Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Temperament: Pure affection
Welcome to our blog post about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel temperament! If you're here, you probably have heard of this little dog and consider them a potential best friend.
This delightful breed is known for its affectionate nature, playful demeanour, and gentle disposition. In this article, we will delve into the history of this beloved breed, explore their unique temperament traits, and discuss some of the health issues that can affect them.
Additionally, we will share some fun facts about the breed and give guidance on the type of owner who might be best suited to share their life with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. So whether you're a lifelong Spaniel enthusiast or considering bringing a new furry friend into your home, read on to learn more about this charming breed and what makes them such wonderful companions.
Let's dive right in.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel History: Where do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels come from?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beloved toy breed with a rich and fascinating history. Spaniels were initially developed in Britain in the 14th century and bred for flushing game out of hiding places, making it possible for hunters to shoot. However, in the 19th century, Spaniels were first classified into different Spaniel breeds.
The first Spaniel breed to be officially recognised was the Cocker Spaniel, recognised by the Kennel Club in England in 1892. The English Springer Spaniel was recognised shortly after that, in 1902. Over the years, other spaniel breeds were developed and recognised, including the American Cocker Spaniel, the Clumber Spaniel, the Field Spaniel, the Sussex Spaniel, and the Welsh Springer Spaniel.
It wasn't until 1945 that the Kennel Club recognised the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs were developed as a calmer, gentler version of the Spaniel breed, intended to comfort women of high social standing in the 17th century. They were often kept as lap dogs and used to divert fleas and insects away from their owners. The perfect companion dog!
The monarch who gave the little toy Spaniels their name was Charles II, who was enamoured with his little Spaniels. They never left his side, and his love is well-documented, much to the dismay of his staff at times. During this time, it is believed that some Japanese Chin and Pugs were mixed into the bloodline of the Spaniel, resulting in flatter muzzles. Short-faced dogs were trendy then and nearly made other dog breeds extinct.
Most of the Cavalier Spaniels of today are the chestnut and white Blenheims bred first by the Duke of Marlborough. They got their name due to the Duke living at Blenheim Palace, which Queen Anne gave him as a present. He was particularly fond of small spaniels, which were a popular breed in Britain at the time. He is credited with breeding a line of spaniels smaller and more compact than the original breed, eventually known as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
In 1885, some Toy Spaniel enthusiasts formally formed a Toy Spaniel Club. For the first time, a breed standard was drafted, which set four colours for the toy Spaniel: Black and Tan (influenced by King Charles), red and white (Blenheim), tricolour (Prince Charles), and Ruby, in 1902. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was founded in 1928, and the first breed standard was drawn up, almost identical to today's standard. However, the UK Kennel Club only recognised the Cavalier in 1945.
Today, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel remains a beloved breed known for its affectionate and loyal temperament. While the breed was developed for hunting, they have become popular companion dogs and are now kept as lap dogs.
Their rich history and unique characteristics continue to make them a favourite among dog lovers worldwide, as the below table of new registrations shows. In the UK, 3,478 Cavalier King Charles were registered with the UK Kennel Club in 2022. The love for this breed is steady and real!
Q1 2021 | Q2 2021 | Q3 2021 | Q4 2021 | Yearly 2021 | Q1 2022 | Q2 2022 | Q3 2022 | Q4 2022 | 2022 Total |
950 |