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International Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Day

May 15, 2021
May 30th is a pretty special day for some of our adorable patients. It’s International Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Day! These cute pups may be small, but they are certainly winning their fair share of hearts. Read on as a local Pickerington, OH vet discusses this adorable pooch.

History

The Cavalier King Charles has a very distinguished history, which dates back to the Renaissance era. Britain’s King Charles I and his son Charles II both became quite smitten with these toy spaniels, eventually serving as Fido’s namesake. 

Coat

The Cavalier has very soft, pretty fur. Fido can sport one of four color patterns: tricolor, ruby, black and tan, or Blenheim, which is chestnut on white. Historically, each of these shades was associated with a different aristocratic family. The breed doesn’t shed heavily, so your pup should only need regular brushing and occasional baths.

Temperament

Just like many other toy breeds, the Cavalier King Charles is typically very sweet and affectionate, and loves to cuddle. They make great pets for apartment dwellers, as their small size puts them well within most landlords’ size requirements. They’re really good with kids, and tend to get along well with other dogs, too. And while they’re very playful, they aren’t super energetic. Fido is also quite easily trainable, though he has been known to run off after scents. 

Famous Fido

Fans of the HBO original series Sex And The City may recognize the Cavalier King Charles as Charlotte York’s beloved pet, Elizabeth Taylor. On the show, the pampered princess got a bit wild one day at the dog park, a faux paws which resulted in a litter of super cute puppies being born. Have we mentioned lately how important it is to spay or neuter your pets?

Fun Facts

As the name suggests, the Cavalier King Charles was once closely associated with King Charles. This worked in Fido’s favor for a while, and then became a liability. When the Tudors rose to power, the Cavalier King Charles became quite rare, as it became quite dangerous to be associated with them. (The Tudors, as it turned out, preferred pugs.) The breed suffered another setback during World War II, when their numbers dropped dangerously low. Happily, they are doing well today!  Do you have questions about your canine pal’s health or care? Contact us, your local Pickerington, OH veterinary clinic, today!