With their big brown eyes and heart-melting disposition, it’s no wonder pet parents of Cavaliers often call them “love sponges.”
In celebration of International Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Day on the last Saturday in May, learn all about this royal companion turned beloved breed.
How The Cavalier Dog Breed Came To Be
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is closely related to the King Charles Spaniel, which was first brought from mainland Europe into Scotland in the 1500s and quickly became a beloved companion to noble families. King Charles The Second, the breed’s namesake, was rarely seen without his Spaniels at his feet.
In the 1600s, the Scottish monarchy came to an end, nearly taking the King Charles Spaniel with it. Over the next 300 years, the breed nearly became extinct.
In the mid-1900s, dog breeders revived the King Charles Spaniel, influenced by newly introduced Japanese and Chinese breeds like the Pug, Pekingese, and Japanese Chin.
In 1945, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or “Cavvy” and King Charles Spaniel or “Charly” were officially recognized by international kennel clubs as two separate breeds.
Differences Between Cavaliers and King Charles Spaniels
The new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, named with a nod to the Scottish King Charles monarchy, is larger, taller, and has a longer muzzle, possibly due to cross-breeding with larger Spaniels or the Papillon.
Cavalier Breed Traits
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel stands about 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder and should weigh just 13 to 18 pounds.
Cavaliers come in four colors: Blenheim, black and tan, solid ruby, and tricolor.
Cavvies are most commonly seen with a “Blenheim” coat pattern, the classic chestnut and white coloring named after the Blenheim palace and battle.
As legend has it, the Duchess of Marlborough would nervously stroke the top of her pregnant Spaniel’s head as she awaited news of her husband in battle, giving her puppies and many descendants a thumbprint-shaped spot between their ears.
Cavaliers have a silky double coat with feathering on their ears, tail, chest, and legs. Their large, round, dark brown eyes have a “melting” expression, and their slightly rounded head gives them a puppylike look well into adulthood.
Common Health Issues In Cavaliers
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, on average, live to be around 9 to 14 years old. Heart disease is the most common cause of death in Cavaliers.
Mitral valve disease (MVD) is common in the Cavalier; the breed is over 20 times more likely to be affected than dogs of other breeds. In dogs with MVD, the mitral valve within the heart becomes weak, allowing blood to flow backward into the heart, potentially causing fatal congestive heart failure. Cavaliers may develop MVD early in life, but fortunately, with treatment, they may not experience symptoms until they’re seniors.
Dental disease is common in Cavaliers, as it is in other small breeds, especially those with a short muzzle. Brush your Cavalier’s teeth with dog toothpaste and a soft toothbrush every day. Your veterinarian may also recommend annual or semi-annual in-office dental cleaning.
Ear infections are common in floppy-eared dogs like Cavaliers. The long, sloping external ear, with its long, feathered fur, can trap moisture that creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Keep your Cavalier’s ears clean and dry, especially during baths and swimming. Some Cavvy owners have their dog wear a special garment called a snood to keep the ears clean during meals.
How To Care For Your Cavalier
The Cavaliar may be best known as a royal lapdog, but they are still a Spaniel at heart. They have a lot of energy and a strong hunting drive, and may run off to chase small animals if allowed to roam off-leash.
Feed your Cavalier a high-quality, complete and balanced dog food. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Adult Dry Dog Food is highly recommended by veterinarians and breeders because it’s scientifically formulated to meet the breed’s needs, with therapeutic ingredients to support your Cavalier’s heart health and skin and coat, in a uniquely shaped kibble that’s designed to fit their small jaw.
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Though the Cavalier has a longer muzzle than a King Charles Spaniel, they are still considered brachycephalic, or short-faced dogs. As with other brachycephalic breeds, which include the French Bulldog and Pug, the Cavalier is prediposed to heat stroke and should not exercise outdoors in hot weather.
Heart issues are incredibly common in Cavaliers. Your dog should be regularly monitored for heart murmurs, a sign of MVD. A heart murmur is an irregular whooshing sound heart during the heartbeat, caused by abnormal blood flow. By age six, around 50% of Cavaliers have a heart murmur. Almost all Cavaliers have a heart murmur by ten years old. If your dog has a heart murmur, your veterinarian may recommend a special diet, medication, and regular screening.
Why We Love Cavaliers
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friend to everyone they meet and known to get along well with children. With those big brown eyes and puppylike disposition, it’s easy to see why so many fall in love with Cavaliers at first sight.
If you’re looking to adopt a Cavvy of your own, remember that this breed is susceptible to inherited health issues. Purchase from a reputable breeder from the AKC breeder directory, or consider adopting from a breed specific rescue.
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