Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Sweet and gentle toy spaniels that love to cuddle.
Temperamento
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate, gentle, and sweet-natured companion that thrives on human contact and loves being a lap dog. Sociable and patient, they generally get along well with children, seniors, other dogs, and even cats when properly introduced. Their adaptable, easygoing nature makes them equally content relaxing on the couch or joining in family activities.
Consideraciones de Salud
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is unfortunately prone to several hereditary health conditions, so informed ownership and responsible breeding are crucial. The most significant concern is mitral valve disease (MVD), a form of degenerative heart disease that can lead to heart failure. Many Cavaliers develop heart murmurs in middle age or even earlier, making regular cardiac examinations by a veterinarian (and sometimes a veterinary cardiologist) very important. Other notable issues include syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation (neurological conditions affecting the skull and spinal cord), hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, ear infections, and eye problems such as cataracts or dry eye. The average lifespan of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is typically around 9–14 years, depending on individual health, genetics, and overall care. Choosing a reputable breeder who health-tests breeding dogs for heart, eye, and patella problems—and, ideally, screens for syringomyelia—can significantly reduce risk. Owners should maintain regular veterinary checkups (at least annually, and more frequently for seniors), keep vaccinations and parasite prevention current, and monitor for early signs of heart or neurological disease, including coughing, exercise intolerance, fainting, neck pain, or unusual scratching. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve comfort and quality of life.