The title of 'King Charles Spaniel' was bestowed upon these dogs during the reign of King Charles II, who adored his spaniels and would not be parted from them. A law that was passed by King Charles II, still stands today that these little dogs can enter any public place, including the houses of parliament!
These little dogs were used to warm the laps of nobility on carriage rides and in cold castles and buildings, so they really are the original 'lap dog'.
Appearance
Cavalier's are pretty little dogs, with long flowing coats with long flowing feathers on their legs and beautiful long ears (I'd recommend tying the ears back out of the way at dinner time!!)
They have very long, flowing coats and come in a number of colours; Black and Tan, Ruby (Rich red whole colour), Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tricolour (Black and white evenly spaced with tan markings)
Both dogs and bitches should stand between 30 ' 33cm.
Temperament
These are very happy, friendly dogs; they walk around with their head and tail held high. They are not nervous dogs and will welcome friends and strangers alike.
They like to be close to their people and will take every opportunity to sit on your lap or lie next to you in bed and fall asleep!
They are patient and get along well with children and other dogs and animals; they make wonderful family pets, and also make an excellent companion for the elderly.
Grooming
Cavaliers require a moderate amount of grooming because of their long coats. A quick brush after walkies may be needed, because their flowing coats tend to pick up debris along the way!
Long flowing ears mean that care should be taken at feeding time or they get covered in dinner!
Exercise
Cavaliers certainly enjoy their walks, and require a moderate amount of exercise. They relish the opportunity to get out and meet other people and dogs.
They will trot happily along beside you, head held high, taking in the sights and sounds!
Health Problems
Cavaliers are prone to heart murmurs, although generally lead a healthy, active life with this condition.
They can also suffer from slipping knee joints ( subluxating patellas); the dogs weight should be kept under control to reduce the potential problems caused by this condition. If it does lead to the knee popping out of its joint, surgery will be required.
Cavaliers also have the highest incidence of any breed of Mitral Valve Disease. A defect in the mitral valve (one of the 4 heart valves) causes backflow of blood into the left atrium, or mitral regurgitation. Less commonly, a narrowing of the valve can be identified. Because of the leaky valve, the heart is less efficient at pumping blood to the body.
This spaniel is heavy-bodies and long and sits very low, thus standing only seventeen to twenty inches in height. However, they can weigh anywhere from fifty-five to eighty-five pounds. The Clumber is considered heavier boned than other spaniels with a huge head and face and expression resembling that of the hound. His coat is weather-resistant and very dense.
It usually lies flat and straight. Because of this, his coat has a tendency to be tangled, so it must be brushed regularly and clipped periodically so that the coat is clean and free of tangles. This breed is usually white with either lemon or orange markings anywhere on their body. Their coat sheds a lot and also tends to absorb odors, so constant brushing is necessary.
This breed is known for his excellence in hunting under cover and if trained properly, is an excellent retriever. This breed has been trained for running through and hunting in bushes. They are very perseverant and nothing stops them when they are on the hunt or tracking a scent. Despite their focus on the hunt, they are still a very affectionate breed, but generally do not do very well with stranger. Around strangers, they are considered to be aloof and dignified and not very outgoing. With those they know, however, they are loyal and gentle and their "best friend".
Clumbers are loyal to a fault and unfortunately consider themselves a lap dog and will sit on your lap to get attention and affection. This must be discouraged because of their weak hips. Sitting on couches and anything that may compromise their already weak hips must be discouraged. Because of their weak hips, canine hip dysplasia is a serious malady in this breed. The Clumber Spaniel puppy is very inquisitive and creative with their curiosity. As a puppy, they are very people-focused and have the need to carry something. Therefore, as these are puppies, be sure to hide shoes and any articles of clothing that you don't want carried by a curious and inventive breed.
This breed can be fed anywhere from one and a half to two and a half cans of a high-quality meaty product or five cups of a dry dog food with vitamins and minerals.
A huge fenced yard with plenty of running, romping and playing room is the best for this breed. They must get daily exercise and plenty of it. Although apartment living is not best suited for the Clumber, if the owner must live in an apartment, be assured that the Clumber gets plenty of exercise. Because this dog is inherently a hunter, training can be a challenge because they will tend to follow any scent. Firm training is necessary and the trainer must constantly establish that he is the leader, or the Clumber will quickly find any weakness and try to take over or take advantage of the leader.
Because this dog possesses a latent possessive aggression that is not easily seen, this dog should not be spoiled. In spoiling this breed, this aggression will rise to the surface if the breed does not get his own way. Because of this tendency, children cannot be rough or wrestle with this dog, because the aggression may cause them to bite, simply because they get over-possessive. If an elderly person has strong leadership skills, they may be fine with this breed; however socialization and early training must take place.