Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Facts

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a lively and outgoing dog. And there’s a lot you’ll want to know about this toy breed. So here are the top Cavalier King Charles Spaniel facts.

Named After A King

This breed’s unusual name comes from the fact that a royal was one of their biggest fans. They are named after King Charles II of England who was often seen in the company of the breed. It is said that he liked the breed so much he passed a royal decree that the breed should be allowed in any public place.

Comfort Dog

In the past, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was known as a “comfort dog”. Doctors would sometimes write prescriptions with the dog being the cure for certain ailments. It’s believed the breed was also used to help keep fleas away from their owners thus preventing the spread of plague.

Dedicated Companion

Because it was developed to be a companion dog this is a breed that does best when it has a lot of interaction with its owner. It typically thrives with an owner who has the time to stay at home with it for the majority of the day. Or that brings the dog with him when he goes out.

Easily Confused With A Close Relative

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is often confused for its relative the English Toy Spaniel. These two dogs look very similar because they were once a single breed. To add to the confusion while it is known as the English Toy Spaniel in the United States, in the UK the breed is called the King Charles Spaniel.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be distinguished from the English Toy Spaniel by a few physical features. It is smaller in size, has a longer muzzle, and its skull is flat. The Cavalier’s ears are also set higher on the head than those of the English Toy Spaniel as well.

Active Little Dogs

One of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel characteristics that many people find surprising is that despite its tiny size it is very energetic. This is a breed that needs daily exercise. However because it is so small, it doesn’t require hours of activity to tire it out.

Working Therapy Dog

The small size and naturally gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel temperament make the breed an ideal therapy dog. However, the individual dog will need to earn a certificate from a special training program. Once certified they are used to visit the elderly, sick, and those with anxiety disorders.

MVD

There are several Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health issues owners need to be aware of, and one of the biggest is mitral valve disease (MVD). This is the leading cause of death for the breed.  With this heart condition the mitral valve beings to deteriorate causing a heart murmur that eventually leads to heart failure.

Four Colors

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coat comes in four different colors.  It may be black and tan, ruby (chestnut), tricolor (black and white with tan markings), or Blenheim (chestnut and white).

The Blenheim Name

The Blenheim coloration is named after Blenheim Palace. This is because it’s where the 1^st Duke of Marlborough raised the ancestors of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed. These dogs happened to be chestnut and white in color.

The Blenheim Spot

Dogs with the Blenheim coat color sometimes have what is known as the Blenheim spot. This is a small spot of chestnut color in the center of their forehead. The Blenheim spot is considered to be one of the unique Cavalier King Charles Spaniel traits. It is also sometimes called the Duchess Thumbprint.

American Recognition

Despite being around for quite a while in its homeland, the UK, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has quite a short history in the United States. It was actually only officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1995.

Separation Anxiety

One of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel facts prospective owners should know is that the breed is well-known for experiencing separation anxiety. The frustration the dog experiences from being apart from its owner may cause it to engage in destructive behaviors such as barking and chewing.

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