Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy dog that is family-friendly. They're graceful, gentle, and make wonderful companions.
Average size and lifespan
Weight: 13-18lbs
Lifespan: 11 - 15 Years
Behavior
- Affection
- Kid-Friendly
- Stranger-Friendly
- Dog-Friendly
- Barking Amount
Care
- Grooming Difficulty
- Shedding Amount
- Easy to Train
- Can Be Alone
- Exercise Need
Environment
- Cold Tolerance
- Heat Tolerance
- Apartment-Friendly
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Information
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has giant, twinkling eyes and a sweet, affectionate personality that will quickly win your heart. This breed gained popularity as King Charles II’s preferred pet and later as Charlotte’s prized dog on Sex and the City. It is currently the 19th most popular dog in the United States.
Great with people, kids, and other pets, the Cavalier is the ultimate companion dog. He is graceful and gentle and happy, whether he’s sitting on the couch or going on walks. For maintenance, the Cavalier has a colorful, silky coat that is kept untrimmed, but it needs to be brushed weekly.
History
These charming canines have a rich history dating back to the end of the Renaissance era when they were a favorite companion of European nobility. King Charles I and his son King Charles II both kept dogs of this breed, and they were eventually named after the latter. This breed was crossed with Asian toy dogs to create the English Toy Spaniel.
Training & Temperament
This breed is known for its gentle, loving nature, making it an ideal pet for families with children. While the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a smaller dog, it will still need daily exercise and plenty of play time to keep it happy and healthy. This dog does not do well in a kennel or if left alone for long periods. It needs to be around people and will suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too much.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not particularly difficult to train but is known to have a stubborn streak. You’ll need to be firm but gentle when training this dog, as it can become timid if treated harshly. It does best with short training sessions interspersed with playtime and praise rather than long training sessions that can become tedious for both the dog and the owner. This breed responds well to positive reinforcement methods such as praise and treats. Harsh treatment will lead to stubbornness or disobedience in this sensitive breed of dogs.
Grooming
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a low-maintenance breed that requires only regular brushing and an occasional bath. This breed should be brushed with a firm bristle brush at least once a week to keep its coat free of mats and tangles.
Are you getting this breed? Check out our list of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel name ideas.
All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!
Breed FAQs
Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels be apartment dogs?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an excellent apartment dog. They don't need as much space for activity and will be happy in a condo or apartment.
Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels be left alone?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are extremely social and need lots of interaction with their owners. They don't like being left alone and will likely become destructive or anxious if left for long periods.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good with kids?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are typically excellent with kids. As with any dog it's important to monitor them around children, however they are often very gentle.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels friendly with strangers?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love other people and will tend to run up to them for affection. They quickly become great friends with anyone.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along with other dogs?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along great with other dogs. They are very social and tolerate other dogs, where you typically need to watch the other dog more than your own.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels bark a lot?
As far as dogs go, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels bark an average amount. You can expect them to bark to alert you, get your attention, or when there are strangers or other dogs.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed a lot?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel isn't a heavy shedder. Some limited brushing and occassional cleaning should help prevent much hair build-up.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need a lot of grooming?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels don't require very much effort for grooming. You'll just need to provide typical maintenance and baths.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need a lot of exercise?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a good amount of energy and will need to be exercised with some walks and play to keep them happy.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels easy to train?
Typically, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are easy to train. They enjoy the bonding process with their owner and are quick to learn.
Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels handle cold weather?
Although Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can handle the cold weather when out with you, they may not want to stay out for long periods of time.
Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels handle hot weather?
Be careful with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in the heat. They don't do well in hot climates for long periods.
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