Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Dog Breed Information, Facts and Pictures

Hypoallergenic: No
Lifespan: 9 – 14 years
Temperament: Fearless, Affectionate, Sociable, Patient, Playful, Adaptable
Colors: Tri-color, Black & Gold, Ruby, Blenheim
Mass: Female: 13 – 18 lbs (Adult), Male: 13 – 18 lbs (Adult)
Height: Female: 12 – 13 in. (Adult), Male: 12 – 13 in. (Adult)

The cheerful and well-balanced Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beloved dog that fits well into a family. He is very attentive, people-oriented and understands himself well with children if he is well-socialized. Even for inexperienced owners, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may be suitable because education usually proves to be rather easy. Nevertheless, one must also make sure in this breed, that the dog is moved and employed in accordance with the species.

The Spaniel originated in the court of England by Charles I and Charles II. This is also confirmed by a picture of Van Dyck depicting the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as a friend of the children. The first official entry took place in England in 1892. At this time, however, the dogs had become - by Einkreuzungen - short-nosed. In 1926, Roswell Eldrige was exposed to prize money for each long-nosed King Charles Spaniel. This goal was achieved mainly by the inbred Papillons or Cocker Spaniel. The short-nosed variant is still known as the "King Charles Spaniel". The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was recognized in 1945 as a new breed.

His coat is long, silky and without curls. The colors are black and tan (black with tan markings), ruby ​​(monochrome red), Blenheim (red markings on white background) and tricolor.

The overall appearance of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is graceful and balanced with a gentle expression. The back is straight and the loins are short and closed. The breast is moderately developed and the ribs are well arched. His tail is well set and will never be carried over the back line. Previously, the tail was cropped by a maximum of one third, today it remains natural. The front legs of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are straight and the shoulder is back. In the hindquarters, the knee joint is well angled and the ankle joint should show no signs of cow harshness or over-angulation. All paws are compact, well feathered and padded. The gait should be free and elegant, with a lot of thrust from the hindquarters.

The skull of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is flat between the ears and at the stop. The nose is well-developed and black, with no flesh-colored markings. The jaw is strong and has a complete scissor bite, with the teeth standing vertically. The eyes of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are dark, tall and round.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is friendly and adaptable and would like to please his owner. He is very intelligent and quickly learns what makes his education easier. Even for inexperienced holder, he may be suitable. Due to its friendliness and its low aggression potential, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can also be good for families. Nevertheless, one should also pay attention to all positive traits to socialize the Cavalier, like any other dog well, so that it fits easily into the living environment of the owner. 

He usually shows a rather low hunting drive, but would like to be employed and moved. Although the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog, he is in no way inferior to a big dog. He likes to accompany his men jogging and cycling or running next to the horse as well as various dog sports. So he can show when retrieving or Mini Agility, what is really in him. In addition, he is also a joyful and hassle-free travel companion who quickly finds himself everywhere.