Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The gentle lap spaniel. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sweet, adaptable toy spaniel. Its history, four colours, care needs and the heart checks to ask about.
A Blenheim Cavalier: M Glasgow, CC BY 2.0
Where the breed comes from
Small spaniels were favourite companions at the English court in the 1600s. In the 1920s, breeders set out to recreate the longer-nosed look seen in old paintings, and the result was the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, recognised separately from the flatter-faced English Toy Spaniel.
Personality and family life
Cavaliers are affectionate, gentle and eager to please. They do well with children, older owners and other pets, and they adapt to city or country life. They do not like being left alone for long.
Daily care: exercise, grooming, training
They enjoy daily walks and a good play session, and some love dog sports. Their silky coat needs brushing a few times a week, with attention to the ears and feathering on the legs.
Is this breed right for you?
Great for first-time owners, older people and families with children who want a gentle, adaptable companion. Less suited to owners who are away most of the day, or who are not ready for regular heart checks and possible vet costs as the dog ages.
Fun facts
The four colours have their own names: Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolour, black and tan, and ruby. A chestnut spot on the top of a Blenheim's head is called the lozenge or Blenheim spot. Cavaliers are often used as therapy dogs because of their calm, friendly nature.
A day in the life
A typical day with a Cavalier involves a couple of pleasant walks, some sniffing in the garden, gentle play and a lot of time curled up next to their favourite person. They often enjoy meeting other dogs and visitors. Keeping them slim and checking their ears weekly are two simple habits that help their health.
Health and good to know
The breed has a high risk of mitral valve disease, a heart condition, and some lines have a condition called syringomyelia. Ask breeders for heart, eye and MRI screening results for the parents.
Every pet is an individual, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about diet, vaccines and health checks for your own animal.
- A Blenheim Cavalier: M Glasgow, CC BY 2.0
Text written by Most Beautiful Pets.
