King Charles Cavalier
Breed Profile
Height
12 – 13
Weight
13 – 18
Life Span
9 – 14
Health
health
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
What is it?
A health problem caused by one of the dog's heart valves weakening.
% of small dogs affected
80%
Clinical signs
This disease is asymptomatic. So, it’s very important to have your veterinarian check for a heart murmur.
Treatment
There are many medications for dogs with Mitral Valve Disease.
Personality
King Charles Cavalier: Introduction to the Breed
When you introduce a new pet into your home, there’s a lot you should consider ahead of time. Remember that this will not only change your life in some ways, but it will completely change the animal’s life. That’s why you must do research about the breed and reflect on what you want before the sale. Think about what attributes in the dog will be make or break. Also, assess your lifestyle and that of your family. Here are a few things you need to know before buying a King Charles Cavalier puppy.
King Charles Cavaliers are typically,
Gentle
Adaptable
Friendly
Eager
If you’re looking for a dog for your kids, look no further than the King Charles Cavalier. These dogs are very gentle and affectionate with children and even other pets in the home. Plus, pets help teach kids valuable lessons in responsibility and empathy.
The King Charles Cavalier is a very adaptable dog. Whether it's city life or country living, these pups are happy to be with their family.
This breed is incredibly friendly. This means that they don’t make great guard dogs. They see strangers as playmates they just haven’t met yet. On the plus side, this means that they will be very welcoming to any new guests you have in your home.
The King Charles Cavalier is a very eager dog who will love to chase small animals around the yard. However, if you live in a city or near a busy road, this means that the dog’s chasing behavior can be dangerous. They will never become “street-wise.” This is why it’s best to keep them on a leash or in a fenced-in yard at all times outdoors.
Lifetime Care
Coat
The King Charles Cavalier has a silky coat that feathers around the ears, feet, and legs.
Colors
There are only four colors for the breed: Blenheim, ruby, black and tan, and tricolor.
Hypoallergenic
Grooming
Brushing once a week is recommended.
Training
The breed is eager to please which makes training a piece of cake.
King Charles Cavalier Breed Information
The King Charles Cavalier is a breed that originated in England. These dogs are best recognized for their small bodies. They are often regarded as affectionate lapdogs. Their silky coat is generally straight. Although it can have waves, it should never curl. It will, however, feather around the ears, feet, and legs.
These dogs make great companions thanks to their affectionate nature. As lapdogs, they will love to cuddle up with you and watch a good movie. They are also playful and enjoy games and enrichment activities. Plus, they’re patient which makes them great with kids and other animals around the house.
What are the Origins of the King Charles Cavalier?
The origins of the King Charles Cavalier date back to the 18th century in England. The breed was owned by John Churchill the Duke of Marlborough. There is a well-known legend that says while he was away at war, in the battle of Blenheim, Duchess Sarah Churchill pressed her thumb to the forehead of her pregnant dog. After the Duke’s safe return, every puppy in the litter was born with a chestnut spot on its forehead. This is known as the “Blenheim Spot” or the “Duchess Thumbprint.”
The King Charles Cavalier is a very popular dog in the world today.
What are the Risks for the King Charles Cavalier?
With most purebred dogs, it’s nearly impossible to avoid genetic disease. The King Charles Cavalier is no exception. This breed most often struggles with a heart disease called Mitral Valve Disease (MVD). This is when one of the dog’s heart valves weakens and begins to leak, often leading to heart failure. Thankfully there are medications and treatment options for MVD.
Other King Charles Cavalier health problems may include:
Syringomyelia (SM)
Hip Dysplasia
Luxating Patella
Hearing Disorders
Vision Disorders
There are also many illnesses that can be avoided by King Charles Cavalier. Taking the time to help prevent issues for your dog now could save them a lot of trouble and pain in the long run. Things you can do to help your dog include proper diet, exercise, medical visits, and grooming. All of these little things add up and will make a big difference in the well-being of your King Charles Cavalier. Learn more about the price of a King Charles Cavalier.
Unfortunately, even if you do everything you can to prevent illness in your dog, they can still get sick. That’s why it’s crucial for you to be well prepared for what may come their way.
Sources:
Wikipedia
vcahospitals.com
mightyheartsproject.org