Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are charming, affectionate dogs that were bred in the 17th century by King Charles I and Charles II––two ill-fated monarchs who were more interested in breeding dogs than running an empire. Initially, these dogs dined with royalty and were companions of the wealthy, but today, they’re popular pets with everyone.
Out of the American Kennel Club’s 201 registered breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ranks 14th. They’re even part of an emerging designer breed: Cavapoos, which are half-Cavalier, half-Poodle.
1. Cavalier Spaniels Aren’t Just Lap Dogs
Sure, they make excellent lap dogs ideal for apartment living; but Cavaliers are athletic canines that are descended from hunting and sporting breeds. They have been known to excel in various breed-specific sports, including agility, flyball, and competitive obedience.
2. These Dogs Come in Various Color Combinations
While most Cavaliers are brown and white, there are several approved color combinations, including Blenheim, tricolor, ruby, and black and tan.
3. King Charles I and II Adored Them
King Charles I and his son, King Charles II, bred these dogs to be small hunting companions. They have “the best of both worlds” when it comes to desirable dog breeds. They’re small enough to fit in your lap, but they have the drive of a hunting spaniel dog. Cavaliers were companions of the rich and famous well into the 19th century, when they became dogs that everyone could own and enjoy.
4. They Make Excellent Therapy Dogs
Therapy and service dogs are employed by hundreds of thousands of individuals across the United States. However, not all therapy dogs are created equal. A therapy dog must have several qualities to be successful. All these qualities are what a Cavalier typically has in abundance. Patient, gentle, kind, and loving, are very Cavalier traits that make them excellent choices for therapy dog work.
5. They Love to Cuddle!
They may be energetic, precocious canines, but Cavaliers are, after all, bred to be the perfect lap dogs. Cavaliers love nothing more than spending time with their favorite humans and will happily curl up in your lap for a nap. In fact, they are often described as “Velcro dogs” because of their stickiness and affinity for close physical contact with their humans and pack.
Be warned: without proper socialization, a Cavalier can become prone to separation anxiety and other common behavioral problems. So, be sure to expose your dog to new sights, smells, and sounds from an early age to build their confidence.
6. King Charles Spaniels Are Related to Pugs!
While most spaniels have long muzzles, the King Charles Spaniel has a short snout and dome-shaped skull, characteristics signature of a Pug, which indicate Pug ancestry in its lineage.
However, in the 1920s, American Roswell Eldridge sought to restore the King Charles Spaniel to its original appearance and offered prize money to breeders that could successfully breed the Pug out of the bloodline and restore the elongated snout.
Sadly, Eldridge did not live to see a King Charles Spaniel with a long snout. Merely a month after Eldridge died, his promised prize money was given away to the breeder of the first long-snouted King Charles Spaniel.
Soon, the King Charles Spaniel evolved into the long-snouted Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, renamed to distinguish the new breed from the old, Pug-faced breed.
7. These Dogs Love to Chase!
The hunting dog lies mainly dormant but still present in the bloodline of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These little dogs can have high prey drives and chase smaller animals and cats, so keep your Cavalier on a leash on your walks!
8. They Are Predisposed to Ear Infections
Like any dog, Cavaliers are genetically predisposed to a few common health conditions, including ear infections. Their beautiful, long, floppy ears are a breeding ground for bacteria and mites, so be sure to clean your Cavalier’s ears frequently with a vet-approved cleaner.
9. They Are Also Prone to Skin Allergies
Cavaliers are also prone to skin allergies that can cause a dog a great deal of discomfort and can lead to secondary infections if not properly treated.
Common allergens that affect dogs include pollen, mold, dust mites, and food ingredients. Treatment for allergies typically involves avoidance of the allergen whenever possible, along with medication to relieve symptoms.
10. These Dogs Make Great Pets
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great breed for anyone looking for a loving and loyal best friend. These dogs are gentle, affectionate, and playful, making them perfect companions for people of all ages.
If you’re looking for a dog that will make you laugh and love you unconditionally, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may be the perfect fit for you.
