Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Character, Health, Feeding, Price, and Care
Did you know that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was once the favourite dog of King Charles II?
This small spaniel is known for its friendly, loving personality. The Cavalier is a popular choice for families with children and other pets. They are also one of the most popular breeds in the US.
Their appearance is that of a small spaniel with a flat head, long ears, and large eyes. They come in four colours:
- Blenheim (red and white)
- Ruby (red)
- Black and Tan
- Tri-Color (black, white, and tan)
Keep reading to learn more about this wonderful breed, including information on their character, health, feeding, price, and care.
What Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is named after the family of royals that gave the breed its name. Cavaliers are a wonderful mix of energy and gentleness, with the playfulness of a toy spaniel and the precision and speed of a sports spaniel.
This small spaniel is one of the most popular breeds in the US, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). They were first recognized as a breed in 1996 and have been a favourite family dog ever since.
The Cavalier's elegance, majesty, and temperament distinguish him as one of dogdom's nobility. Another characteristic is the silky, richly coloured coat that may be one of four distinct varieties. Cavaliers are aristocrats, but they'll descend from their royal high horse for a backyard romp or a squirrel chase with delight.
This breed wants to please, and they're usually successful because they're so darned and cute. The Cavalier's large, dark eyes radiate melting expressiveness, and their ears are long and silky. The Cavalier's build is compact and solid, befitting a dog that loves companionship and hates being left alone.
What Is Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Size?
Cavaliers come in a wide range of sizes, from tiny toy breeds to medium-sized breeds. The most reliable method to estimate your dog's anticipated adult weight is to examine their mother and father, owing to the size difference between various lines of Cavaliers. The typical adult weight for a Cavalier is between 4.5 and 9 kg. Their shoulder height ranges from 20 to 40 cm.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Average Lifespan
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's lifespan is 12-14 years. This is a typical lifespan for a small to medium-sized dog.
How to Take Care of Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's Health?
Taking care of your health is one of the most important things you can do for your Cavalier. Some health problems are more common in Cavaliers than in other breeds, so it's essential to be aware of them.
The most common health problems in Cavaliers are:
- Heart murmurs
- Slipping kneecaps
- Luxating patella
- Cataracts
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also susceptible to a condition called syringomyelia, a spinal cord disorder. Cavaliers with this condition may have pain, weakness, and paralysis in their legs.
The best way to take care of your Cavalier's health is to take them to the vet for regular check-ups, starting at 8 weeks old. Your vet will be able to detect any health problems early and give you the best treatment options.
Also, feed your Cavalier a high-quality diet and give them plenty of exercises. Exercise is important for all dogs, but it's especially important for Cavaliers. Cavaliers need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, and they love to play fetch and go on walks.
What to Feed Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Never fear. There are plenty of good foods out there for your pup. Here are a few things to look for when choosing the best food for your Cavalier:
- High-quality ingredients: Look for foods that list meat, vegetables, and fruit as the first ingredients. Avoid foods that contain fillers, such as corn, wheat, and soy.
- Moderate protein levels: Protein is important for all dogs, but too much protein can be complex on a Cavalier's kidneys. Look for foods that contain 20-30% protein.
- Low-fat levels: Fat is another essential nutrient for dogs, but too much fat can cause obesity. Cavaliers are especially prone to weight gain, so look for foods that contain 10-15% fat.
How Much Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cost?
The price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will vary depending on their age, gender, colour, size, and whether they are spayed or neutered. On average, you can expect to pay between $1500 and $4,000 for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy.
Final Thoughts on Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Leaving a Cavalier alone for long periods is not recommended because they love companionship and being with their family. If you are looking for a dog to cuddle up with on the couch, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a perfect fit! They are also gentle and loving around children, which makes them ideal family pets. With proper care, your Cavalier will be a loyal and loving companion for years.