Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Other names: Cavalier King Charles
#10
Wamiz's Top Breed

Cheerful, exuberant and full of life, the Cavalier King Charles is a high-spirited character, always moving and looking for a ball or some kind of plaything from their owner. They make a great pet, loved by the young and the old for their cheerfulness and eagerness to do well.
Key facts about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Origins and history
This dog’s origins can be traced to the King Charles breed who was once much more appreciated than the Cavalier. Today, we are witnessing a reversal of this trend because the Cavalier has fewer health problems, for example with their breathing. The Cavalier comes from crossing the King Charles, the Pekingese and the Pug. They take their name from Charles II who, according to his critics, preferred to play with his dogs rather than deal with state affairs. The breed standard was only fixed in 1928 and it was not until 1945 that the breed was recognised by the Kennel Club. As for the FCI, they definitively recognised the Cavalier King Charles in 1955.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 9 - Companion and Toy Dogs
Section
Section 7 : English Toy Spaniels
Physical characteristics of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Adult size
Female : Between 10 and 13 in
Male : Between 10 and 13 in
Weight
Female : Between 11 and 18 lb
Male : Between 11 and 18 lb
Coat colour
Their coat can be black and tan, ruby (bright solid red), Blenheim (white with bright chestnut) or tricolour (black, white and tan).
Type of coat
Their coat is long.
Cavalier King Charles have a silky coat with fringes. Their fur may have a slight wave to it but is never curly.
Eye colour
They have dark eyes.
Description
The Cavalier King Charles is a lively and graceful dog, they are well proportioned, sporty and cheerful. Their head is almost flat between the ears and has a deep stop and they have a pointy muzzle. Their eyes are large but not prominent. Their ears are long, set high and covered in fringe. Their body is short and well proportioned. Their tail is long and fringed. Their limbs are straight and in line with each other.
Good to know
The Cavalier King Charles appears to be the happiest dog in the world and is the ideal breed for those that need joy (children and the elderly). However, sometimes when they lie down to relax it can look as though they are sad. Legend has it that this is because they are thinking of their ancestors who were beheaded at the same time as King Charles I of England, a great fan of this breed and their namesake.