Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Playful Lap Dogs
If you are in the market for a sweet, loving, and playful dog, but you’re afraid that the active lifestyle for high-intensity activities and frequent dog walks just isn’t for you, then perhaps the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the perfect dog for you!
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels fall under the larger size of the toy breed dogs, but they are just as affectionate and tactile as other smaller companion dogs. In fact, the Cavaliers quite enjoy hopping onto their owner’s laps and just lounging about during the day, looking loving into your eyes.
Cavalier King Charles Fun Facts:
It is their preference to lounge around their owner’s lap that endeared them to the royal lifestyle during the early 1600s, the year they were first introduced in England.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels earned their names after King Charles II fell in love with the breed, that he even signed a royal decree that allowed them access to all public spaces — even the chamber of parliament!
He loved his Cavalier King Charles Spaniels so much that on several occasions, he had been accused of neglect of duty, spending his time instead with his beloved Cavalier. Honestly, who could blame him? With those soulful eyes and lively disposition, these playful dogs will steal your precious attention just like that.
Additionally, the Cavaliers are descended from the spaniel breed and were bred as hunting dogs during the 17th century. As such they can be quite upbeat and energetic if need be, and make for amazing athletes in dog shows. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels makes for a great pet if you are an indoor-loving introvert or an extroverted outdoor enthusiast.
What do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel look like?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are actually one of the larger types of toy breed dogs. The breed would often weigh an average of 5kg to 12kg, and would grow to be as tall as 30cm to 33cm. With this, they have relatively shorter lifespans compared to their smaller toy counterparts, with cavaliers having an average lifespan of around 9 to 12 years.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a distinct small head with soft facial features. Their small short heads are adorned with large soft ears that cascades down the side of its face like a flowy waterfall. They have big round bright eyes that sparks with liveliness and curiosity. Their muzzles are small and short, which call attention to their wide downturned mouths.
The Cavalier spaniels have short necks that connect to their slim elongated bodies. They also have proportionately short legs with small feet, but not as short and small as that of the dachshunds. Their long and feathery tails, which are often undocked, can always be seen flagged-up and happy, waving an energetic hello to everyone they meet.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels often sport dual-colored coating that further highlights the soft and silky texture of their hairs. They often have long flowing locks that can be prone to shedding if not groomed properly. As such, they require frequent brushing and clipping to keep their hairs tangle free and to keep them safe from skin infections. Currently, the breed comes in four distinct color categories: The blenheim, which is a mix of dark chestnut and clean white; the tricolor, a rare combination of black, white and tan coating; Black and tan; and a bright ruby-red coloring.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Temperament
The cavalier king charles spaniels are known to be calm, docile and gentle lapdogs. Due to their sweet and affectionate disposition, they often make great therapy dogs. Therapy dogs are dogs bred specifically to provide companionship and emotional-support to their owners. They are often independent, playful, gentle, and people-oriented.
As such, the cavalier spaniels are one of the most friendliest dogs in the canine world. They are well-mannered, easy to train and have little to no tendency to bark or howl. This makes them perfect for people living in apartment buildings, or families with small children. They are also quite friendly with strangers, so it is best to always keep an eye on them, lest they compliantly run away with a smitten stranger.
However, with their spaniel roots and history as sporting dogs, the cavaliers can be quite active and sporty and would often enjoy hiking, running on the beach and rigorous physical games of fetch, frisbee, and agility or obstacle training.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
What to expect
As the cavaliers are very sweet lapdogs, who have long flowy hairs that are prone to shedding, allergic dog lovers should steer clear of them as they can trigger severe allergic reactions.
In addition, their high energy levels and inquisitive nature can get them over-excited during walks and outdoor trips. Thus, it is essential to keep them on a leash as they have a tendency to dash and run away without prior warning.
As known housepets and lapdogs, they don’t do well in caged-dwellings but they are a little bit prone to wandering where they are not supposed to, and getting lost. Thus, when living with a spaniel it is imperative that you should be mindful of doors left ajar. Having a fenced yard is also a must.
Lastly, cavaliers are prone to being overweight. Hence, you need to limit their food intake and how often you give them treats. Having regular exercise and walks (or just get them off the couch once in a while!) can also help regulate their weight.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are relatively one of the sweetest and easiest dog breeds to take care of. They can be smart and independent enough to stimulate themselves physically and mentally. They are also playful and sensitive enough to respond to the emotions of their owners and provide the much needed support and loving affection they have in abundance.
Thus, whether you are a couch potato, or an outdoor enthusiast, the cavalier king charles spaniel is a playful companion you can always count on!