The Cavalier king charles spaniel, not to be confused with the King charles spaniel, is small and fairly laid back - yet a lively little dog -making them quite balanced. With its pretty exteriour, animated expression and soft features they easily steal people's hearts by their charming demeanor. It's a companion dog suitable for most households as its activity levels is very adaptable.

Average lifespann: 12-15 years

Height: 30-35cm or 12-13 inches

Weight: 5.5-8kg or 13-18 lbs

Looks and characteristics:
It's a small, beautiful, dog with silky and wavy fur of medium legnth. Its small face is framed by its droopy and curly ears. Though slightly longer than its cousin The king charles (or english toy spaniel), its snout is fairly short. It has big, heart stealing, brown eyes which compliments the adorableness of the breed.

Colors:
Black & tan, Blenheim, Tricolor, Ruby.

History and origins:
As you could guess by the name, the Cavalier king charles spaniel is of noble descendant as it is a breed named after Charles II of England. Around the Victorian era, the breed was influenced through interbreeding with Asian toy breeds, creating a small and petite look. These were the dogs known as Charles King Spaniels or English Toy spaniels. In 1920s there were people fancying the older version so a lot of effort was made to reestablish the old toy spaniel that we all know today as the Cavalier king charles spaniel, resulting in the breed splitting into two distinct breeds.

As many other spaniel breeds, they were originally kept for hunting. Today they are through and through a companion dog, lacking the strong prey drive that is required of hunting dogs.

Temperament:
A lot of effort is directed in keeping a balanced mentality; they are lively yet calm, soft but not cowardly, friendly without any nervosity and insecurity. This harmonious personality and the ability to adapt its activity level to its owner makes them popular dogs, as they are suitable in most households.

Health:
There are several health issues that Cavaliers are prone to. These include certain eye conditions (including retinal problems and cataracts), patella luxation, hip dysplasia, middle ear infections, mitral valve heart disease, and a neurological condition called syringomyelia. Cavaliers can be screened for all these conditions, and most live comfortably into old age. Owners should discuss any potential health issues with their dog's breeder. A responsible breeder will health-test all potential breeding stock.

Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:

• Patella Evaluation
• Hip Evaluation
• Cardiac Exam
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation