Breed standards Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed , with such a long and tricky name, is just a small decorative spaniel. He is not very tall, no taller than an average cat - the most suitable size for a funny lap dog. Cheerful, affectionate and completely non-aggressive, he can be an excellent companion for a lonely owner and a friend for the whole family.

Education and training

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very smart and easily comprehend all the intricacies of the educational process, which does not prevent them from turning on the “misunderstanding” mode from time to time. Owners often fall for this canine trick and bombard specialized forums with questions like: “Why doesn’t the Cavalier King follow commands?” The reason for this behavior lies not in obstinacy of character, but in banal boredom. Perhaps you simply went too far with the severity and duration of training, tiring the dog. Or they simply did not take into account the peculiarities of her temperament.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on a leash

Dog trainers assure that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel must be trained through play and as affectionately as possible. Most of these British “aristocrats” are characterized by innate timidity, so if you raise your voice during training, your pet may refuse to participate in classes forever. It is also not forbidden to stir up interest in training. For this, a supply of your dog’s favorite treats is enough.

“Cavaliers,” despite their rather gentle and peace-loving character, are not alien to some robber habits at heart. For example, if a dog encounters a cat or rodent on a walk, it will definitely try to chase it. Moreover, not every such “hunt” ends with the happy return of the pet. Captivated by the excitement of pursuit, the Cavalier King can easily get lost, so the commands “Ugh!” and “Nearby!” with a pet should be learned in advance and as firmly as possible.

From the age of 4-5 months, show-class Cavalier King Charles Spaniels begin to be accustomed to the show stand. First, the animal's success is rewarded with a treat. And only after the puppy has formed a stable association: stand = treat, you can use the command “Stop!”

Note: experienced handlers do not recommend teaching the “Sit!” command to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. until the animal takes part in exhibition events. Confused in an unfamiliar environment, the pet may confuse the meaning of the commands and, instead of the stance required from it, give the opposite action.

Lover to lie on the sofa

History of the Origin of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

The Cavalier King Charles belongs to the group of small (toy) spaniels, whose ancestors were most likely Asian breeds of small dogs such as Tibetan spaniels or Japanese chins. Such dogs can often be seen in European paintings starting from the 15th century. They are photographed in luxurious palace interiors, posing with royal families and accompanying noblemen on walks.

Small spaniels were especially popular during the reign of Kings Charles the First and Second, in the early to mid-17th century. In honor of the kings, the dogs began to be called King Charles Spaniels (Charles in English spelling - Charles). More than a hundred dogs of this breed were kept at the royal court alone, each of which was served by its own groomer.

But fashion changed with the change of dynasties and by the end of the century everyone fell in love with pugs, imitating William of Orange, who took the royal throne. Spaniels began to change their appearance, acquiring the features of new favorites: a flat muzzle, a rounded skull, low-set ears. This type began to predominate towards the end of the 19th century.

Dog handler Roswell Eldridge from the USA decided to revive the old type that charmed him in ancient portraits. Since 1926, he began collecting old-fashioned puppies for his kennel, which from time to time were born to new types of dogs. These pups and Eldridge's followers created a new breed. She became known as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The short-faced type retained the former name “King Charles Spaniels.”

The English Kennel Club registered the breed in 1928, establishing its standard, but it was not until 1945 that the short-faced and long-faced spaniel breeds were recognized as independent. In addition to the long muzzle, Cavaliers are distinguished by a flat skull, high-set ears and larger size. The international federation FCI recognized her in 1955, placing her in the section of English Toy Spaniels from the group of decorative dogs and companions.

How to choose a puppy

When choosing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, you can follow the same principles as when buying any other purebred dog.

• Do not take babies from nurseries that are unsanitary and disorderly.
• To insure yourself against purchasing a sick animal, ask the breeder for the results of tests aimed at identifying genetic diseases in the puppy (dry eye syndrome, curly hair, occasional falls).
• The temperament of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is not gender dependent. Both females and males of this breed are equally affectionate and affectionate to their owner, so choose an animal according to your own preferences.
• Get to know the puppy's parents and their pedigree to avoid purchasing an inbreeding animal (from closely related individuals).
• Choose a playful, inquisitive baby who shows a keen interest in toys. Lethargy and hesitation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies indicate that they are physically and mentally exhausted.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - description of the breed

An active, cheerful dog with an elegant, well-balanced, athletic exterior. Cheerful by nature, absolutely fearless, friendly, with no signs of aggression towards strangers. Not prone to hysterics. Height (at the withers) 30 – 33 cm with weight – 4.5 – 8 kg.

Construction details:

• The head has a flat (between the ears) skull, the stop is smoothed. The black nose ends with a wedge-shaped muzzle up to 4 cm long. The lips are not drooping, the jaws are strong and well closed. The bite is like a scissors, that is, the top row overlaps the bottom;
• The eyes are round and large, spaced apart, dark;
• The ears are hanging, long, with lush, beautifully hanging fur;
• The neck is of moderate length and slightly arched;
• The body has strong muscles, the back is straight, fairly wide, the lower back does not bend. The chest is not expanded, with springy ribs;
• The tail is raised, showing good humor, but not much higher than the level of the back. It can be stopped by no more than a third. It should be borne in mind that some systems prohibit docking for humanitarian reasons;
• Legs with moderately thick bones, strong, straight, with neat paws gathered into a ball. They move freely, gracefully, the back and front are parallel to each other;
• The coat is long and silky, straight or with a slight wave, flutters beautifully, without trimming.

Disadvantages of the breed are considered to be deviations from the listed parameters. The severity of the deficiency depends on the degree of deviation and, especially, on its effect on the health of the animal. Dogs with behavior unusual for this breed, aggressive or excessively fearful are subject to disqualification.

Description of the breed

The main characteristics of spaniels that are “created by a king”:

• the weight of the dog is determined by gender, females are noticeably lighter than males, and is 5-6 kg for girls and 8-10 for boys;
• The height of dogs also depends on gender, the difference is about 10 cm. The size of an adult dog: females grow up to 25 cm, males up to 35 cm at the withers;
• color . With the establishment of a new breed standard, color options took root: four types in total. The first is black combined with beautiful bright tan marks; the second is ruby, so named because in the sunlight this bright red color sparkles like a precious stone; the third is called “tricolor” because it combines black, red, and piebald colors; and, finally, the fourth type - Blenheim - bright red spots with clear outlines stand out on a white-pearl base;
• head _ The muzzle is wedge-shaped, the lips do not droop;
• bite ;
• eyes are round, protruding and shiny;
• ears with elongated hair;
• the body is small but muscular, with a flat back and prominent ribs;
• the tail is in constant motion and is proportional to the body. Sometimes it can be docked by one third of the total length;
• the coat is thick, shiny and very silky;
• life expectancy is from 10 to 15 years.

Photo: wikimedia.org

The difference between a Cavalier and King Charles

Let us note that these two breeds are very closely related historically and, until a certain point in their development, were considered one. In modern conditions, these are two different breeds that differ in a number of ways:

1. Nose length. The cavaliers have longer ones, the kings have snub noses;
2. Skull shape. For a cavalier it is almost flat, for a king it looks like a dome;
3. Bite. The Cavalier has a scissor bite, the King has an undershot bite;
4. Size difference. Kings are smaller than Cavaliers.

Photo: sidewaysdogs.com

Popular colors of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

The colors of the cavalry outfits correspond to those that were seen in the times of the Stuarts and captured by the artists of that time. Eldridge, when collecting the founders of the breed, offered £25 for dogs similar to those in paintings contemporary with Charles II. Although the main attention was paid to spaniels of the Blenheim color - the most valuable and unique, characteristic of this breed.

Colors should be rich, rich, without halftones. Colored spots, including scorch marks, are evenly colored and sharply outlined (without merging, the so-called “raincoat”).

There are four types of colors in total:

1. Blenheim is a special breed color: bright and clear chestnut spots are scattered on a snow-white background, two spots on the sides of the head are symmetrical, extending over the eyes, leaving a white muzzle, forehead and, often, a stripe on the head. It is desirable that this stripe (on the crown) have a chestnut spot in the shape of a diamond (Blenheim spot);
2. Black and tan - the entire coat is black, the tan marks are bright red, on the usual places: eyebrows, cheeks, chest and paws, under the tail and on the inside of the ears. Preferably without white markings;
3. Bright dark red (ruby, red) – the whole dog has an even fiery red color, preferably without white markings;
4. Tricolor (three-color) - a fur coat with black and white spots that are clearly separated from each other without gray areas. There are tan marks on the cheeks, eyebrows, on the inside of the ears and legs, and also under the tail.

Any other colors or patterns or combinations of the listed colors are undesirable. In solid colors, a small white marking on the chest or throat is acceptable. But there should be no white spots on the paws, muzzle and forehead. In colors with white, speckling on white areas is not allowed.

Color can subconsciously influence the choice of a pet. For example, light and bright dogs seem more cheerful and kind. In fact, such a dependence does not exist, and when choosing a puppy, you need to focus on the behavior of the animal, and not its color.

How much do puppies cost?

The price for affectionate companions is steep. The cost of pet-class puppies is from 35,000 rubles, breeding – from 60,000 rubles. It is impossible to say how much a show class costs: they are sold for 80, 100 and more thousand rubles.

You can buy a puppy from breeding parents in the following nurseries:

• https://royal-suite.ru – Moscow;
• https://www.evidence-love.com – St. Petersburg.

Pets are popular in Europe and America. In Russia, the breed is only gaining momentum. It has its pros and cons. But dogs are predicted to have a great future in the CIS countries because of their flexibility, cheerfulness, beauty and easy care.

Character and habits of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

You don’t need any special knowledge to handle this breed of dog; it doesn’t have any specific needs. It is quite suitable for inexperienced owners who are just joining the ranks of dog owners. It is enough to master the general rules of relationships with dogs to get a Cavalier King.

Interesting fact: The main character traits of gentlemen are spelled out in the standard - friendliness and playfulness. Dogs are emotional to the point of incontinence, but show only positive emotions. Aggressiveness and fearful hysteria are not characteristic of them, at least not of purebred individuals. The manifestation of such qualities serves as a basis for disqualification and a ban on mating.

A decent gentleman not only adores his owner, he is equally friendly with all family members and loves to play with children. Even if they cause him inconvenience and pull his ears, the gentleman does not snap, but simply tries to avoid contact. But when alone, the pet truly suffers and its favorite place is always next to its owner.

Cavalier Kings treat strangers as potential friends and bark out of excitement, not anger. If they see a stranger as dangerous, they will most likely run away. The guards among them are useless. In their relationships with dogs, they do not try to dominate or defend territory, preferring to play.

On a five-point scale, a gentleman can be characterized as follows:

• 5 - attitude towards children, qualities of a companion;
• 4 - getting along with other pets, adaptability to city housing, ability to train, difficulty in caring for, suitability for agility;
• 3 - molting, watchdog qualities, need for physical activity;
• 1 - security qualities, ability to hunt.

Mass commercial breeding often neglects the careful selection of partners and the culling of puppies, so dogs appear on the market that lack the most valuable quality of the breed - its good nature. Some owners cultivate hostility in their pets towards everyone around them. Unable to bite, they realize their desire through the dog.

Features and description

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cannot be called homely She is bright, pretty and memorable. Most owners of such an animal literally dote on it. And this is not surprising. It has an attractive charisma. It is interesting that despite the dog being classified as a spaniel, it is completely devoid of hunting potential.

Aggression is not characteristic of him, as well as well-developed observation and a sense of suspicion. Also, the dog cannot boast of excellent adaptation skills. At first glance, it may seem that these are its shortcomings. In fact, dogs without developed working abilities are excellent companions.

Being close to the owner is the main desire of the Cavalier King. He quickly finds a common language with the person who adopted him, as he is characterized by contact and sociability. He happily gets along not only with the owner-leader, but also with other people. He is very happy when guests come to the house.

The dog's homeland is England. Several centuries ago, only aristocrats could afford to have one. Today the situation is the opposite. Yes, a representative of the breed can hardly be called a cheap pet, but it is accessible to everyone.

Breeders insist that he was bred by crossing Pugs with Spitz and Maltese dogs. It's hard to argue with this, because the standardized Charles King does have the genetic traits of all these dogs. He has established himself as a noble and respectable dog. The mistresses of such a favorite often invited artists to the house so that they could depict them on canvas.

The advantage of such a dog was that it always had a calm disposition and could easily sit on its owner’s legs for several hours. The artist did not have to be angry because the pose of the sitters often changed and he had the opportunity to complete the work on time.

The largest population of such dogs is in the USA. There they were especially loved by retired women. The modern representative of the breed is a frequent guest at exhibitions of decorative dogs, as well as at other events dedicated to animals.

Interesting facts about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Doggies, tiny little creatures that can be carried in your arms, have been valued by noble ladies since the Middle Ages. Ladies suffered from fleas without reliable insecticides. Fur trinkets, dogs and other furry animals with an obedient character served to attract insects. King Charles spaniels, the prototypes of the modern cavalier, fit this role perfectly both in size and character.

The Blenheim color is so named because the first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, kept spaniels of this color at his Blenheim estate in the 18th century. He went hunting with them to the park and appreciated the fact that they kept up with the horse. What their hunting success was is unknown; modern cavaliers are not very good as a hunter's assistant.

As for the notorious spot on the head, its origin is much more mysterious. The legend that tells of his appearance will satisfy only lovers of mysticism. It tells that while the Duke of Marlborough was at war, his wife was naturally agitated and, in order to calm down, kissed her pregnant dog on the crown. As a result, the dog gave birth to puppies with such spots.

There is also a popular legend that there is a special decree of Charles the Second allowing King Charles Spaniels to enter any institution in Great Britain. Previously, only guide dogs had this right. In one version of the myth, the permission applies only to the Houses of Parliament.

The UK Parliament website has had to deny that, contrary to popular rumours, Parliament's rules do not state that King Charles Spaniels are allowed into the Palace of Westminster. Despite searches, no trace of such a decree from the king has been found.

Upbringing

Gentlemen have average intelligence. They are smart enough to master the OKD (general training course). But you'll have to work. Pets only respond to treats and rewards. If you scold them often, they become isolated and refuse to obey.

Otherwise, training the Cavalier King Charles is easy. Dogs have no desire to dominate. They don't need to prove their authority - they listen to anyone who is bigger than them. Therefore, even children can raise a pet.

If desired, pets are taught sports cultures: agility, freestyle, pitch-and-go. But it will take a lot of patience and time.

Pros and cons of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Quarry Kings are considered an easy breed that can be mastered by a novice dog breeder. The main thing is that they are not aggressive, and an error in handling them will not lead to serious injuries. However, a breed is a breed, but we must not forget about socialization and training. If you don’t work with your dog and let its upbringing take its course, it is unlikely to show its valuable qualities.

After proper socialization, gentlemen will get along without problems with a large family, with small, restless children. They will be able to get used to other pets, although their desire to play will not always be met with pleasure. And the remaining remnants of the hunting instinct will force the dog to catch small animals like game.

What else is good about a gentleman:

• Well trained, learns tricks;
• Can perform, although not very successfully, in such types of competitions as agility and obedience;
• A pleasant companion for the elderly;
• A cheerful companion during walks and long trips with the whole family;
• Non-conflict when meeting with other dogs, tries to avoid fights;
• Affectionate, loves to be petted and just lie with a person, which allows him to be used for zootherapy (pet therapy).

The disadvantages of the breed include some carelessness, due to the liveliness of character and not too high intelligence. Dogs do not always cope with emotions and forget about the good manners they were taught when they see an opportunity to have fun. For example, jumping on a stranger.

It is not a working breed and is unlikely to be used on the farm. A good-natured disposition makes the gentleman a poor protector, and if he is good for anything, it is only to warn about the arrival of strangers or suspicious noise.

Care and maintenance

This dog gets along well with people in the house. It can be placed next to your bed, preparing a comfortable soft lounger. She will not disturb the person sleeping next to her, unless she gets hungry. Also be sure to please your pet with noisy and colorful toys. He'll love a clinking rattle, a rubber duck, or a soft teddy bear.

Also, be sure to provide a litter tray for your indoor dog. Yes, she can and should go to the toilet outside, but if you live in an apartment, then both you and her will be more comfortable if she uses the litter box when needed. It's convenient for everyone. But, do not forget to regularly change the sand in it, otherwise the spread of an unpleasant odor will become inevitable.

Note! A proud Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog will never share a litter box with a domestic cat. She will probably compete for him and may even start a fight.

If you live with such a dog in a country house, that’s even better. He will definitely enjoy spending a long time outside, especially if there are other animals living in the house. He will happily get along with them, but only if there are no bullies among them.

This animal is unpretentious in care. The only caveat is that it needs to be combed daily. Straight, silky coat is the main advantage of such a dog. In order for it to always remain beautiful, it needs to be combed, but only with a soft comb. This should be done carefully so that the dog does not get hurt. It is important to untangle the fur under his feet well, as this is where he gets most tangled.

Spaniels also need to have their earwax removed weekly. It will accumulate in the ears gradually and lead to inflammation of the canals. To clean the Cavalier King's ears, use ordinary cotton wool.

The animal's teeth should be brushed. It is not necessary to use toothpaste. We advise you to pay attention to his eyes. If there is souring on them, it is better to rinse the dog’s face with water.

Her fur is very soft and shiny. It is not at all necessary to cut it; it is enough to wash it with shampoo and comb it once every 2 months. But, if the dog is playing outside in bad weather, he must be wiped with a wet towel or bathed again.

Caring for such a pet must necessarily include parasite prevention. It is recommended to give it tablets and capsules against fleas and worms. Even if, in your opinion, parasites do not bother your dog, there is definitely a point in taking appropriate medications. Prevention is the best medicine!

And lastly, Charles Spaniels often get cold, even in warm weather. When going for a walk with them in winter, think about insulating them. Don't forget to buy warm clothes for your pet, especially a cotton suit.

Breeding Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Numerous cynologists around the world have been seriously engaged in breeding gentlemen for a long time. The genetics of inheritance of cavalier colors has been well studied; you can always predict the colors of puppies in advance. Naturally, if purebred sires with a known genotype are mated.

Rules:

• Solid color dominates over spotted, black over red. This means that monochromatic sires can produce spotted puppies, but when crossing spotted individuals, monochromatic offspring will not appear;
• A black and tan dog, in any combination, can produce puppies of any color;
• A redhead when mated to a tricolor will give any color; when mated to a redhead and a Blenheim - a redhead and a Blenheim;
• Blenheim and Blenheim will produce Blenheim. To maintain the brightness of the color over a number of generations, it is necessary from time to time to introduce crossbreeding with a tricolor or black and tan color;
• Two tricolors or a tricolor and a Blenheim will produce tricolors and Blenheims;
• Black and tan, after a series of crossings, lose the brightness of tan and after 2 - 3 generations need the infusion of the “red” gene of Blenheim or red;
• Mating a red dog with a Blenheim is undesirable, since there is a risk of linking hereditary defects with the red color gene;
• Black color defects will not be passed on to red puppies, and a red dog, when mated to a black one, will not pass on the properties to black puppies;
• Dogs carrying the red gene pass on their characteristics to all red offspring.

A serious color defect, white spots in red and black and tan dogs, appears in sires with weakened pigmentation. They can be on the muzzle, tip of the tail, chest, paws. This property is inherited and it is better to exclude such dogs from breeding. The producers themselves may look quite standard; only by the appearance of spotted puppies can one judge their inferiority.

When mating, it is taken into account that the color is linked to the phenotype. For example, carriers of the red gene have a flatter skull, powerful muscles in the thighs, wider and higher-set ears. There is enough literature on this topic.

Diseases and treatment

The breed has strong immunity and enviable health. Proper care of the owner and purchasing a puppy from a breeder are two guarantees that the baby will not be sickly at an early age and will not cause trouble for the owner when he grows up. However, genetic diseases do occur in these dogs.

• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. A disease that is inherited and affects the femoral head of the limbs. The disease is typical for most small breed dogs. With timely diagnosis, the dog can be helped by increasing its quality of life with medications and other methods.
• Damage to intervertebral discs. Another type of disease that is typical for miniature dogs. To avoid the development of this disease, the “gentleman” should not be allowed to jump onto a high sofa or bed. Residents of high-rise buildings must take their dog for walks in the elevator. Running up and down stairs will not do your pet any good. Especially at an early and late age.
• Flycatching. A syndrome that causes a dog to start chattering its teeth uncontrollably. It appears that the dog is trying to catch an insect. That's why the genetic disease got its name.

Most often, breeders vaccinate puppies with the Nobivak vaccine. If the seller from whom you are buying your four-legged friend chose this drug for vaccination at the age of two months, then you will need to give the animal the next vaccination three weeks later. The time for the third stage of vaccination will come after changing teeth. Around nine months of age.

Caring for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

These dogs do not require complex care. They don't need a haircut. They are combed out from time to time, mainly during molting periods - in spring and autumn, after washing. Wash the dogs if they get dirty. After walking, it is enough to rinse your paws. For washing, use only special cosmetics designed for the characteristics of a dog’s coat.

Spaniel ears require especially careful attention. They are poorly ventilated and pathogenic fungi and bacteria develop in a humid environment. They cause inflammation of the skin, which spreads to the inner parts of the ear with subsequent complications. The ears are regularly examined and the external auditory canal is cleaned with cotton wool once a week.

Important fact: In long hair, it is easy to see ixodid blood-sucking ticks, which not only cause itching and discomfort, but also serve as carriers of diseases (pyroplasmosis). Treatment against ticks is done preventively with special (acaricidal) preparations or complex ones against ectoparasites. They will also protect against fleas.

The nails of dogs that don't walk much or those that walk on soft surfaces wear down slightly. If the claws clearly interfere with placing the paw straight or cause discomfort when walking, they need to be trimmed. Use special nail clippers. Only the very end of the claw is cut off so as not to touch the blood vessel. Since the procedure is very unpleasant for dogs and will cause resistance if they are not used to it, it is necessary to accustom them to it from early childhood.

Walking is a must for this breed. Cavaliers are inquisitive and love to run around in search of new experiences. Given the breed's tendency to become obese, they play with them, forcing them to run longer. Training and socializing your dog is essential if you want to maintain good relationships with others. In addition, joint activities give the dog the joy of communicating with the owner. Gentlemen need the company of their loved ones, without which they become depressed.

Character traits

Dogs are tireless optimists. They have an inexhaustible supply of mischief and energy. Dogs are very active and playful up to 2 years old. Adult animals are calmer, but do not lose their enthusiasm until old age.

Attention is vital for gentlemen. Sometimes more than food. They need to constantly communicate with people. If you don’t devote time to your pets, they become picky, capricious, become withdrawn, nervous and fearful. It is advisable to have someone from the family at home at all times.

When a small spaniel lacks attention, he attracts it in his own way. For example, he hides slippers or a remote control. And then, together with the owner, he “searches” for the thing. It's so much fun!

The breed is not vicious and adapts to the lifestyle of its owner. All people are her friends. The pet happily greets family members and strangers. Maybe they'll play with her. And if you’re lucky, they’ll also treat you.

Sometimes pets are stubborn, some of them are possessive. They do not like to share toys and can “take” household items for themselves - plastic dishes, buckets, basins. It is not possible to return items. It's easier to buy new ones.

The dogs bark moderately. They make a voice when guests visit, during games, or if they attract people's attention.

The Cavalier is prone to biting. Usually this is a mistake in upbringing, but the breed has such characteristics. Therefore, grabbing hands and feet with teeth and light biting during play are suppressed.

Diet of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

When choosing a diet for a Cavalier King, take into account his propensities for allergies and obesity. Having chosen a nutrition system with ready-made food, it is easier to comply with the conditions - there are diets designed both for the breed (“for small breeds”) and for the lifestyle (“for active”, “for those prone to obesity”, etc.). There are veterinary foods for individuals with health problems, including for the prevention of allergies.

Many breeders, however, recommend a natural type of food for gentlemen. Offal and lean meat can serve as a source of animal proteins: beef, horse meat, turkey, lamb. Meat is given raw and boiled. Low-fat dairy products, especially cottage cheese and kefir, are a good source of calcium for strengthening the skeleton.

Important fact: Cereals are required; they are given boiled (porridge): oatmeal, rice, buckwheat. From an early age, the puppy is taught to eat fruits and vegetables, raw and stewed: cabbage, carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, apples. You can add a spoonful of vegetable oil, a quail egg or a chicken yolk to vegetables for taste.

Porridge, meat and vegetables can be given separately or mixed in different proportions, the main thing is that meat makes up at least 40% of the total diet. Additional vitamin and mineral supplements may be useful if signs of vitamin deficiency appear: poor appetite, lethargy, dull coat. Especially after illness, childbirth, heavy loads or poor nutrition.

It’s easier to list what you can’t feed. These are smoked foods, marinades and salty foods; sweet things are allowed only in small quantities for treats. By the way, “sweets” for dogs are sold in a wide range, including natural dried offal, with which the dog can have fun and brush his teeth at the same time. If the dog tolerates chicken well, he can be treated to chicken necks, paws, and heads - these are dogs’ favorite treats.

Character and behavioral characteristics

The most striking feature of the mini spaniel's character is his involvement in the family. He is everywhere and everywhere. Such a dog needs communication; if left alone at home, it literally suffers and can act out.

Gentlemen often suffer from excessive timidity and can “withdraw into themselves” if the owner allows himself to be rude. However, they love everyone around them and are not suitable for the role of a security guard. They allow themselves to bark a lot and loudly, especially from an excess of feelings.

Photo: pixabay.com

Diseases and health problems

Dogs of this breed can live 10 - 12 years on average - a normal period for small breeds. Since the original group that served to develop the breed was small, the hereditary defects inherent in any of them were inherited by many descendants - this phenomenon is known as the “founder effect”.

A heart problem in particular that is all too common in Cavaliers is mitral valve degeneration (MVD). This is the leading cause of premature death in pets. More than half of dogs over 5 years old suffer from this disease and almost all dogs after 10 years. This is 20 times more common than other breeds.

Important fact: When the mitral valve degenerates, heart failure occurs, which leads to fatigue, shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, and pulmonary edema. Cavaliers should be examined by a cardiologist at least once a year, especially since they may have other heart problems.

Another popular disease in Cavaliers is syringomyelia (SM): the formation of fluid cavities inside the spinal cord. Causes neuralgic pain in the neck and chest, the dog becomes restless, lies in an unnatural position, or itches. The reason is considered to be a shortened skull and a violation of the ratio of its parts and brain size, which appeared during selection.

A unique gene mutation causes a specific neurological disorder called episodic falls syndrome. It manifests itself as attacks of “muscle contraction” in different situations. The disease is detected in a genetic test. It was discovered that tricolors carry the vicious gene much more often than cavaliers with even colors.

Also found:

1. Hip dysplasia is a congenital disease of different breeds;
2. Dislocation of the kneecap;
3. Visual impairment: cataracts and retinal dysplasia;
4. Hearing impairment, which is common to all spaniels.

Diseases

Cavaliers are not distinguished by good health; we can identify the main diseases that are inherent in the breed and occur quite often:

• heart pathologies;
• Chiari syndrome;
• inflammatory diseases of the paraanal glands;
• allergic reactions;
• prolapse;
• joint dislocation;
• arthritis;
• hernias;
• episodic falling syndrome.

At the first signs of allergic reactions in a puppy, it is recommended to choose hypoallergenic food.

Peculiarities of the breed include the frequent occurrence of false pregnancy in bitches. In addition, if pathologies are identified in an animal, it is not recommended to breed, at least until the health problems are resolved.

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