they will be left alone for long periods of time, as they can develop separation anxiety and become destructive or develop behavioral problems. It will do best in a household where someone is home most of the time, or with someone who works from home. It's important to note that providing your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with plenty of attention, love, and exercise will help them to be happy, healthy and well-behaved. They are great companion dogs and enjoy being with their owners. Cavaliers will make great additions to families who can provide them with the love and attention they need. Fun Activities For Your Cavalier They love to play and chase most anything that moves, so playing catch with them is something they love to do. But if you just want to sit and relax in front of the TV, they are more than happy to just cuddle up to you for as long as you want. However, here is a list of 10 activities that your Cavalier will love: Walking: Regular walks are a great way to provide your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the exercise they need. They are small dogs and don't require a lot of intense exercise, but they still need to move around and explore. Walking is also a good way to bond with your dog and to give them mental stimulation. Running: Although they are small, they can still enjoy running, specially if they are well-trained, healthy and not overweight. Obedience training: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. Obedience training is a great way to provide them with mental stimulation, and to help them learn new commands and behaviors. Agility training: Agility training is a fun and exciting way to provide your dog with both physical and mental exercise. It's also a great way to bond with your dog and to help them learn new commands and behaviors. Playing fetch: Playing fetch is a great way to provide your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with physical exercise. It's also a great way to provide them with mental stimulation. Swimming: Swimming is a great low-impact exercise for dogs. It's also a fun way to cool off on hot days and is a great way to provide your dog with both physical and mental exercise. Grooming: Grooming your dog is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy. It's also a great way to bond with your dog and to provide them with the attention they crave. Training classes: Training classes are a great way to provide your dog with additional training and socialization. They also provide a structured environment in which to learn new skills and behaviors. Hiking: Hiking is a great way to provide your dog with a change of scenery and to give them an opportunity to explore new places. Therapy work: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a gentle and affectionate nature, which makes them well-suited for therapy work. They can be trained to provide comfort and companionship to people in need, and is a great way to help your dog use their natural instincts to make a positive impact on others. It's important to note that not all dogs will enjoy all activities and it's important to find what works for your dog. It's also important to consider your dog's health and physical condition when choosing activities. If you question whether an activity will be okay for your particular Cavalier, consult with a veterinarian before starting that activity with your dog. More on how to properly care for your Cavalier HERE. Specifics About The Cavalier With a lifespan between 9 to 14 years, these little guys can provide your children lots of love and companionship. Just remember that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not a guard dog, as they love to meet everyone who will provide them with affection. But, this also makes them great pets for when you have guests over because of their friendly nature. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have long, silky coats that require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. They should be brushed at least once a week to prevent tangles and mats (more often reduces the effects of shedding). Another great trait, is that they don’t really have an oily coat, which makes them much easier to keep clean. While generally the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a healthy breed, there are instances of heart disease and knee joint issues in some of these dogs. While all breeds of dogs have instances of health problems, we recommend that you visit the veterinarian on a regular basis to keep up with shots and a look out for early signs of any problems. As with most dogs, their ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent ear infections. Generally speaking, to buy a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 up to $3,500. It’s important to work with a reputable breeder to ensure that you get a healthy puppy, and to provide your dog with regular veterinary care to help prevent and manage any health issues that may arise. But,,, why not adopt?! You could probably adopt one for about $300 and possibly less! There are always pets available that need homes. First check with places like adoptapet.com or other pet adoption agencies. I looked at adoptapet.com/animal-shelters and there are 326 pet rescue and pet adoption agencies that handle dogs within 50 miles of my location. There are also dogs listed by their current owners who can’t keep them anymore and they screen potential new parents this way. So I am certain you can find several by you. There are benefits to adopting, like: Saving a dog that got misplaced and needs a new home. The dog is likely already housebroken. It may have been trained in other ways already. The adoption agency likely made sure the dog is brought up to date on it’s shots, but you’ll know all this prior to adopting. Just imagine how many toys, leashes, collars, clothes, and other accessories you could buy with the savings of adoption 😊 So, it comes down to this… If you’re looking for a loveable, playful, affectionate, soft, kid friendly dog that gets along with everybody as well as other dogs and cats,,,, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a GREAT choice for you!