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First Impressions
A small spaniel of gentle demeanor.
The History Of The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is also known as the Ruby Spaniel and the Blenheim Spaniel. They originated in England during the 1900’s.
The history of both this breed and that of the English Toy Spaniel are closely linked. It is generally believed that the original toy spaniel, much favored by English royalty, was of a somewhat longer long muzzled breed, similar to that of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
It was during the 19th century, that breeders began to favor a flatter muzzle and more domed head completely displacing the older type. In 1926 an American spaniel fancier called Roswell Eldridge, started offering prizes to Toy Spaniel breeders who could reproduce the longer nosed type dog again. This was accomplished using selective breeding on Toy Spaniel stock.
Description Of The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The hanging ears are heavily fringed and not altered. Long tail is sometimes docked to no more than 1/3 it’s length.
This attractive and appealing little spaniel has large, dark, round expressive eyes that are not prominent. The muzzle is conical and the skull flat. It has a shallow stop, with a well developed nose and wide nostrils. Ears are long with abundant feathering. The coat is long and silky and sometimes slightly wavy.
Colors are ruby, black & tan, tricolor and blenheim (which is chestnut on a pearl white background). On blenheim dogs, a chestnut-red spot between the ears is preferred by breeders, but not crucial.
This breed averages 12 - 13 inches in height at the shoulder and weighs on average between 13 - 18 pounds.
Coat & Grooming
Moderate grooming with a comb or brush with a firm bristle brush followed by bathing or dry shampooing.
Temperament
An eager and affectionate tail-wagger. These fearless and lively little dogs live to please. They are intelligent enough to understand what is wanted and are usually easy to train. They respond well to gentle obedience training.
They are naturally well behaved and usualy get along well with other dogs and pets. They love to be in the company of people and require plenty of companionship to be happy. They will suffer if left alone all day.
They are descended from hunting dogs and love playing in outdoors. This breed are sometimes prone to chase.
Life Expectancy and Health
The average life span for is around 9 - 14 years.
The eyes are susceptible to injury and infection.
Prone to syringomyelia, hereditary eye disease, dislocating kneecaps (patella), back troubles, ear infections and early onset of deafness or hearing trouble.
Don't over feed as they tend to gain weight easily. Some lines are genetically disposed to a serious heart problem.
When choosing one of these dogs, it is vital to check the medical history of the breeders bloodlines. Please read our page on health problems by clicking here.
Preferred Environment and Exercise Requirements
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are well suited for life in an apartment. They are moderately active indoors and a small yard suit their needs. They do not like hot weather.
They greatly enjoy a good romp in a field but will adapt to whatever exercise regime is available to them.
For More Information on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
To get more information, check out the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel web site:
www.ackcsc.org
There may also be rescue dogs available. Check for details on:
www.ackcsc.org/rescue.htm
Summary
The most popular color is the red and white known as the Blenheim. Tricolors closely rival it. The Black and Tan and the Ruby varieties are harder to find. Prices are high for good specimens.
:: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Training ::
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