FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Info

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (also known by the acronym CKCS) is a delightfully affectionate, playful, intelligent little dog that repays his/her owner's care and attention with an endearing devotion.

They are members of the toy breed and as adults they should have a natural coat that needs no trimming, long silky ears, and large dark eyes. The tail is usually left natural and uncut. They are commonly confused with the Cocker Spaniel (which are larger in size as well as other differences).

They come in four color combinations and in two color categories: brokens (or at times called parti-colours) and solids.  The broken colors are Blenheim (rich chestnut on pearly white background) and Tricolor (black and white with tan markings on cheeks, inside ears, above the eyes (resembling eyebrows), inside legs, and on the underside of the tail).  The solid colors are Ruby (rich reddish-brown all over and possibly with white on their chest) and Black and Tan (black with tan markings - similar to the Tricolor but with no white).

Is this the breed called "the ultimate snob dog"?

Yes! An article appeared in Town and Country Magazine several years ago in which the title referred not to the attitude of Cavaliers but their owners! It made this statement due to the fact that Monarchs, Presidents, Captains of Industry and Movie Stars own Cavaliers. Further the fact that the CKCSC-USA shunned AKC recognition for many years, keeping its own registry, the fact that puppies are sometimes hard to find, and that puppies can be very expensive contributed to the title. Further, prospective puppy buyers are often surprised by the "third-degree" given by breeders trying to determine their suitability for owning a Cavalier.

What is the temperament of a Cavalier? 

Cavalier's are highly affectionate, and some have called the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel "the ultimate lap dog". Most dogs of the breed are playful, extremely patient and eager to please. As such, dogs of the breed are usually good with children and other dogs. A well-socialized Cavalier will not be shy about socializing with much larger dogs. It is generally agreed that this breed is the friendliest of the toy group.

What types of people do well with a Cavalier?

Because of the extremely social nature of a Cavalier they require almost constant companionship from humans, other dogs, and/or other animals.  They are not suited to spending long periods of time on their own.  Therefore an ideal setting for raising a happy Cavalier is one that has at least one other animal, preferably another Cavalier, and one where the people of the house are home as often as possible.

"These Cavalier's look familiar.  Where could I have seen these dogs before?"

To start, every crowned head of England had one as a companion as a child, as did many in the Dutch court. Yet many notable celebrities have also owned Cavaliers.  They include: Ronald and Nancy Reagan (named Rex), William F. Buckley, Frank Sinatra (he had 4), Candice Bergen, Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood, Courteney Cox and David Arquette (named Hopper & Harley), Liv Tyler (named Neal), Lauren Bacall, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sylvester Stallone (he has 2), and many more. The HBO series Sex in the City character Charlotte York also had a Cavalier.

Are they good with kids?

Cavaliers are excellent with children. Cavaliers love to interact with their owners and enjoy activity and playing, making them especially close friends and confidants of children. While Cavaliers are excellent with children, the age of the child is an important factor in choosing a puppy. Children need supervision when the Cavalier is still young, small and susceptible to injury.

Are they good with seniors?

Retirees and "empty nesters," find the companionship, temperament, small size and easy maintenance of Cavaliers ideal. Women have mentioned that a Cavalier resting on their lap or in the crook of her arm is almost as peaceful as holding a sleeping infant.

Are they good guard dogs?

No. They are horrible.  While the Cavalier may alert his/her owner to an arrival of someone new, they seem to regard all strangers as friends.  It is also extremely difficult to picture anyone being scared by the sight of a Cavalier.

Do they travel well?

People who travel often find it easy and pleasant to take the Cavalier along. Their strong desire to be with their owners makes them willing travelers. Their size and personality contribute to their welcome at "dogs allowed" hotels, marinas & campgrounds.  I also know of a few truck drivers and expedite drivers that bring their Cavaliers along on short and extended trips.  While it is personal preference, be educated on how to travel with any animal.  Dogs that roam around in a vehicle can be killed if you are involved in an accident.  So just be aware.

Are they an AKC breed?

As of January 1996, the Cavaliers have full recognition by the AKC. Since it took the AKC so long to officially recognize the breed two national breed clubs were formed and are still in operation.  The original was the CKCSC-USA and the now AKC-recognized ACKCSC. Each have full recognition by the British Kennel Club. The Canadian Kennel Club does not recognize Cavaliers registered with the CKCSC-USA, but does recognize those registered with the AKC. Some kennels have dual-registration in both the CKCSC and the AKC, other kennels perfer to only register with the AKC. There are several opinions on this subject, so read up on the pros and cons of either choice.

Can I find one in a pet store?

Hopefully, NEVER! Every attempt has been made to prevent Cavaliers from falling into the hands of puppy mills or anyone who would resell the dog. CKCSC and AKC Cavalier breeders should adhere to the Code of Ethics which specifically excludes providing any puppies for resale. Responsible Cavalier breeders do their best to screen any prospective puppy buyer and often refuse to sell to a less than "ideal" home.

What medical problems do Cavaliers have?

For the most part Cavaliers are quite healthy dogs. There are a few problems which are known to appear in the breed: heart murmurs, cataracts, and Subluxating Patella's. Mitral Valve Heart Disease is something to ask the breeder about, as well. A responsible breeder should adhear to yearly screenings of any Cavaliers that will be used for breeding.

What kind of grooming is necessary for Cavaliers?

The Cavalier does require regular grooming. A great deal of time and effort is not necessary if the dog is brushed and combed thoroughly at least once a week. Knots and tangles are kept to a minimum if the Cavalier is free of parasites and combed regularly. Nails should be clipped. No other trimming is necessary. Cavaliers are naturally clean dogs. Too much bathing dries out the skin and coat so certainly do not bathe more than once a week, ideally once every two weeks. Don't use human shampoo on dogs. Rinse thoroughly. A human blow dryer (not on hot) and brushing at the same time works well for drying. Keep blower moving so any one spot does not get overheated.

Do they shed?

Cavaliers do shed, particularly in spring and fall, but a little all the time.

How much exercise do Cavaliers require?

Cavaliers need either a moderate size fenced-in yard in which to run, or a minimum of one good walk each day (in addition to potty walks). If their owners want walking companions, Cavaliers can build up over time to much longer walks. Regular exercise is very important for a Cavalier's heart. Even older Cavaliers should be encouraged to go up and down stairs.

Do I need a fenced-in yard?

A fence is recommended for Cavaliers due to their need to exercise.  There are alternatives to a traditional chain-link fence such as "wireless" and "invisible" fences (there is a difference). My opinion of the two alternative fences is that if you do not like the look of the traditional chain-link fences, it is not cost effect, or you only have one or two dogs than I would suggest taking a serious look at them. Wireless fences work on a radio frequency giving the dog a 90 foot radius, or less, from the unit to run (180 feet in diameter). Invisible fences work by a line being buried in the ground and the dog receiving a shock when they cross it. Wireless fences do have the ability to shock a dog for as long as its outside of the radio signal (up to 30 seconds) while invisible fences can be "charged" by the dog in which it only receives a short shock and then once it is past the buried wire it is allowed to roam. The benefit of invisible fences is that the "safe area" can be any shape depending on where the line is buried while the wireless fence can only be in the shape of a circle.

A chain-link fence becomes a necessity when you have more than 3 or so dogs.  The cost of collars, batteries, and maintenance (your dogs will chew on them - they'll find a way) will just not be cost effective.  There are many opinions on these units so research them thoroughly before you purchase.  Personally, we started with a wireless fence when we only had one dog.  Once we started adding dogs, the $5.00 batteries, $100 collars, the constant maintenance and checking to make sure the batteries were charged, just became too much for us to manage.  We have an acre fenced with chain-link and the materials were only $1,500 (at Menards).

This really is a personal decision.  For a long time, we held onto our wireless fence and defended its value and effectiveness.  But now, a little older and wiser, we understand it is a personal decision and everyone needs to make the best decision for their family and circumstance.

What age of Cavalier should I buy?

In general, Cavaliers should remain with their mother until 10 - 14 weeks of age.  Cavalier puppies are very slow to mature and benefit from staying with their mother and littermates longer than many other breeds.  If a breeder is willing to sell you a pup at 6 or 7 weeks, beware!