Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Sweet, smart and snuggly
Cavaliers 101
Toy groupThe Cavalier King Charles Spaniel shares the outgoing nature and floppy ears of its larger spaniel relatives. The breed itself is relatively new, a re-creation of the small spaniels popular with British gentry both for companionship and to serve as a living heating pad in drafty castles. The most common coat pattern is known as Blenheim, after England's Blenheim Palace.
What we love about Cavaliers
Fans call those fuzzy feet "slippers"
Today the Cavalier is a popular dog not just with young families and singles, but also with empty-nesters looking for smaller, more portable dogs than their previous pets. Cavaliers are bright, eager to please and quick to learn. These little spaniels are friendly to everyone, but they save their strongest affection for the people they know best.
Very vocal
Talkative
As needed
My pet’s health plannerSM
Mature adult Cavalier
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Valvular heart disease
Dental disease
Intervertebral disc disease
Senior Cavalier
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Valvular heart disease
Vestibular syndrome
Gallbladder disease
Cavalier puppy
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Umbilical hernia
Gastritis
Ear infection
Young adult Cavalier
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Luxated patella
Toxicity
Corneal (eye) ulcer
Mature adult Cavalier
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Valvular heart disease
Dental disease
Intervertebral disc disease
Senior Cavalier
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Valvular heart disease
Vestibular syndrome
Gallbladder disease
Cavalier puppy
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Umbilical hernia
Gastritis
Ear infection
Young adult Cavalier
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Luxated patella
Toxicity
Corneal (eye) ulcer
Nationwide can help you save on your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
Get your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s health information in a free report
King Charles II of England had a special fondness for his dogs, particularly the ones that became known as "King Charles Spaniels" in his honor. His constant companions, they even accompanied him to formal events and council meetings. The term "Cavalier" pays homage to the English Civil War royalist supporters, as King Charles II was closely associated with them.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coat care and colors
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a coat that mats easily. Regular brushing will help, but some owners prefer to use professional groomers. The Cavalier is rare among dogs in that their feet are left untrimmed, leaving them permanently in slippers. Because the breed’s ears are relatively long for a dog so low to the ground, they tend to droop into food and water dishes. Using a sleeve called a “snood’ will keep their ears clean. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.
Do Cavaliers shed a lot?
All dogs shed, some a little and some a lot. Cavaliers aren't terrible in the shedding department, but they do drop coat steadily. The perception of how much a dog sheds is typically related to how much fur ends up on clothing, furniture and carpets. Regular brushing and bathing as needed will minimize shedding.
Should I trim my Cavalier's coat?
The coat of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel doesn't require trimming. In fact, the breed's silky ears and fuzzy "slipper feet" are left long as part of the Cavalier's distinctive "look." Mats and tangles may need to be combed or trimmed out, and that can be done at home or by a groomer. Regular combing and brushing will reduce the possibility of mats and tangles.
How often should I bathe my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
There’s no need to wait until your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is filthy or stinky to bathe them. Healthy Cavaliers do well with 1 to 3 baths monthly, though may be bathed as often as weekly, or as little as a few times a year depending on the dog. Make sure to comb or cut out any mats before bathing, since water makes mats even more difficult to remove. You can extend the time between baths with regular brushing and combing.
Cavalier exercise & training
Cavalier fun facts
Top girl names for Cavaliers
of Cavaliers are female
of Cavaliers are male
Top boy names for Cavaliers
Nationwide loves Cavalier King Charles Spaniels of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
Other breeds like Cavaliers
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