ABOUT THE BREED

This beautiful small spaniel has dark round expressive eyes that are large but not prominent. The tail is sometimes docked to no less then three times its length. It has a conical muzzle and a flat skull. It has a shallow stop, with well developed nose and wide nostrils. The ears are long with abundant feathering. It has a silky coat, sometimes with a slight waviness that comes in ruby, black & tan, tri-color and blenheim (rich chestnut on a pearly-white background).

Temperament	The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate tail-wagger. Lively, outgoing and sportive. These fearless lively little dogs want to please. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and therefore are usually easy to train and respond well to gentle obedience training. They are said to be naturally well behaved and get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets. Cavalier's love people and need lots of companionship to be happy. They should not be left alone all day. They are descended from hunting dogs and love to romp in the great outdoors. This breed sometimes displays a chasing instinct and should be kept well enclosed or leashed so he does not get lost or run over by a car! They do best with older considerate children and some can be reserved with strangers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a pleasant companion dog. It has a noteworthy sense of smell and vision and can be used in short hunts in open country. They do well in competitive obedience.
Height & Weight	Height: 12-13 inches (30-33 cm.) Weight: 10-18 pounds (5-8 kg.)
Health Problems	Don't over feed. This breed tends to gain weight easily. Some lines are genetically disposed to a serious heart problem, which sometimes causes early death. When selecting one of these dogs, it is extremely important to check the medical history of several previous generations. They are also prone to hereditary eye disease, dislocating kneecaps, and ear infections.
Living Conditions	The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is good for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient. The Cavalier does not do well in very warm conditions.
Exercise	Whatever exercise you can provide will be just fine with this adaptable dog, as they will adapt to your family's circumstances. However, they greatly enjoy a good romp in the park.
Life Expectancy	About 9-14 years.
Grooming	Comb or brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. The feathered hair on the ears is prone to tangling and matting, so this dog should be thoroughly groomed often. The hair between the pads on the feet should be kept trimmed and the ears should be cleaned regularly. Always make sure the dog is thoroughly dry and warm after a bath. Check the eyes carefully for any signs of infection. This breed is an average shedder.
Origin	Developed from a cross between the King Charles and a Cocker Spaniel, the Cavalier differs greatly from its forebears. Its breeders were trying to reproduce a toy dog similar to those seen in portraits from the time of England's Charles II, who was said to dote on these small dogs. In the 1920's the American, Roswell Eldridge, offered prize money during a Cruft's Dog Show in London, to any person exhibiting King Charles Spaniels with long noses. He was looking for dogs similar to those appearing in Van Dyck's paintings of King Charles II and his spaniels. By the 1940's these dogs were classified as a separate breed and were given the prefix Cavalier, to differentiate them from their forebears. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was shown in the Toy Group of the AKC beginning in 1996.
Group	Gun Dog, AKC Toy
Recognition	FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC, APRI

FCI = Federation Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc