Colors: Red and white (blenheim), black and tan (king charles) tricolor (prince charles) and solid, dark red

Living: The cavalier king charles spaniel does very well in small spaces such as apartments but is also idea

Recognized: FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CKC, APRI, ACR

Description

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). On Blenheim dogs, a chestnut-red spot on top of the head between the ears is preferred by breeders, but not critical.

Temperament

The cavalier in many ways fits the bill as an ideal house pet. It is sweet, gentle, playful, willing to please, affectionate and quiet. It is amiable toward other dogs, pets and strangers. Outdoors, its spaniel heritage kicks in, and it loves to explore, sniff and chase.

Excercise

The cavalier needs a fair amount of exercise every day, either in the form of a moderate walk on leash or a romp in a safe area. This is not a breed that should live outdoors. Its long coat needs brushing every other day.

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 a

Health

Major concerns: MVI, CHD

Minor concerns: patellar luxation, entropion

Occasionally seen: retinal dysplasia

Suggested tests: cardiac, hip, knee, eye

Note: Cavaliers should not be bred until the age of 5 ye