TOP DOG – CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
A popular purebreed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a family-friendly dog that gets along well with children and other animals.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was originally bred from the Toy Spaniel, which were a very popular breed between the 16th and 18th centuries. The breed got its name from King Charles II of England, who would not go anywhere without fewer than three spaniels by his feet. He loved his dogs so much; some even accused the king of neglecting his royal duties to take care of them.
And while 'Cavies' come in four different colours, only those with black and tan fur are true Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Their brilliant, silky coats require not more than regular brushing and the occasional bath. Brushing is essential as it not only keeps the coat shiny and tangle-free, but also provides an enjoyable full-body massage. Grooming sessions provide an opportunity to inspect the dog for any skin issues. Check their ears weekly for signs of infection and trim their nails at least once a month to avoid pain and discomfort from overgrown nails.
They are also known as comfort dogs, as — in the bad old days — owners of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels would bring them into their beds to serve as their decoy against fleas. While this affectionate dog loves to cuddle and snuggle on laps and soft pillows, they are more athletic than you would think. These pups always require a well-fenced yard or a leash as they are incredibly active dogs who need no invitation to chase down squirrels, birds and even butterflies. As such, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is highly dependent on human companionship. They cannot be left alone for too long and
need interaction for most of the day, becoming stressed if shown insufficient care and affection. Lonely Cavaliers will whine, bark or chew and damage objects around the house. To keep your dog happy, regular walks, moderate exercise and outdoor activities should suffice. They are smart dogs that are easily trained and excel at several canine sports such as obedience, rally and agility. As with any breed, early socialisation and puppy training classes will help your dog gain the confidence and develop an outgoing, friendly temperament.
Some Cavaliers are prone to gaining weight, so it is important to monitor your dog’s consumption and weight. If you do decide to give your pup treats, exercise caution and do so in moderation. Food scraps should also be fed sparingly, and one should avoid cooked bones of high-fat foods.
There are other health issues that Cavaliers tend to suffer as they age. These include eye conditions such as retinal problems and cataracts, patella luxation (trick knees), hip dysplasia, middle ear infections, mitral valve heart disease and a neurological condition known as syringomyelia. These conditions can be screened for and most dogs will live comfortably into old age.