Known as the English Toy Spaniel, the Cavalier King Charles is a loving and intelligent companion animal. Due to its calm temperament and adaptable nature, it coexists harmoniously both with other pets and children. These important family members often demonstrate a friendly attitude towards their human companions. 

Considering their gentle and reserved nature, just like English Spaniels, Cavalier Spaniels feel comfortable in at least chaotic environments with the lowest amount of noise. That’s why these important family members prefer to live in a quiet and predictable environment from the busy urban life.

Knee Cap Dislocation 

Kneecap dislocation is a hereditary problem. To avoid the discomfort caused by this problem, it’s necessary to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. A balanced intake of lean meats, high-quality protein, calcium, and phosphorus will help your important family members develop muscles properly.

Corrective surgery may be necessary to correct severe cases of kneecap dislocation. However, a regular visit to the veterinary clinic will detect early signs of knee cap dislocation and allow you to take appropriate measures at an early stage of the disease’s development.

Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia causes a fluid-filled cyst to form in the spinal cord. The disease disrupts communication between the brain and the body and manifests itself in symptoms such as weakness, sensitivity to temperature, muscle atrophy, and rashes. Symptoms usually develop slowly and appear late in the course of the disease.

Delay in treatment may cause irreversible damage to the spinal cord. That’s why, we recommend that you consult a veterinarian as soon as the first symptom appears and evaluate the health of the companion animal’s spine with appropriate diagnostic tests.

Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral valve disease makes the valve between the heart’s left ventricle and atrium dysfunctional. At this time, the valves may not close completely and this will cause the blood to flow back into the left atrium. Without treatment, this condition can cause damage to the heart muscle. Timely planning of visits to the veterinarian, weight monitoring, and intake of high-quality food specially designed for dogs are especially important to prevent disease.

Known for their affectionate natures and elegant looks, these small dogs require a diet tailored to their size, age, and energy level. In the early stages of development, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should be fed a fully balanced food designed for small or medium puppies. The nutrients added to the formula will help our little companion animals to properly develop mentally and physically.

As they age, the nutritional needs of our furry friends also increase. They need more food, however, unlike puppies, they only require to be fed 2 times a day.

To maintain optimal muscle mass and health, an adult Cavalier Spaniel necessitates high-quality protein-rich food. The recommended nutritional intake for an adult Cavalier Spaniel should provide the correct balance of all the essential vitamins and minerals needed to support the animal’s vital functions.

To avoid excess weight, refuse uncontrolled feeding and follow the instructions placed on the food packaging before consulting a nutritionist. Remember, if fed a balanced diet, our Cavalier Spaniel doesn’t require additional nutrients. This is especially true for human products. Their intake may even be poisonous to a Cavalier Spaniel. Pay special attention to chocolate, coffee, alcohol, grapes, avocados and onions.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was bred in the Victorian era from Asian toy breeds such as the Pug. This type of spaniel originally had a pug-like flat face and a rounded skull. Over time, the cavalier faced the threat of extinction. However, in the 1920s, the American Roswell Eldridge established a cash prize for those British breeders who could reproduce the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and increase the number of the breed.

These important family members were for a time referred to as Toy Spaniels and were divided into four distinct groups based on color: Black, known as King Charles, White, known as Blenheim, Tricolor, known as Prince Charles, and Yellow, known as Ruby.

Later, all four variations were combined into one variety. The Kennel Club called them Toy Spaniels. However, due to King Charles II’s devotion to the breed, they were soon called the Cavalier Charles Spaniel. The breed was given official status by Britain in 1945. However, it was recognized in America only in 1996.

Like King Charles, Queen Victoria was very fond of the breed. Her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dash, was referred to as her closest childhood companion.