CHILDREN’S WORLD – PETS, DOGS II - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel It is believed that the cavalier is a breed that appeared in Great Britain in the 16th century. It was created from small spaniels used for hunting, but also for chaperoning court ladies. There are countless tales and legends about this breed, one of them saying that court ladies kept them in their laps for warmth or that doctors used to recommend patients have these dogs lie with them in order to help their treatment. They owe their name to two English kings, Charles I and II, who adored them. Charles II issued a decree in 1660 allowing these dogs to enter all public spaces, including Parliament. This breed has changed with the fashions for centuries, but the 20th century finally saw a certain standard being set and adopted by the whole world. The cavalier is a dog weighing between 5.5 and 8.5 kg, reaching a height of 33 cm, with a semi-long silky coat that doesn’t need trimming, only combing. Cavaliers can be found in four colours - the two-coloured red-white, the tricolour black-red-white, the single-colour red and the so-called black & tan - black with tan highlights above the eyes, on the cheeks, within the ears, on their chest and below their tail. The coat can be slightly wavy, but not curly. Their legs have highly desired feathering, completed by a lovely tail. Since they have floppy ears, they should be checked and cleaned regularly. Because this breed has been bred for many years, their character and other characteristics are set. The lifespan of these dogs is 15 years. They are very good-natured and loyal to their owner and family members, they love guests as well and there is running joke that if burglars were to break in, spaniels would help them carry the loot. Their sense of smell is excellent, a trait preserved from the past since they used to be hunting dogs. They are common pets due to their gentle nature and their relatively long period of growing up, which lasts up to two years. Cavaliers love children a lot and they are smart, so they can learn tricks quickly and love to obey commands. Since they don’t like to be left alone, they are not recommended for families that spend a lot of time away from home, because that’s when they get nervous and can do damage. Considering their stable nature and cheerfulness, any tense behaviour could be a signal that there is something wrong - either that they are ill or that they are feeling neglected.