About the Cavalier Breed

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their mild temperament and easy going personalities. They make great family pets as they do wonderful with children and other dogs. Cavaliers are highly affectionate, playful and extremely social. 

Their breed goes back to the 16 century, where they were companions to British and English Royalties. Used for both hunting, and lapdogs, they were a favorite among the whole family. 

Cavaliers are the largest of the toy breeds, with breed standard being anywhere from 12-18 pounds. The breed has four recognized colors: 

Blenheim: rich chestnut markings on a pearly white background, with a Blenheim spot on top of it's head

Tricolor: black and white, with tan markings on the cheeks, underside of ears, eyebrows, inside of legs and underside of tail

 Black and tan: black bodies with tan highlights, particularly eyebrows, cheeks, legs and beneath the tail

Ruby: solid chestnut color

The Cavalier's coat is moderately long and silky, with some gentle wave. Feathering on their ears, tails, legs, and paws is to remain long. Their heads are to be more flat on top than domed, and their ears placed high. 

Average lifespan of a Cavalier is 8-12 years. Like any breed, they have their genetic conditions, the highest risk of which is Mitro Valve Disease, a heart condition. It is best to have their hearts listened to at least once a year. If caught early enough, MVD can be helped to prolong their life span, with medication and lifestyle. 

Some other issues known to affect Cavaliers are, Dry Eye Curly Coat (DECC), an eye/coat condition, Episode Falling (EF) a neurological disorder affecting the muscles. Our parent dogs are clear of both DECC and EF.