The Cavapoo or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sweet-natured and even-tempered dog that enjoys bringing affection and spirited fun to a household.
General Appearance and Description
These spirited dogs are not called “King” for nothing. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is friendly, eager to please and always a crowd pleaser, thanks to its sweet and elegant looks.
The Cavalier Spaniel usually has dark and expressive eyes that are large. They don’t dominate the face, but always get attention. They have a wavy silky coat that’s usually black and tan.
Basic Temperament
The Cavapoo is outgoing and affectionate. He will always want to please you and is intelligent enough to know what you need from him.
The Cavalier King Charles is descended from hunting dogs, so he loves to run around in the great outdoors. It’s important, then, that the Cavalier Spaniel is kept on a leash and in a fenced background. Their desire to hunt and explore sometimes causes harm.
Like all small dogs, this dog needs to know who the boss is. Make sure you establish yourself as the pack leader so he doesn’t think he needs to take that role for himself.
Care Required
This dog has a good amount of fur to manage, so brush him often and bathe or shampoo him as needed. The hair on the ears, which is long, can tangle and mat, so the ears should be brushed often. Even the hair between the pads on the feet should be looked after.
Not an ideal dog for those with allergies, this dog sheds at an average rate.
For the most success with cavapoo puppies; it is suggested you take the time to do a little online research.
Exercise Requirements
Give your Cavapoo a regular walk, and give him plenty of playtime. The Cavalier Spaniel dogs do well in apartments and home environments that don’t give them much of an outdoor area as long as they get that regular walk.
Take care in extreme conditions, as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be sensitive to heat and cold.
Training
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are relatively easy to train, thanks to their intelligence and desire to please. They are intuitive, so they will understand what you want and will be able to perform as you wish through the use of this intuitive nature.
These dogs are capable of learning complicated obedience tricks and do well in competitive competitions.
Height and Weight
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will be about 12 to 13 inches high in adulthood and should weigh somewhere between 10 and 18 pounds.
Health and Longevity
Cavalier Spaniel dogs are prone to a number of different health issues. Some of these problems include kneecaps that dislocate, ear infections, hearing trouble, and back problems. They also often suffer from hereditary eye diseases.
Unfortunately, many dogs will also carry a hereditary tendency toward heart problems, which can be fatal. For this reason, many canine experts suggest choosing a dog whose medical history can be checked going back several generations.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also gain weight easily so their diet should be carefully watched.
Most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will live from 9 to 14 years.
Suitability
These dogs make excellent hunting dogs and are often introduced into homes with this intention. King Charles Cavalier dogs don’t necessarily enjoy being in a home with children. Most experts suggest that this dog be placed in a home with only older children.
The Cavapoo does get along well with other dogs and other non-canine pets, however.
