Breed Standard of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
An active, graceful, well-balanced dog, very gay and free in action; fearless and sporting in character, yet at the same time gentle and affectionate.
The skull is slightly rounded, but without a dome or peak; it should appear flat because of the high placement of the ears.
The eyes are large, round and set well apart; color a warm, very dark brown, giving a lustrous, limpid look. There should be slight cushioning under the eyes, which contributes much to the sweet, gentle expression characteristic of the breed.
The nose should have a shallow stop, and the length from base of stop to tip of nose should be at least 1-1/2 inches. Nostrils should be well developed and the pigment uniformly black.
The ears should be set high, but not close, on top of the head. Leather long, with plenty of silky feathering, and wide enough so that when the dog is alert, the ears fan slightly forward to frame the face.
The coat is long and silky and very soft to the touch; free from curl, though a slight wave is permissible. Feathering on ears, legs and tail should be long, and the feathering on the feet is a feature of the breed.
Height 12 to 15 inches at the withers; weight, proportionate to height, between 13 and 22 pounds. These are ideal heights and weights; slight variations are permissible, and a dog should be penalized only in comparison with one of equal general appearance, type and quality. The weedy specimen is as much to be penalized as the oversized one.
Defining Characteristics of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
These dogs are known for being comforter dogs. They have soft coats of long to medium-length fur and sweet dispositions.
Beyond being well-suited as companion dogs, emotional therapy dogs, or pups for singles and seniors, their obedience helps them excel in conformation shows. They are also quite agile and can be trained to participate in agility shows.
These Spaniels can also be useful little hunting dogs. They can hunt squirrels, chipmunks, and other small animals. They are typically not trained for this unless it is a specific desire, because many other breeds excel at sporting activities.
Personality of the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is most well-known for their incredibly sweet and affectionate personality.
They are always eager to please, and although they are smart, this rarely manifests in a strong, stubborn streak.
Instead, they are one of the easier dog breeds to train, and thus a good dog for first-time owners, due to their combination of intelligence and obedience.
You wouldn’t think that these dogs could get much better, but they are also quite outgoing and adaptable. You do not have to worry about the pups getting along with any other animals in the home, and they can be taken just about anywhere since they love to be around people.