Looking for the ultimate friendly and active toy dog companion?
This lovely little breed is the perfect canine companion. They are very affectionate and love being in a human’s company.
They are more than happy to be around children, other dogs and even strangers if they’re thoroughly socialised.
How to socialise your puppy
They will tend to bark if there’s someone at your door. However, this is more because they’re excited to meet the person. Their love for people (even strangers) means they don’t make very good guard dogs.
What does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel look like?
As one of the largest Toy breeds, they have a distinctive look with a flatter nose and big round eyes. You’d need a heart of stone now to melt when looking into the Cavaliers’ big round eyes.
The British Kennel Club recognises 4 breed standard colours:
- Black and tan
- Ruby (a deep rich red)
- Blenheim (chestnut markings on white)
- Tricolour (black and white with tan markings on areas like eyes and cheeks).
Typically, you can expect Cavaliers to be around 5.4-8.2kgs and measure up to 33cms. Although, unlike many Toy breeds, they are known to be quite athletic and enjoy things like hiking and dog sports.
How to protect your dog in a heatwave
What is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s temperament like?
Cavalier dog owners will tell you that this breed loves the company of a human. So, be prepared to have company every time you go to the bathroom. Although they don’t tend to be nervous dogs, they can become quite clingy.
11 tips for dealing with clingy dogs
Although there will always be individual dog differences, as a breed they tend to be sweet, gentle, extroverted and very playful. It’s no surprise that they’ve enjoyed a history as brief royalty favourites.
Did you know?
King Charles 2 was such a fan of this dog breed that he gave them their name. He even decreed that spaniels should be allowed anywhere in public (even in the Houses of Parliament)!
They are classed as an average to intelligent dog breed and are usually quite happy to follow directions and try things. This makes them an ideal choice for inexperienced or not confident dog owners.
See other dog breeds that are great for first time owners
Training a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
You’ll usually find that training your Cavalier is relatively straightforward. They are considered to be quite intelligent and often are more than happy to try things.
However, they can be quite sensitive so using positive reinforcement will have a much better success rate than punishing bad behaviour.
Guide for positive puppy training
Like other toy dogs, it might be a challenge to house break them. However, remaining consistent and fair is the way to help them learn this. It might take some time, but it’s very important to be patient with your pets.
How to toilet train your puppy or dog
Grooming a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
They have a stunning silky coat which tends to be described as long. Although you might see a small wave to it, it will otherwise be free from curls.
Did you know?
Following the death of King Charles 2, they very nearly became extinct! They were actually bred with the Queen’s favoured breed the Pug to survive extinction. This is why today’s Cavaliers have much flatter noses than in the royal paintings.
They are shedders, so be prepared to become very close friends with the hoover. If you are particularly houseproud then you might find it hard to have a Cavalier dog in your home.
However, regular grooming and brushing can help get rid of loose fur before shedding season hits. If you’re looking for grooming advice, check out our dog grooming at home tips.
Finding your Forever Puppy
Whether you’re sold on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or not, we aim to help puppies find their perfect forever homes.
We currently have nearly 2000 puppy adverts to browse. Before deciding to purchase a dog, always do your research first to make sure the breed is the right choice for your home and lifestyle.