The Breed
As the name suggests, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel proudly traces its ancestry back to the Royal Courts of England and to Blenheim Palace. Beyond that the dogs of Spain and Holland were of the 'spaniel' type and were popular as 'comforters' or 'ladies' dogs. The Merry Monarch Charles II was devoted to his dogs almost to the point of addiction.
Temperament
VITAL, ENERGETIC, JOVIAL, ACTIVE, LOVING, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the perfect companion dog. They are not dogs to be left alone or housed outside, as they thrive on human contact. Subsequently, they are dogs that are most suited to family circumstances or for retired people. Apart from all their excellent qualities, they do drop coat twice per year and have poor road sense, so outside the well fenced family property, they should be kept on a lead.
Potential Owners
If you wish to buy a Cavalier, please make certain that your fences are secure. All dogs can dig, and puppies can and will find a way out if it is possible. I would like to encourage anyone wishing to purchase one of my puppies to contact me in advance to discuss your requirements and expectations. Puppies are not always available; however, I also have a network of friends who also breed happy healthy puppies from Specialist Cleared dogs.
Life Span
When contemplating a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. Cavaliers live from between 10 and 15 years.
Health
Generally a Cavalier is a hardy dog with few health problems and with normal care can live to the age of 12 or 13 years. Puppies should receive immunization against Hepatitis, Distemper and parvovirus beginning at six weeks, followed by a booster at about 10 weeks, and again at 14 weeks, with subsequent boosters every 12 months. Worming should be routinely carried out at regular intervals and a veterinarian should be consulted about heartworm when a puppy is about 6 months old. Regular check-ups with the vet is always a good way of keeping an eye on your dog's health.
Heart Murmur (MVD) may appear as the Cavalier gets older, but is serious in a puppy or young dog. Regular vet checks are advised. I only breed with dogs who are certified clear of MVD by Specialist Cardiologists. Certificates available for view upon request. A copy of the certificate is also placed in the information pack that goes home with each puppy.
Patella Luxation - also called slipping patella - this is a fault with the dog's kneecap and can range from mild to requiring surgery. My girls have been declared patella sound.
Eye Problems - Occasionally additional eyelashes or dry eye can cause discomfort to the eyes. This can be relieved by veterinary attention.
My girls are certified eye clear by Specialist Ophthalmologist.
Heart Murmur (MVD) may appear as the Cavalier gets older, but is serious in a puppy or young dog. Regular vet checks are advised. I only breed with dogs who are certified clear of MVD by Specialist Cardiologists. Certificates available for view upon request. A copy of the certificate is also placed in the information pack that goes home with each puppy.
Patella Luxation - also called slipping patella - this is a fault with the dog's kneecap and can range from mild to requiring surgery. My girls have been declared patella sound.
Eye Problems - Occasionally additional eyelashes or dry eye can cause discomfort to the eyes. This can be relieved by veterinary attention.
My girls are certified eye clear by Specialist Ophthalmologist.
Hernias
Umbilical hernias rarely cause a problem, but inguinal hernias should be watched and may need surgery when the Cavalier is desexed. Best time to desex your puppy is between 5 – 6 months of age.
Colours
Cavaliers are bred in four colours.
BLENHEIM - Rich Chestnut markings on a Pearly white ground. The markings on the head should be evenly divided giving a mask effect and leaving room in the middle for the much prized lozenge - which may not always be present.
TRICOLOUR - A black and white dog with tan markings over the eyes, on cheeks, inside the legs, behind the elbows and on the underside of the tail.
BLACK AND TAN - Absolutely raven black coat with tan markings over the eyes, on the cheeks, inside the legs, behind the elbows and under the tail.
RUBY - Whole coloured rich red with NO white markings at all
BLENHEIM - Rich Chestnut markings on a Pearly white ground. The markings on the head should be evenly divided giving a mask effect and leaving room in the middle for the much prized lozenge - which may not always be present.
TRICOLOUR - A black and white dog with tan markings over the eyes, on cheeks, inside the legs, behind the elbows and on the underside of the tail.
BLACK AND TAN - Absolutely raven black coat with tan markings over the eyes, on the cheeks, inside the legs, behind the elbows and under the tail.
RUBY - Whole coloured rich red with NO white markings at all
Management
The coat is normally long and silky, with feathering on the chest, legs and tail. A brush and comb once or twice a week is sufficient to keep the coat free of tangles, plus the occasional bath which is rarely a chore as they enjoy the attention and the drying which follows. The eyes, being large, should be checked at each grooming session, plus the insides of the long drop ears. Apart from the hair between the pads under the feet, no trimming whatsoever is required..Occasionally trim the toe nails and they are about right to go. Keep in mind when puppies change from their juvenile coat to the mature coat a little more care should be given to the grooming. In some cases they can knot a little easier due to the change of coat.
Exercise
Being a small dog, Cavaliers do not need a great deal of exercise and are active enough to keep themselves reasonably fit in a small back yard. But to keep them in top condition, regular walks are recommended. They soon learn what a lead is for and will always be ready for that quick stroll around the block. A day in the country or at the beach is always welcome, and Cavaliers soon become enthusiastic travellers in the family car.
NOTE
Ownership of any dog brings with it much pleasure along with a great deal of responsibility. As with all animals, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is totally dependent on its owners for its health, well being, companionship and safety.
As a parting footnote I cannot stress highly enough the importance of a well fenced and secure yard. This is something that I will not compromise for the safety of these beautiful dogs. Cavaliers have NO ROAD SENSE, and this is not something that can be taught to them. They will never get it EVER. Please keep them on a lead whenever they are not in your yard or another secured area.
As a parting footnote I cannot stress highly enough the importance of a well fenced and secure yard. This is something that I will not compromise for the safety of these beautiful dogs. Cavaliers have NO ROAD SENSE, and this is not something that can be taught to them. They will never get it EVER. Please keep them on a lead whenever they are not in your yard or another secured area.
