CAVALER KING CHARLES SPANIEL

Actually these dogs have a very rich history, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is inextricably linked with another breed - king charles spaniel. The popularity of toy spaniels in Britain began around the 15th century, and the first mention of similar small dogs, accompanying noble and royal persons everywhere, appeared as early as the 13th century. It is not known for certain which dog breeds were the ancestors of the English toy spaniels, since according to one version these small dogs were brought to Britain by the Celts from the Iberian Peninsula in the 9th century, according to another version such dogs (which are descendants of Pekingese) were imported from China during the same time period. According to the third version, toy spaniels were brought from Italy in the 13th century.

In the 15th and 16th century, toy spaniels became so popular in the British Isles that even the royals did not shy away from allowing these dogs into their luxurious living rooms. For example, spaniels were in the Tudor dynasty - of the English King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I. Spaniels became especially loved during the reign of the Stuarts - King Charles (Charles) I and his son Charles (Charles) II. It is believed that it was in honor of Charles II that the breed (King Charles Spaniel) got its name, since this ruler was so attached to small dogs that they were allowed to enter the royal chambers, churches and the British House of Commons. Until the 19th century, King Charles Spaniels were not only close to the court, but also accompanied the monarchs during audiences and festive events. In the second half of the 19th century, short-faced dogs began to gain popularity, during which the King Charles began to interbreed with pugs and Chinese chins. The result of this relationship was a significant change in the appearance of the King Charles. - short muzzle, round forehead and low set ears.

The former King Charles (so beloved by the English royal dynasties) became a curiosity. And only in the second half of the 1920s did English breeders, led by R. Eldridge, begin systematic work to preserve the traditional “old” appearance of the King Charles - flat-faced and long-faced. The best individuals were selected, which gave a new life to the breed, undeservedly forgotten. The “new” breed, which, in fact, was centuries older than the “old” one, was called the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (thanks to Charles II and his associates - cavaliers).

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not tolerate harsh climates, temperature extremes, and dampness too well. Therefore, their personal space should be within the boundaries of the house or apartments. And thanks to their miniature size, it is not difficult to carve out a comfortable corner without drafts, providing it with a stove bench, dishes and toys for games (and, perhaps, a tray for the first time, when the puppy is not yet used to kvygul, making puddles and heaps).

These dogs cannot be called overly active, although they naturally need daily walks. At home, they behave “culturally”, but with a lack of attention from the owner and a rare promenade, they are able to do some dirty tricks, for example, gnaw on shoes or furniture, and these dogs, with low mobility, quickly gain weight. That is why it is worth giving these animals the opportunity to walk on a leash every day for at least an hour.

The thick luxurious coat of Cavaliers should be combed out with a stiff brush and slicker brush daily (or at least a couple of times a week) to avoid tangles. Thick hair between the pads of the fingers can be neatly trimmed. Often animals are sheared, shortening the so-called decorating long hair. You can resort to the services of a groomer who will explain exactly how best to care for the coat of gentlemen.

Ear care (long ears with luxurious hair in dogs of this breed need careful care), teeth and claws of a pet can also be entrusted to a specialist or performed independently. Particular attention should be paid to the eyes of these animals, since cavaliers often have eye inflammation. Bathing dogs is carried out no more than 3 times a year with shampoo for long-haired dogs.

Cavaliers are unpretentious in food, you just need to choose a menu that will be rich in vitamins and minerals, whether it be natural food or ready-made industrial feed. The dog should always have a bowl of clean water available for drinking.

Good traits in cavaliers in the process of training - obedience and lack of stubbornness, characteristic of most breeds. Even inexperienced owners can, if they wish, instill in their dog of this breed the skills necessary for a comfortable existence in society. A kind attitude, encouragement for a well-executed command, the absence of excessive loads - and the dog will become obedient, will not bring headaches to the owners and annoy the neighbors.

But a dog from an early age should be taught the rules of good behavior, socialization. To do this, it is worth stopping the puppy’s attempts to gnaw something, make puddles in the wrong place, excessively annoy all family members with your company, climb into bed, beg for goodies from the table, and so on. And also the puppy should be accustomed to the noises of the city, other animals, small children, should not be afraid of everything or show excessive curiosity for potentially dangerous objects.

When the little cavalier adapts enough and gets used to the new home (and the owner earns the puppy's trust), you can take the general obedience course (GCO) with the dog. In the process of OKP, the animal will acquire the following skills: restraint, calling to the command “to me”, walking “nearby”, following the commands “sit”, “lie down”, “stand”, “place”, refusal to take food from the ground or from hands stranger on the command "fu", the dog will be trained to the muzzle.