Size - The most desirable weight of an adult is 8 to 14 pounds. General symmetry and substance are more important than the actual weight; however, all other things being equal, the smaller sized dog is to be preferred. Proportion - Compact and essentially square in shape, built on cobby lines. Substance - Sturdy of frame, solidly constructed.
Life Span: 10-12 years
English Toy Spaniel is small and soft, with large expressive eyes and a lovely feathered coat in a variety of striking colors
• Adores comfort, cuddling in laps, and snuggling on soft pillows, yet
has more athletic and outdoorsy instincts than you might think
• Is peaceful with everyone
• Is willing to please and responds well to praise and encouragement
If you don't want to deal with...
• "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone
too much
• Timidity and shyness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
• Chasing instincts
• Regular brushing and combing
• Lots of shedding
• High prices
• Extremely serious health problems and a short lifespan
A Cavalier may not be right for you.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate tail-wagger. 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, enjoy companionship, and need rules to follow and limits to what they are allowed to do. They should not be left alone all day. If you do need to leave them, be sure to take them for a pack walk before you leave to put them in a natural rest mode.
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!
Do not allow this sweet dog to developed Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors, where the dog thinks he is pack leader to humans. This can cause a varying degree of behavior problems, which are not Cavalier traits, but behaviors brought on by the way they are being treated.
They are recommended with older considerate children, simply because most small dogs are treated in such a way they start to believe they are a pack leader to humans. In addition to being the dog's leader, socialize well to avoid them being 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.
The King Charles Spaniel may have health problems such as heart defects, eye problems, patellar luxation (kneecap slipping) and fused toes, which can cause incorrectly grown toenails. They tend to live 10 to 12 years.
The King Charles Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have similar health issues. See the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health section for more information.
