Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Pet Road Tests > Dogs

Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Temperament: loyal, friendly
Cost: $500+
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Maintenance: medium
Recommended for: families, young children, older adults

One of the consistent top performers in Burke's Backyard's best dogs list is also one of Australia's most popular pedigreed breeds.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was deliberately bred as a companion dog and has fulfilled its life's work admirably.

Appearance: With a sweet rounded face, big brown eyes and soft floppy ears the Cavalier is the ultimate "cute" dog. They are small, reaching only 31-33cm (12-13") and weighing 5-8kg (8-10lb). There are four colours, Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tri-colour (black, white and tan), black and tan, and ruby (solid red). They shouldn't be confused with the King Charles Spaniel, a dog with a shorter snout and is more reserved in nature.

Temperament: Known for their beautiful temperaments, Cavaliers are affectionate and compliant, tolerant of children and come highly recommended by many vets. Dr Rob Zammit especially recommends them for families with children unfamiliar with dogs.

Health: Choose your breeder carefully when buying a pup. Responsible breeders are screening parents to eliminate known genetic problems such as luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps), eye defects and congenital heart problems. Sadly, some people seem less concerned with diseases and more concerned with selling puppies.

Space/Housepet potential:

The Cavalier makes an ideal housepet, being small, quiet and unobtrusive. They are said to be easily house-trained and do not need a big backyard. A regular walk, however, is recommended.

Ideal owner: Cavaliers appeal to older people and young families alike, and are adaptable enough to fit in either situation. They need affection and may fail to thrive if kept outdoors. Puppies may be injured if left unsupervised with children under three years.

Grooming: The Cavalier needs bathing and a good brush for 15-20 minutes each week. When coming out of winter hair may be shed onto furnishings. The drop ears should be wiped clean and checked regularly to avoid infections.

History: Small spaniels have been favourites for many centuries with those people rich enough to keep a dog simply for pleasure, and not one that had to earn its keep. While it wasn't until the 1940s that Cavaliers were registered as a breed in their own right, they have had a rapid - and many would say deserved - rise in popularity to be Australia's 6th-most popular pedigreed breed.

For further information

ACT

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Canberra
President: Margret Franze
Phone: (02) 6295 1245 Fax: (02) 6295 1841

VIC

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Victoria
Rescue Officer: Viv Betteridge
Phone: (03) 5978 6639

President: Beverley Laing
Phone: (03) 5998 5260

NSW

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of NSW
Rosemary Duffy
Phone: (02) 9315 5464

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of SA
Sec: Cherilyn Alport
Phone: (08) 8527 2564

The Canine Association of WA
PO Box 301, Gosnells, 6110
Phone: (08)9455 1188

QLD

The Canine Control Council (Qld)
PO Box 495, Fortitude Valley, 4006
Phone: (07) 3252 2661

TAS

Tasmanian Canine Association
PO Box 116, Glenorchy, 7010
Phone: (03) 6272 9443

North Australian Canine Association
PO Box 375321, Winnellie, 0821
Phone: (08) 89843 570

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Disclaimer: Burke's Backyard and Backyard Blitz do not accept payment to promote products. All recommendations are genuine. Details on the fact sheets are accurate at the time of publishing, however prices and contact information are not updated and may change.