How to Identify a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a European toy spaniel that has become one of the most popular dog breeds. [1] Named for King Charles, who was fond of the breed, they have been around for centuries. [2] They share some traits with other dog breeds such as the English Toy Spaniel, but by identifying their key traits, it can be easier to recognize a Cavalier. This wikiHow will help you know whether or not a dog is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Body Structure

  1. As members of the toy group, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are fairly small dogs. They are 12–13 inches (30–33 cm) tall and weigh from 13 to 18 pounds (5.9 to 8.2 kg). [3]
  2. A Cavalier's ears are drop ears that are set high but not close on the top of the head. They are very well-feathered and are wide enough to fan out when the dog is alert. [4]
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  3. Cavaliers have large, round eyes. They are set well apart and are a warm, very dark brown color with dark rims. The eyes give a lustrous, limpid look. [5]
  4. The muzzle of a Cavalier is full and slightly tapered. The head is proportionate to the size of the body, with a black nose and a scissors bite. [6]

    Did you know? Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred with Pugs, Japanese Chin, and other flat-faced Asian breeds to produce the English Toy Spaniel (called the King Charles Spaniel in some parts of the world). English Toy Spaniels rose in popularity as people favored the flat muzzle, and Cavaliers nearly went extinct. [7]

  5. A Cavalier's tail is well set on and may be docked. It is carried happily though never much above the level of the back, and the tail is in constant motion when the dog is in action. [8]
  6. The body is well-balanced and small, giving the appearance of an elegant, royal dog. It approaches squareness, with nicely sloping shoulders, straight forelegs, and parallel hindlegs. [9] Cavaliers have a free-moving, elegant gait that exhibits a good length of stride. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Inspecting the Coat

  1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have silky coats of moderate length. The coat is free from curls but may be slightly wavy. [11]
  2. Cavaliers come in four coat colors and patterns: Blenheim, Tricolor, Ruby, and Black and Tan. [12]
    • Blenheim coats are a clear, pearly white color with rich chestnut markings. The ears are chestnut in color, and there is a white blaze between the eyes and ears, with or without the "lozenge". [13]
    • Tricolor coats are a clear, pearly white color with jet black markings. The ears are black, with a white blaze between the eyes, and there are rich tan markings over the eyes, on the cheeks, inside the ears, and on the underside of the tail. [14]
    • Ruby coats are a solid rich red color. [15]
    • Black and Tan coats are jet black with rich tan markings over the eyes, on the cheeks, inside the ears, and on the chest, legs, and underside of the tail. [16]
  3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to have feathering. Feathering occurs on the ears, chest, legs, and tail and should be long. [17] A key feature of the breed is feathering on the feet. [18]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Understanding Temperament

  1. Cavaliers may grow up to be nervous when exposed to unfamiliar situations. It is important that they are socialized from an early age to prevent timidity later in life. [19]
  2. Because of their friendly nature, a Cavalier becomes very attached to their owner. They are prone to having separation anxiety due to this and want to spend their time with their families. [20]
  3. Cavaliers are very friendly and trusting dogs. Their affectionate, patient nature makes them great with kids, but they aren't good watchdogs since they are trusting. [21]
  4. They are known to be loving and can tolerate other dogs, but Cavaliers may chase around other small animals in the household. Cavaliers have high prey drives, and they may pursue other creatures or even vehicles, so it is important to keep an eye on them. [22]
  5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may appear dainty, but they are sturdy, active dogs. They are as willing to go on long walks as they are to rest on the couch. [23]
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  • Question
    Why does my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel always walk right in front of cars?
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    Cavaliers have a naturally high prey drive, and they may try to pursue vehicles. Make sure to keep your dog safe around cars to prevent any accidents.
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      Tips

      • If you're trying to identify your dog's breed, consider using a DNA test. DNA testing will confirm if your dog is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/
      4. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      5. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      6. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-history-behind-the-breed/
      8. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      9. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      1. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      2. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      3. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      4. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      5. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      6. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      7. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      8. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      9. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-temperament/
      12. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-temperament/
      13. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-temperament/
      14. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-temperament/

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