|
You have decided to share your home and your heart
with one of the most gentle and loving of dogs, the Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel. The ultimate companion, your Cavalier will enrich
your life beyond measure. His quintessential temperament is that
of a happy, devoted toy spaniel—tail wagging, and eager to
please.
Early History
Toy spaniels were a part of court life in Europe as early as the
fifteenth century, sometimes referred to as "comforter spaniels" as
they snuggled on their owner's laps. They were immortalized in
the art of Van Dyck, Titian, Stubbs, Landseer, and Gainsborough.
But their association with the royal families of England has irrevocably
linked their evolution to "that sceptred isle." The unfortunate
Mary Queen of Scots and Charles I, Charles II, and the Duke and
Duchess of Marlborough—all helped to popularize this charming
little dog. However, over the centuries the Cavalier was temporarily
supplanted in public affection by the shorter muzzled, domed-headed
King Charles Spaniel (a related but separate breed), and the Cavalier's
ultimate survival was in some doubt.
In 1925, an American, Roswell Eldridge, became intrigued
by the old Cavalier type as seen in many paintings and statues. He
offered £25 at the UK Crufts Dog Show in 1926 for winners of
Cavalier classes. This was a substantial amount in those times, and
breeders accepted the challenge with alacrity. After considerable
effort, the Cavalier was saved for posterity, and in 1928 the UK
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was founded. The first Cavaliers
were sent to the USA in 1952. The breed has become increasingly popular,
but it was not until 1996 that the Cavalier achieved full recognition
by the AKC as the 140th AKC breed. The American Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel Club was established in 1993 and remains the parent club
for the Cavalier in this country.
Cavalier Grooming
Despite their elegant, silky coats, the Cavalier does not require
a great amount of care. Rather, he needs to be brushed out once
a week so that "mats" do not form in his hair. A simple "pin" brush
or a natural/nylon combination will work quite well. Do remember
that the ears need to be kept clean inside so that they do not
cause him any discomfort, resulting in scratching and mat formation
behind the ear. A sensible amount of bathing in a mild shampoo
is advisable, but this does not have to be done weekly. For dogs
who are not going into the show ring on a weekly basis, a bath
every couple of weeks or so, or even once monthly, will suffice.
If you use any "flea" shampoos, take special care—all
of these preparations are toxic to some degree, including those
labeled "natural." Consult your veterinarian before using.
Housebreaking and the Crate
Your Cavalier puppy can be rather easily housebroken if you as his
owner are willing to whisk him outside at frequent intervals—and
always when he has consumed a meal, or awakes in his crate upon
your return. Yes, one of the greatest aids in house training is
the dog crate. A #200 Vari Kennel is an ideal size, as it will
accommodate an adult Cavalier—you will find that your puppy
will eventually learn to enjoy his crate as a respite from a busy
household and a place to sleep peacefully. We leave our young puppy
in his crate when we depart the house—you will find that
he does not wish to soil his own little "den." The crate
also keeps him safe from household hazards such as electrical cords
and poisonous plants. Far from being a cruel restriction of his
activities, it acts in the best interests of his health and well-being,
while allowing his owners peace of mind when they are not present.
Just as you would put your small child in a safety
child seat in your car, remember to crate your Cavalier when riding
in the automobile. It may save his life some day—riding on
your lap is cute, but affords him no protection in the event of an
accident.
Health Concerns
Your puppy's health-conscious breeder has probably had his sire and
dam tested for inherited eye defects (juvenile cataracts among
them) and cardiac mitral valve disease (MVD). However, remember
that Nature is not infallible, and as your Cavalier ages he may
be subject to certain health concerns. Any heart murmur detected
by your veterinarian warrants further investigation to rule out
any potentially serious condition. Any clouding of the lens of
the eye, or irritation, may warrant medication and treatment. Juvenile
cataracts (an inheritable form) and "dry eye" are known
to afflict the breed on occasion. Slipping patellas (a bone in
the knee) can occasionally be a problem that is correctable with
surgery. As with most mammals, the Cavalier is not immune to cancers
in various forms. Do keep your veterinarian posted on any sudden
change in your Cavalier's appearance or demeanor. Often, the grooming
session is a time when you as an alert owner can detect lumps or
bumps that should not be there. Your own vigilance is often your
Cavalier's best defense against disease.
The Cavalier must be a house pet and kept inside with
the family. If this is not your lifestyle, please do not purchase
a Cavalier. He wants nothing so much as to be with the people he
loves. Extremes of heat and cold are not well tolerated by Cavaliers
and owners must be vigilant to keep them sheltered as they would
their own human family. Under no circumstances should they be left
outside for long periods on sizzling summer days, nor should they
be left in a hot car—heat prostration can occur with relatively
little warning.
©2003 American Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel Club
|
