Breed Description: The toy-sized Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has long, velvety ear, beautiful round dark eyes and a long silky coat similar to a Golden Retriever. This sweet, good-natured breed excels at what it was developed to do-give companionship.
Group: Toy
Purpose of Breed: Companionship
Country of Origin: England
Average Size: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels range from 11 inches to 13 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 10 to 18 pounds.
Color(s): Tricolor (black, white and tan), black and tan, ruby (solid red) or white and red (officially called Blenheim).
Coat Type: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have long, fine, silky coats.
Grooming: This coat on this breed is easy to maintain with regular brushing and never needs trimming. Cavalier's require standard care for eyes, ears, pads and nails.
Exercise Needs: This breed was developed to be an indoor dog and is suitable for apartment living if given proper exercise.
Temperament: This outgoing and friendly breed is very affectionate. Their loving nature makes them suitable for nursing home therapy and they make wonderful companions for the elderly or disabled. They prefer the company of their family and do not like to be left alone for long periods. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loves people and gets along well with other dogs.
Common Ailments: Susceptible to Mitral Valve Disease (heart murmur), ear infections, eye conditions and patella luxation.
Life Expectancy: Averages 9-14 years. Trivia: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was featured on the hit HBO series, "Sex and the City," as character Charlotte York's dog.
More Information: American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, Inc.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I have an 18 month old male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He's still urinating on the carpet several times a month. We crate trained him, helped him mark his spots outside, offered food rewards early on and remained gentle throughout.
You might try a belly band. It is a cloth band with a space for a pad; it fastens with velcro. The dogs do not like the feeling of wetness that stays if they urinate while wearing it. I have Cavaliers, too; most of mine stop leg lifting in the house after a couple of 'accidents' while wearing the belly band. Occasionally, one will forget and have to wear the band for a couple of days as a reminder.
If the dog isn't neutered; he should be because that will likely fix the problem. You also need to recognize when he is wetting and take note. Is it when he's left alone for a long time? When someone else leaves the house?
If it seems he's wetting the floor mostly am or pm; adjust the two long brisk walks/jogging you should be doing with both the dogs daily so you do the one of the long (30-45 minutes minimum each) walks before he seems to be wetting. He may not be adequately relieving himself if he's just let out into the yard on his own.
Being at home isn't a substitute for giving the dogs and yourself the daily exercise and attention, training and play time they need. One dog will not train or amuse the other. You need to train and exercise and play with both of them.
Companion dogs are actually some of the most stubborn breeds to train, so hang in there! Don't let him get the best of you! You have the advantage of being home all day, so you can head him off at his own game. Puppy basics are what you are going to have to return to, and the bell system. Around your doorknob hang a bell that he can reach, so when he is trained, he can tell you when he needs to go out.
Every 40min. to hour take him out, ON A LEASH!
*Call 'Buddy' to you while you are in front of door
*Ring the bell, then place Leash on 'Buddy'
*Walk outside-make sure you walk outside first, you are the lead dog, HE IS THE FOLLOWER!
*Take 'Buddy' to a designated restroom area (there are actually pee sticks that you can purchase that will encourage him to only go in that area)
*Tell 'Buddy' to GO POTTY! and do not leave that area until he does. NO PLAY! No talking to him save to tell him to GO POTTY and no interaction with him. He has to do his business first!
*When 'Buddy' has gone potty praise him! In a high pitch voice tell him he is a good dog! Play with him outside for 5-10 min NEVER GO STRAIGHT BACK IN as the dog may decide that going potty outside is actually a punishment, since he doesn't get any play time out there. Remember you want him to think going outside is a good thing!
*Upon entering, hand him a cookie of some sort (I would recommend a small chunk of fruit-apples WITHOUT skin...never grapes, or a chunk of a carrot, since these are low in calories, and CKC tend to try to pack on the pounds), and tell him that he is a good dog. Remove the leash, hang it up near the door with the bell
*Repeat process for the next two weeks...I know it will be exhausting, but in the end, it will mean a pee free house!
In the end it will take loads of patience, but it sounds like this is what you have! Good Luck!! You will learn to love the bell. Well, until he gets the sick and starts ringing it at 3am LOL
The only time my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wets in the house is when a urinary tract infection is causing urgency. I'd consult a veterinarian and have a urinalysis. Then use the suggestions given above.
Check out these photos.
These are Moses and Duchess' babies. Moses and Duchess are 5 years old. Their puppies were 8 weeks. They are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The Mama is from England and the Papa is from South Dakota.
I got him from a breeder. Buddy loves to chase flash light fairies and case rabbits!
This is Millie our three year old cavalier. We got her from a reputable breeder. She likes running on the beach and chasing her ball. She has a very happy nature and loves everyone and everything, except getting wet!
Hubby had ankle surgery and was off work for 3 months; got Diesel to keep him company.
Sassy is a 6 week old Cavalier King Charles. She was born here. We are the proud owners of her Momma, Penny Lynn. She likes to Play! Play! Play! Play! We just love this breed they can melt the grouchiest person's heart!
Elly is my 17 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We got her from a breeder when she was 8 weeks old.
Mickey is a 2 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We found a wonderful breeder just outside of Louisville, KY. She actually sold us another Cavalier. "Aunt Serena" (as we call her) babysits them when we go out of town.
He is 22 mos. old and certainly rules our house. We got him when he was 13 weeks old. Sebastian loves people and is such a joy to have around. His favorite thing to do is greeting people, either at home or on the street while walking.
