Understanding Pet Needs

Posted on: 25 April 2019

Their name makes them seem royal and regal, and indeed they are. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a long and dignified history, and it's a breed that's easy to fall in love with. However, as with any breed, there are both pros and cons to consider before you bring home a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

Pro: The dogs are small enough to pick up.

Many Spaniel breeds are just on the cusp of being too large to pick up. The English Spaniel, for instance, can weigh about 40 pounds, which is more than the average person wants to lift. If you love spaniels but want a dog you can pick up as needed, the Cavalier King Charles is a great choice since it usually weighs less than 20 pounds. Females may weigh closer to 15 pounds. Being able to pick up your dog comes in handy when you want to carry them over muddy ground, or when you're waiting in the vet's office.

Con: The dogs are not fierce and won't scare anyone away.

Some dogs look harmless but can be fierce and protective when needed, but not the Cavalier King Charles! It looks soft and cuddly, and it is soft and cuddly to the core. If an unfamiliar person comes to your door, the dog is more likely to try and snuggle with them than to bark and scare them off. If you want a guard dog—or even just a dog that will make strangers think twice—this is not the breed for you.

Pro: These dogs are wonderful with children.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were often used as nanny dogs in the past. People would trust them to watch over babies and young children. As such, they have been selectively bred to adore kids. They are not only okay with babies and kids—they will become very attached to them and spend all of their time doting on them. It would not be unusual for you to turn your back for a minute and come back to the dog cuddled up around your toddler. They can deal with having their tails and ears pulled on and their backs poked; some even seem to like this treatment.

Con: These dogs love chasing birds.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to be well behaved outside, but if there are birds around, you can expect them to take off. Like most Spaniels, they were bred to flush out small game, and this instinct runs deep for them. Training this behavior out of them is very difficult, if not impossible. It is something you'll just have to learn to deal with.

Pro: These dogs are very easy to train.

With the exception of their instinct to chase birds, this breed is very easy to train. They can be housebroken within days, and they respond well to positive reinforcement. They quickly learn what you expect from them and aim to please you.

Con: They require a lot of grooming.

These dogs are beautiful, but a lot of that beauty comes from a very long, thick coat. You will need to have your dog professionally groomed about once a month to keep this coat tangle-free and under control. You'll also need to brush the dog regularly to prevent mats and tangles. If you want a dog you can shampoo once a year and brush monthly, this is not it.

If you don't mind dealing with a little grooming and you are not looking for guard dog, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can make the perfect pet. You won't have any trouble falling in love with one of these dogs—and they'll soon fall in love with you, too. Reach out to a breeder of King Charles Cavalier puppies today for more information.