The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, affectionately known as “Cav” by owners and doggy fans is a small spaniel recognized in the toy category. They are slightly larger than the King Charles Spaniel but very similar, they have a longer snout than the King Charles and they have quite a flat skull, with long feathery ears are set high on the head.
They are a breed of spaniel which has been around for a very long time, in Tudor times they were used as comforters for well to do ladies and they would be used to keep their hands warm. Queen Victoria was a big fan of these little dogs, and they have been a firm favorite with UK dog owners. They got their name from King Charles II, who would rarely be seen without his favorite dogs.
They are very sociable, affectionate little characters and they generally love children and other pets that they have been brought up with, they also lack the prey drive of many spaniels which makes them less interested in “hunting” the other pets. They can make better companions for older people than some of the more sporty spaniels, as the are very loving and people orientated, without being too demanding to keep, not requiring copious amounts of exercise that a Cocker or Springer would demand. Because they are so people orientated they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time, which is another thing which makes them ideal for older/retired people.
They are intelligent, eager to please and easy to train, and make a good choice for first time dog owners. They are generally good at canine sports such as agility and thrive on the attention they get from their human whilst doing so. Unlike a lot of toy sized dogs they do not tend to be too yappy, and are fairly quiet. They need a fair amount of grooming although not excessive. Their coats are long and straight with plenty of feathering and they come in a variety of colours: Ruby, Blenheim, Black and Tan, Tricolour. It is recommended not to trim their coats as this can cause curls which are considered undesirable.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is just as happy living in the city or the countryside, so long as the are given plenty of attention and things to keep their minds occupied. They are happy to play in the garden or snuggle indoors with their humans