small, well balanced dog well within these weights desirable.
Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
© The Kennel Club
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
1. Eyes Large, dark, round but not prominent; spaced well apart.
2. Mouth Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite.
3. Ears Long, set high, with plenty of feather.
4. Neck Moderate length, slightly arched.
5. Forequarters Chest moderate, shoulders well laid back, straight legs moderately boned.
6. Feet Compact, cushioned and well feathered.
7. Coat Long, silky, free from curl. Slight wave permissible. Plenty of feathering. Totally free from trimming.
8. Hindquarters Legs with moderate bone; well turned stifle - no tendency to cow hock or sickle hocks.
9. Gait/movement Free-moving and elegant in action, plenty of drive from behind. Forelegs and hindlegs move parallel when viewed from in front and behind.
10. Tail Length of tail in balance with body, well set on, carried happily but never much above the level of the back.
11. Size Weight: 5.4-8kg (12-18lb). A small, well balanced dog well within these weights desirable.
12. Body Short-coupled with good spring of rib. Level back.
13. Head and skull Skull almost flat between ears. Stop shallow. Length from base of stop to tip of nose about 3.8cm (1.5in).
When you decide that the Cavalier is the right dog for you, the next step is to acquire a puppy. It sounds simple, but before you contemplate bringing a puppy into your home, you have to ask yourself some serious questions and be prepared to answer them honestly. You are going to be responsible for the life of a living creature, and you must be mindful of its welfare.
Questions to ask yourself
Before taking the plunge and buying a Cavalier puppy, you need to examine both your lifestyle and priorities and ask yourself the following questions.
How long will it take?
Are you prepared to look after a dog for all of his life, which, in the Cavalier’s case, is, on average, eight to eleven years? A dog is a lifelong commitment, not a temporary acquisition which can be returned if things don’t work out in the way you imagined.
Do you have time?
Have you got enough time to spend with a dog? Your Cavalier will need lots of attention as well as regular meals, exercise, obedience training, games and grooming, etc.
Do you work?
Is there somebody at home during the day, or for most of it, who can look after a dog? It is never a good idea to leave a dog alone for more than a few hours each day, especially a puppy. Dogs are sociable pack animals and they need companionship. Some people believe that having two dogs will offset this problem, as they will be company for each other. Although this may be true to a certain extent later in life, two puppies will be just as anxious and needful as one. In any event, dogs need human companionship so that they can learn and adapt to family life. If you leave your dog alone for long periods, it may lead to separation anxiety and a dog that destroys furnishings or soils the house. A puppy needs constant attention, so he cannot be left alone for more than a few minutes at a time.
The Cavalier puppy is a small bundle of energy and fun.
Is it a family decision?
Does everyone in your family want a dog? This may seem a strange question, but a dog will be not just an item in the house like a TV or an armchair – he will become a member of your family and, as such, needs to be wanted by everyone. Even if one family member says they will be responsible for the dog’s care, there will be times when that person cannot do so, in which case somebody else must take over. An adult must have ultimate responsibility for the dog’s welfare, because children cannot take on full responsibility for it – no matter how much they might beg, plead and cajole that they will. Never fall into the trap of buying a puppy just ‘for the children’. A dog is for the whole family and he will be part of the family.
What will it cost?
Can you afford to care for a dog?
The actual purchase price of a puppy, however expensive, is actually a minor consideration when you total up the additional and day-to-day costs of caring for a dog, such as food, vaccinations and general veterinary care. There will also be the initial outlay for equipment, including a bed, bedding, collar and lead, toys, feeding bowls, etc. It is also part of being a responsible dog owner to consider pet insurance, which will obviously help offset the cost of unexpected veterinary bills, as well as microchipping and/or tattooing for the purposes of identification.
Can you keep a dog?
Is your home suitable for a dog, and, if it is rented property, are you allowed to keep a dog there? Ideally, if you are considering owning a dog – even a small breed like a Cavalier – you should have a securely fenced back garden, or at least a shared garden or back yard. This will make it easier for your dog to go outside to toilet and get some basic exercise.
Many breeders and, especially, rescue societies will not consider homing a dog to a person living in a high-rise flat or who does not have a properly secured garden. Even if you don’t have a garden, this should not completely rule you out from dog ownership, but you have to be prepared to take your dog outside for walks four or five times a day, every day, regardless of the weather.
Will your family life change?
Will your present circumstances always remain the same? It’s a sad fact, but divorce can happen, causing couples or family units to break up, and you should consider what would happen to your dog, i.e. whether one party could still care for him, or whether he could remain with the reduced family group. Maybe you are planning to start a family – the arrival of a new baby can cause disruption to even the most placid household, so be sure that you can still give your dog plenty of attention.
How old are you?
Are you retired or planning to retire in the near future? If you are senior in years, you have to consider whether you will be fit enough to look after