Ezra Reid, Sophomore
Dogs are the most popular pets in the world, with 360 recognized breeds of dogs out there for you to get to know and love. Every dog is unique and there is a very wide variety to pick from. One species of dog in particular that stands out is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a British breed of dog, descending from the spaniel type. These dogs have silky fur and come in four different colored coats, chestnut and white (Blenheim); black, white and tan; black and tan; or ruby. They usually live between eight to twelve years and are relatively small in size, maxing out at around 18 pounds.
Cavaliers are incredibly sweet and passionate and always eager to spend time with you. This breed is good with children and other dogs, as they are very friendly toward everyone. If you want to be able to play catch with your dog, this is the right pick for you as they chase after most things that move. Cavalier puppies tend to bite everything when they’re young, but when they’re older they will grow out of this. As long as you help teach them that biting isn’t acceptable, they will learn. The Cavalier breed is smart and intelligent, which is just what you want in a pet and also makes them easy to house train.
They’re able to adapt to environments and families fairly quickly and can live in small or large spaces. Wherever they are, they just want to be close to their owner. Cavaliers have a strong hunting instinct, however, they aren’t good guard dogs since they regard most strangers and animals as friends. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you think about it. Some owners have also reported these dogs living happily alongside a variety of other animals such as hamsters and gerbils. Cavaliers do require a weekly coat brushing, but no trimming is needed.
Nearly all Cavaliers eventually have mitral valve disease. This is a disease that produces heart murmurs that may progressively worsen, leading to heart failure. It is the leading cause of death for this breed. It can start to show at an early age and it’s rare for a 10-year-old Cavalier to not have a heart murmur. However, this disease is usually just a result of old age, as in humans too. Cardiologists have developed breeding guidelines as a way to prevent early-onset mitral valve disease. Don’t let this scare you away, as it doesn’t become a problem until a dog’s later years and they can live happy, long lives.
Many characteristics come into play when deciding the perfect dog for you or your family. There are so many different types of dogs out there it can feel impossible to find the perfect one. But, if you’re looking for a small, friendly dog that will love you unconditionally, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the perfect dog for you!