The Cavalier is a relatively newer breed to the AKC’s Toy Group, becoming fully recognized in January of 1996.  This little dog’s primary roll is and always has been that of companion.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a namesake of King Charles II of Britain.  The breed has been recorded on paintings and tapestries for years with their aristocratic families.  These works tell us that Cavaliers were a luxury item, and not a breed of dog just anyone could afford.  Cavaliers led an easy life as housepets, and still do today.  The first Cavaliers were sent to America in 1952.

The Cavalier’s coat of long, silky hair requires weekly brushing.  Their coats come in four colors: Blenheim (chestnut & white), Tricolor (black, white, and tan), Ruby (solid red), and Black and Tan.  Cavaliers stand 12-13 inches tall and weigh 12-18 pounds.

Cavaliers are a pretty adaptable breed, able to live almost anywhere, be it city or country, house with yard or apartment.  They have a tendency to become overweight, so those with the less active Cavalier will have to watch calories.  Cavaliers enjoy being a part of the family and are good with children.

This breed lives 9-14 years and is prone to cherry eyes, luxating patellas (dislocating kneecaps), hearing trouble, ear infections, back trouble, and mitral valve (heart) disease.

For more information on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, visit www.akc.org.

Suburban Animal Clinic is located in West Columbus off I-70 near I-270. Suburban Animal Clinic serves Galloway, Hilltop, West Side, Georgesville, West Jefferson, Grove City, Grandview, Upper Arlington (including OSU Campus area), Hilliard and Dublin.