The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has the adoring, energetic soul of a big spaniel. But the pint-sized Cavalier, bred down from larger sporting spaniels, doesn’t have the same need for large spaces. From the beginning of his history, this gentle little dog was the companion of English royalty and lived the easy life.

The Cavalier would like to be constantly by the side of his owner. He plays very happily with children, but gently. The Cavaliers does need regular exercise for good health and happiness.

The Cavalier’s face has a soft, gentle expression. His eyes are large and dark. His coat is medium-long and silky. There is feathery, longer hair on his ears, chest, legs, and plume-like tail. Coat colors may be Blenheim (chestnut red and white), tricolor (black and white with tan), ruby (a rich, solid reddish brown), or black and tan (black with tan markings).

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Active, graceful; fearless and happy; gentle and affectionate; elegant.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height—12 to 13 inches at the withers. Weight—13 to 18 pounds.

Fun Facts

In the seventeenth century, a “cavalier” was a knight who rode on horseback and who was loyal to King Charles I and Charles II of England. The cavaliers were considered the top of the order of knights. The cavaliers, the royal families and noblemen throughout England and France loved these little spaniels, who were named after King Charles II. They were considered house pets and appear in numerous paintings of their day.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.