Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel: Nutrition, character, training and much more about the Spaniel Dog

By Roland Berger

The Cavalier King Charles and also the English Cocker Spaniel are dogs of English origin. Probably, they also share in some way the origin of the respective breed. However, while one Spaniel was then as now only "active" as a companion dog and has no hunting ambitions, the other Spaniel is still on the move as an extremely good hunting dog.

However, both breeds are becoming more and more popular, even as family dogs. This is not surprising, because these spaniels have a particularly beautiful external appearance, which is fascinating for many people. The small Cavalier is a dog for everyone. He feels comfortable in any environment as long as he gets enough exercise. The Cocker Spaniel needs appropriate activity simply because of his hunting instinct, but is therefore no less suitable for beginners.

The contents of the book are:
- The two Spaniel dog breeds
- Education of a Spaniel
- Health and nutrition
- The dog care
- Character, training and much more
- Many illustrations

In this guide you will learn a lot of interesting facts about both breeds. The keeping of these dogs will be revealed to you and you will get information about nutrition and possible diseases. Further chapters are dedicated to education and socialization, because one is not possible without the other. Be inspired by the ways you can build a mutual and unconditional trust and thus get a strong bond with your four-legged friend.

Have fun reading.

• Language: English
• Publisher: XinXii
• Release date: Mar 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9783987628757

Book preview

Introductory

Here comes a real blue blood. However, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has nothing to do with the current King of England, rather he is directly descended from dogs of the early British high nobility.

The grace and the faithful dachshund look of this little fuzzy on four paws still inspire today. The very easy handling make him a perfect companion for all groups of people.

Equally easy to keep is the English Cocker Spaniel. Like its smaller relative, it also originates from Great Britain. The Cocker Spaniel is slightly larger, but quite as fuzzy and no less cute.

Are you interested in such a high noble companion or his kind? Learn more about this small and cute Cavalier and his big brother. You will definitely not get away from the two.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This little guy is already something special. For example, this dog is the only breed that has permission to stay in the English Parliament. This law is owed to King Charles II, who was allowed to rule as a monarch in England and Scotland again from the year 1660.

There is a very close relationship to the King Charles Spaniel, which owes its breed name to the two English kings King Charles I and King Charles II. All too often, both breeds are confused.

Origin and history

How the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed ultimately came into being is not clearly proven to this day. It is assumed that it originally goes back to Spanish hunting dogs in the 9th century.

However, the British aristocracy was so enthusiastic about this little dog that he was depicted in many paintings. He was the playmate of the royal children and an excellent bed warmer for the ladies. Even in medieval writings the Cavalier found a mention. The first breed name of this small companion dog was King Charles Spaniel.

However, he had no real tasks to fulfill, but served solely to amuse the nobility. He should be flashy and cute. Therefore, more and more extremes were bred into this breed until there was not much left of the actual breed. As a result, at the beginning of the 20th century, the breed name was to be changed to Toy Spaniel. Fortunately, the king of the time prevented this from happening.

Now some breeders found together, who wanted to breed back the original King Charles Spaniel. He should get again the appearance, which was to be seen on the old oil paintings. In the end, it is thanks to a gamble that this old breed exists again today, because a well-heeled American offered a prize for the best back-breeding in the early 1920s. Around this time, the Club for the Promotion of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels was founded to give this new breed a foundation.

In fact, a recognition of the breed by the Kennel Club took place in 1945. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel shows distinct differences from the King Charles Spaniel, therefore it is also approved as a separate breed.

The royal cavalier

As a descendant of old British companion dogs of the high nobility, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is something very special. His appearance alone is evidence of a gentle, calm and loving dog. These qualities are also reflected in his temperament, which makes him a great companion for older people as well.

Breed portrait

The outer appearance of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is unique and unmistakable. However, the spaniel is still to look at him.

Exterior appearance

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, also known as Charlie or Cavalier, is one of the small dog breeds. He grows up to 33 cm tall and can reach a weight of up to 8 kg.

His coat is of medium length and shows a slight waviness. There is also a lush coat on the equally long floppy ears, which can also be found on the paws and tail.

The Cavalier is bred in four colors: Jet black with tan markings (Black an Tan), without white markings; solid red (Ruby), also without white markings; white base color with chestnut red markings (Blenheim) and tri-color black, white with tan markings (Tricolour).

The large and dark eyes are lined with a short and black muzzle. The breed standard specifies a rather flat nose, it should not be pointed.

Character traits

As far as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not affected by hereditary diseases, he can live on average ten years. This life expectancy is not particularly high compared to other small breeds.

The special thing about him is the absolute peacefulness towards people. Therefore, he counts as an extremely affectionate dog, which is the perfect companion for any kind of people. Not for nothing he is also called Cavalier.

Aggressiveness does not know this breed. The Cavalier is characterized by his extraordinary gentleness and the extremely affectionate contact with his family. But he also expects these qualities from his human.

He is equally compatible with other creatures and strangers. He is happy about almost every contact and is always friendly and cheerful. Through his nature, he offers people in today's hectic times an absolute haven of peace.

However, since he is still a spaniel despite all this, he wants to be allowed to enjoy a lot of exercise in the fresh air. He is also not averse to a spontaneous swim in a lake.

Because of his outstanding nature, he is also considered the perfect family dog. He loves to spend time with his family, play and learn together.

As a guard dog, however, the Cavalier is not to be used at all. He is a very calm fellow and constant barking or hitting when visitors come is far from him.

As a companion dog, on the other hand, he is more than suitable. His gentle nature and loving character make him a perfect partner for almost everyone.

The attitude

The attitude of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is quite uncomplicated. He can feel comfortable in a big city, but equally in the countryside. The Cavalier adapts quite quickly to the given circumstances. He does not have great demands, only a sufficient movement should be offered to him.

Just as simple is the care effort. The coat should be brushed at regular intervals so that it does not become knotted or matted. The floppy ears must also be checked regularly, because here it can quickly come to inflammation due to the nature.

The education

The education and training of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is quite simple and easy. Therefore, he is also well suited for beginners in dog keeping. Nevertheless, he needs his limits and rules and his future human should have a consistent but loving approach to him.

What tasks has or had the King Charles Spaniel?

The Cavalier does not have a special field of activity. He is to be classified as a pure companion dog, which wants to please his owner. Therefore, he can be easily trained and also has his fun. Employment opportunities such as agility, dog-dancing or similar are very suitable for him.

In the past, this breed also served only for the employment and entertainment of the high nobility in Great Britain. He was lap or cuddle dog and was also used as a bed warmer, so that the ladies of the house did not freeze at night.

The English Cocker Spaniel

Like almost all spaniel breeds, the Cocker Spaniel belongs to the hunting dogs. Its name derives from its original tasks. He was mainly used to track down woodcock so that the hunter could kill them.

The Cocker Spaniel, like the Cavalier, can be seen in very many old oil paintings. This popularity continues today in the world of celebrities. For example, Elton John owned a Cocker Spaniel and this breed has also found its place in the English royal family.

Origin & History

The exact origin and development of the Cocker Spaniel are as unclear as those of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The assumption is that the history is similar to that of the Cavalier. During the Roman times Spanish dogs are said to have been brought to Great Britain. These were called Canis Hispaniolus there. This Latin wording means Spanish dog. From this term the breed name Spaniel was formed. Already at that time the Spaniels were very popular, because even in Shakespeare this breed was mentioned. At the beginning of the 19th century, the spaniel was classified into different breeds of its own according to size. During the following years, the Cocker Spaniel developed into the dog as the world knows it today. In 1873 the breed of the English Cocker Spaniel was recognized by the Kennel Club and in 1904 the first international breed association was formed. The Cocker Spaniel was also used as a hunting dog since the 19th century. Since then, he enjoys great popularity and is kept more and more as a family dog.

Breed portrait

Very characteristic for the Cocker Spaniel are his very long floppy ears. His life expectancy of up to 15 years is already considerable.

Exterior appearance

The male can grow up to 41 cm, the female up to 39 cm. The Cocker Spaniel is therefore one of the medium-sized dogs. The weight varies between 12.5 kg and 14.5 kg.

The topline should slope slightly and the rib cage should be well developed visibly. The build generally appears very compact. The distinctive floppy ears are set low and show excessive length and size in relation to the rest of the body. The eyes are also quite large and should have a dark to nut brown coloration. The nose is color-matched to the coat.

The coat has a special density, so that the dog is protected in wind and weather. Nevertheless, it is soft and should be close to the body. While it is quite short on the head and back, the belly, chest, ears, legs and tail have longer hair. The color strokes may be solid, but also bicolored or tricolored, in the following variations: black, red, brown, liver, brownish, blue, orange, black and white, orange and white, and golden.

Character traits

The Cocker Spaniel is a hunting dog. Accordingly, his character shows. It is not excluded that he sometimes retreats into the undergrowth, should he have picked up an interesting trail and is not leashed.

He is extremely alert and always on the move. His appearance hardly suggests it, but he is very temperamental and has great endurance.

Nevertheless, the Cocker Spaniel is a very cheerful fellow and has no problem with either conspecifics or strangers. He will fearlessly go with you through thick and thin.

However, the Cocker Spaniel has a habit of barking readily and often. Therefore, you and your neighbors should be very patient here.

Tasks then and now

The Cocker Spaniel has always been a hunting dog. In England, he was mainly used for hunting feathered game and small game. His breed name is derived from woodcock, which translated means woodcock. The cocker was responsible for tracking down and flushing out this bird so that the hunter could shoot it.

Also today the Cocker Spaniel is used gladly for the hunt. He covers here many fields of activity, such as the rummaging, the track-loud hunting, the welding work and the retrieving.

However, the Cocker Spaniel has now also proven itself as a family dog and is becoming increasingly popular as a pure companion dog. Since he is usually good and easy to train, he is also suitable for beginners.

Acquisition and acclimatization

The decision is made and you want to get a small Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Cocker Spaniel. Now the search for a breeder of these breeds can begin. But this is not so easy, because there are some important things to consider. Maybe you will not necessarily find one near your home and have to drive a few kilometers by car.

If then the big day of the move has come, the little puppy must get to know a completely new environment for him. Here, too, you should pay attention to some important aspects so that you do not overwhelm him.

Find a breeder

The decision has been made. It should be a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Cocker Spaniel. You have made a good choice, because both breeds are excellent family dogs, with which you will experience a lot of fun, but also action.

Now it's time to find the right breeder. Pay attention and do not fall for supposedly super cheap offers in classified ads or on the Internet. A healthy and pure bred puppy has its price. If this is significantly undercut, you could fall for a scammer who is only in it for the money. You should also become alert if you are refused a visit to the breeding facility. Here the breeder surely has some things to hide, which you should not see. You should never accept the offer to deliver the puppy to your door. If you notice that the breeder you have chosen offers several different breeds, refrain from purchasing a puppy here.

Mostly in such cases the animals come from Eastern Europe. It is bred with bitches that have to give birth several times a year. Neither the pups nor the dam ever get to see a vet. This means that important examinations and vaccinations do not take place. The likelihood of acquiring a sick animal here is high. Also, never buy a puppy out of pity. You will not enjoy it, but rather be burdened with high veterinary costs. In addition, you would promote the production of further puppies with your purchase. But how do you now recognize that you have chosen a serious breeder?

The first thing to look for is that this kennel has the VDH seal. This is a first sure sign that the breeding is recognized and tested. Here you can count on good and healthy puppies.

A dog breeder must be able to prove membership in a dog club, which in turn is affiliated with the VDH. What it is about the VDH and furthermore also the FCI, you will learn in the following chapter.

Furthermore, this breeder should of course have a basic knowledge about the breed bred by him. He should also be able to assess whether this breed fits you at all, and also honestly tell you if it should not be so.

Therefore, a responsible breeder will also ask you many questions. He does not do this to satisfy his curiosity, but because he wants to find out whether this dog is in good hands with you. He is not only interested in the yield that the puppy will bring. No, this breeder wants the puppy to do well in the future and to lead a carefree and species-appropriate life.

It would be useful if you visit several breeders so that you can get an idea. Do not buy the first puppy you find, but take your time. Keep in mind that you will have this furry friend by your side for many years. Feel free to take your family along for the visits, as they too will need to accept the new companion in the house.

During your first visit, take a good look around so you can get a first impression of the kennel. Is everything here clean and tidy? Then that is a good sign. Likewise, the breeding animals and the puppies should be in a well-kept condition. Find out if the offspring has unrestricted access to the mother.

How do the little ones behave towards you? Are they curious and come wagging their tails towards you or do they hide in the back corner because they are afraid? If the second possibility occurs, you should better visit another breeder, because here probably is not time-intensive care for the animals.

Now you should ask if you can see the necessary documents about the dogs. If you are willingly shown the pedigree, the breeding license, existing health tests, etc., you can be reassured. However, if you are fobbed off with excuses, the alleged breeder might not even have these papers and the breeding might be illegal.

Once you have found your dog, make further appointments to visit so that you can get to know the puppy and also the breeder. It is important that you have confidence in him so that you can contact him later if any questions arise.

On the day you pick up your new friend, the breeder will give you a pedigree and the litter acceptance certificate from a veterinarian or the breed association. Always conclude a written contract of sale.

Purchase contract - rights and obligations

However, if disputes arise between you and the seller of the puppy, a written contract of sale is of utmost importance. All agreements are recorded here.

If you do not have a written purchase contract, you have nevertheless concluded a verbal contract and this also has validity. If there are gaps in the written contract, the BGB (German Civil Code) will be used in case of doubt.

The breeder of a dog is a commercial seller and such a seller must be liable to a private person for defects if they are due to him or his actions. This warranty obligation is valid for two years from the purchase of the animal.

So it is treated the same as if you had bought a TV, for example. Here you also have a mostly two-year warranty.

You could have recourse against the breeder if, for example, it turns out that your puppy suffers from a hereditary disease. However, the burden of proof is not always clearly defined, because it depends on when the animal's disease appears.

Within the first six months after taking over the