Mychelle Klose - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Dogs are very devoted, loyal and great friends with their owners. When you come home you can see the delight from your dog. He is so happy to see you. He loves to do anything you want to do even if it is just vegging on the couch. Owning a dog is a big commitment. You are responsible for this little bundle of fur for a long time. You have to feed him, train him, take him to the vet and make sure he stays healthy, keep him off the streets, keep him from disturbing the neighbors and many more responsibilities. Dog ownership is a long term financial and emotional commitment for up to 18 years with some breeds.

Is your lifestyle able to include a dog? Are you home enough to look after a dog? All dogs are different and you have to make sure that you get a dog that will fit into your lifestyle. If you are a runner you probably wont want a couch potato dog. If you dont like to vacuum dont get a dog that sheds a lot.

Decide what characteristics that you want in a dog. You have to decide on what size of dog you want, his temperament, guard dog or lap dog, energy level, how easy is he to train and how much grooming he will need. If you have picked the wrong dog and it doesnt fit into your lifestyle or family he could end up in an animal shelter looking for a new home. I am sure this is not what you want. Choose your dog carefully.

Cavalier King Charles

Dog Group: Toy

Weight: 12-18 pounds (5.5 - 8 kg)

Height: 12 inches (30.5 cm) at the shoulder

Life Span 9 14 Years

Litter Size: 2 6 Puppies

Color: Chestnut Red and White (Blenheim), Black and Tan, Red (known as Ruby) and the Tri-Color (black, White and Tan.

Other names know by: Blenheim Spaniel, Ruby Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles is a truly beautiful, elegant dog that has a regal appearance. They are very fragile and small creatures that have to be treated delicately. Be extra cautious around them. Their large, dark, soulful eyes seem to reflect many expressions. Their long silky coat with slightly wavy hair has feathering on their legs, ears and tail with longer hair. Their eyes are wide and expressive, the head is small with a flat skull and cone shaped muzzle. In the past the muzzles were much pointier and sharper but after years of breeding their muzzles are now rounder and softer. Their nostrils are wide and sit noticeably on their broad nose. Many Cavalier King Charles have a spot on the very top of their head. This is called the kissing spot or Blenheim spot as they were the favorite pet at Blenheim Palace in England.

The tail is usually kept at full length but sometimes it is docked by one third. The coat has to be groomed in order to stop matting and knotting. They are not usually heavy shedders but if you dont groom them they do shed a lot. Brush at least once a week.

Temperament

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a very friend demeanor and they love human contact. They are very easy going and love snuggling. A non aggressive ultimate lap dog. They make a loving companion which they are usually used exclusively for. They are also trustworthy and gentle with children. Young puppies, because they are so fragile, are not suitable for children under the age of 5. If you have young children, get an older puppy or an adult dog instead. This is a great family pet that bonds with the whole family. This dog wants to be a part of your life and not just a past time. If given attention this dog is happy and affectionate. They only want to please and cuddle. The Cavalier takes to strangers and will sometimes lick their hand in greeting.

They are not as active as the larger Spaniels but they love to play. A short daily walk is a great exercise routine and is all that they need. They are also known to display some cat like behaviors. You can sometimes find them high on a perch or they will sometimes clean their paws with their tongue.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cannot live outside. This is strictly a house dog and is a great apartment pet. They need to be around people as much as possible. This dog has average intelligence and is very social. Therefore they need constant attention, affection and stimulation. If this dog is not given proper socialization they may chase other animals in the home.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should not be left alone for to long as they will get lonely, despondent and depressed without their family to be with. Before you decide to get this dog you should consider this because they cannot be left alone for hours. They become overly attached to their owners. If they are left alone they could become nervous or destructive.

They are easy to train and when trained they will make their owners proud.

One thing that they do have a tendency to do is chase cars and smaller animals.