About The Cavalier
Breed Standard, History & Health
Please read this page to find out about the history of this breed and most important the health issue's of this breed.
The Kennel Club
Cavalier King Charles Breed Standard
A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperment and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.
General Appearance
Active, graceful and well balanced, with gentle expression.
Characteristics
Sporting, affectionate,absolutely fearless.
Temperament
Gay, friendly, non-aggresive;no tendancy to nervousness.
Head & Skull
Skull almost flat between ears. Stop shallow. Length from base of stop to tip of nose about 3.8cms(11/2). Nostrils black and well developed without flesh marks, muzzle well tapered. Lips well developed but not pendulous. Face well filled below eyes. Any tendancey to snipiness undersirable.
Eyes
Large, dark, round but not prominent: spaced well apart.
Ears
Long,set high,with plenty of feather.
Mouth
Jaws strong, with perfect,regular and complete scissor bite,i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaw.
Neck
Moderate length,slightly arched.
Forequarters
Chest moderate, shoulders well laid back; straight legs moderately boned.
Body
Short-coupled with good spring of rib. Level back.
Hindquarters
Legs with moderate bone: well turned stifle-no tendency to cowhocks or sickle-hocks.
Feet
Compact, cushioned and well feathered.
Tail
Length of tail in balance with body, well set on, carried happily but never above the level of the back. Docking previously optional when no more than one-third was to be removed.
Gait/Movement
Free-moving and elegant in action, plenty of drive from behind. Forelegs and hindlegs move parallel when viewed from front and behind.
Coat
Long,silky,free from curl. Slight wave permissable. Plenty of feathering. Totally free from trimming.
Colour
Colour Recognised colours are;
Black and Tan: raven black with tan markings above the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest and legs and underside of tail. Tan should be bright. White marks undesirable.
Ruby: whole coloured rich red. White markings undesirable.
Blenheim: rich chestnut markings well broken up, on pearly white ground. Markings evenly divided on head, leaving room between ears for much valued lozenge mark or spot(a unique characteristic of the breed).
Tricolour: black and white well spaced, broken up, with tan markings over eyes, cheeks, inside ears, inside legs and on underside of tail.
Any other colour or combination undesirable.
Black and Tan: raven black with tan markings above the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest and legs and underside of tail. Tan should be bright. White marks undesirable.
Ruby: whole coloured rich red. White markings undesirable.
Blenheim: rich chestnut markings well broken up, on pearly white ground. Markings evenly divided on head, leaving room between ears for much valued lozenge mark or spot(a unique characteristic of the breed).
Tricolour: black and white well spaced, broken up, with tan markings over eyes, cheeks, inside ears, inside legs and on underside of tail.
Any other colour or combination undesirable.
Size
Weight:5.4-8.2kgs(12-18lbs). A small, well balanced dog well within these weights desirable.
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
History of the
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A Royal Dog indeed as the name leads you to believe. The Cavalier King Charles has only been established as a breed since 1928 and only on a seperate Kennel Club register from the King Charles since 1945 and in the general public is still preceived as the same breed, but to the enthusiast in both breeds it seems inconceivable that the two breeds could be confused. To understand this you have to look into the history of this spaniel. Although we can go back far in history even before Roman times & see spaniels in art work of these times, the Toy spaniel which we know and love as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel we see today has been well known since the fifteenth century and found in most of the Royal Courts of Europe.
In 1486 Dame Juliana Berners wrote a book on hunting The Boke OF St Albans. Listed in it were recognised breeds which included `smalle laydes puppees that beare away the flees and dyvers small fowles` it must of been a smelly itchey world that these little dogs lived in. Also Henry VIII decreed no dogs in Court except "some small spanyells for the ladies"
In 1570 Dr Johannes Cauis, the physician in chief to Queen Elizabeth I, wrote a Latin treatise titled De Canicus Britannicus. In this he divided the dog breeds of the time into five groups. The third group was devoted to the "Spaniell or comforter - a delicate, neat and pretty kind dog". Within the draughty houses and cold carriages of the time, a little spaniel curled up on a ladys lap would of been a great comfort. Even in these modern times of central heating these little dogs are still a comfort! Dr Caius goes on to call them "Chambar companions, pleasant play fellows, and pretty wormes". The Doctor even goes on to suggest in his writing that these little dogs where good at helping cure sickness of the stomach. He gave cases where the dog feel ill for no good reason as the owner became well and assumes that the sickness entered the dog thus saving the owner
There is another story quite well known that after the execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587, her little black spaniel was found under her petticoats.
There are many tales told about the Stuarts love of the little spaniels. Charles I had a little spaniel called Rogue which after his execution one of the Roundheads took the dog and exhibited him in the city.
It is King Charles II though that we really associate these little spaniels with. Although Charles I was very fond of little spaniels, but with King Charles II we have many contempary pictures and writings that give an insight into the place these spaniels had at the Royal Court at the time and after the Restoration in 1660. Legend is that King Charles II even passed a Royal edict that no King Charles Spaniel could be denied entry to any public place and the right to run loose in Londons Royal Park. A rule I have never tried to prove right.
In the diaries of Samuel Pepys he records for the 25th May 1660 (the day that Charles returned to England after exile) 'The King was rowed ashore in the Admiral's barge, while I followed in a smaller boat with Mr Mansell, one footman and a dog that the King loved'. His Majesty was seldom seen without his little spaniels, which was not always appreciated by everyone at court, as this rhyme written by Lord Rochester, an intellectual wit at Charles II's Court shows.
'In all affairs of Church and State.
He very zealous is and able
Devout at prayers and sits up late
At the Cabel or Council Table
His very dog at Council Board
Sits grave and wise as any Lord'.
The above rhyme I think really sums up this little dog and for me paints quite a vivid picture in my mind of these dogs at the Court of his Majesty.
Pepys complained bitterly that at Privy Council the King apparently paid little attention to business but played with his dogs. Also John Evelyn the diarist says of the King ` He took delight in having a number of little spaniels follow and lie in his bed chamber, where he suffered the bitches to puppy, which rendered it very offensive and indeed the whole court nasty and stinking.'
During the last days of King Charles II before his death, Bruce, the King`s Lord in Waiting lay awake listening to the noises of ` the Scotch Coal Fire, the dozen dogs that came to our bed, and several pendulums that struck the half and quarter and all not going alike. It was a continual chiming`.
After his death, his brother James II carried on his love of this little spaniel.It was reported that during a rough night at sea , orders were given to abandon ship. The King in most vehement voice called ` Save the dogs and the Duke of Monmouth!` One might think he had his priorities right!
At this time it is written that these dogs came in several colours,black, black and white, red and white and tricolours. They were fine boned with fine muzzles, but with the reign of William and Mary the pug came more into favour with the aristocracy, although we still see many portraits of eighteenth centuary show ladies with their little spaniels.
Around the 1840s is when we start to see the spaniels faces changeing to look like what we now see in the modern King Charles which is the dooming of the head and the shortening of the nose to almost flat. As up until 1838 we have pictures of Queen Victorias tricolour spaniel Dash and he still had the longer nose and flatter head we see in the modern Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
The Blenheim or Marlborough Spaniel owes its name to the fact that this red and white spaniel was bred for many years at Blenheim Castle by the first Duke of Marlborough and legend has it that Sarah Duchess of Marlborough is supposed while waiting for news of the Dukes Campaign at the Battle of Blenheim to of nursed and stroked one of her spaniels who at the time was in pup and when the pups where born they all had a thumb print mark on their heads, so the starting of this legend of the Blenheim Thumbprint, spot or lozenge, which is so attractive and disirable in the Blenheim Cavalier. The Blenheims were well known for their sporting instincts. The Sports Mans Review 1820 writes of these dogs `The very delicate small or carpet Spaniels, have exquisite noses and will hunt truly and pleasantly`. Major Harding Cox describes the Blenheims at Blenheim Palace ` I once saw a small pack of these pretty little fellow perform prodigies of valour in covert and hedgerow, throwing their tongues for all they were worth, giving their quarry no peace, until they bustled him into the open`. It is also noted in 1885 that these dogs were different from the type which was dominanting the show ring they had longer noses, flatter heads and were a bit bigger.
The Toy Spaniel Club was founded in 1886, and the name Toy Spaniel was applied to the King Charles with each colour being known by a different name. The black and tans were called King Charles-though it is thought that Charles II never owned a black and tan! Tricolours were called Prince Charles or King Charles I Spaniels. Red and white were Blenheims and the all red, rubies, but in 1903 the Kennel Club to stop the confusion wished to classify them all under `Toy Spaniel` and dropping their ancestral and Royal name. The Toy Spaniel Club was appalled and tryed to have this proposition withdrawn, but it took the intervention of King Edward VII by intimating that it was his wish that the historical name `King Charles Spaniel` should be retained and thus it was. The dog though that developed over these years was to become what is now the modern King Charles and the dogs we now call Cavalier King Charles and are originally what the dogs looked like in King Charles I and King Charles II time was
nearly lost and it took till nearly 1923 to see the old type revive again.
Mr Roswell Eldridge had been disappointed coming from America to find only the noseless King Charles in England and kindly offered £25 for three years and later extended it to five years at Crufts, for the best of the `old type`. In spite of this generous prize only two entries came forward in the first year, but the seed was sown and we then see the start of the beginnings of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel although it would be until 1945 when it is allowed to be seperated from the King Charles.
Click on pictures below to see full size.
In 1486 Dame Juliana Berners wrote a book on hunting The Boke OF St Albans. Listed in it were recognised breeds which included `smalle laydes puppees that beare away the flees and dyvers small fowles` it must of been a smelly itchey world that these little dogs lived in. Also Henry VIII decreed no dogs in Court except "some small spanyells for the ladies"
In 1570 Dr Johannes Cauis, the physician in chief to Queen Elizabeth I, wrote a Latin treatise titled De Canicus Britannicus. In this he divided the dog breeds of the time into five groups. The third group was devoted to the "Spaniell or comforter - a delicate, neat and pretty kind dog". Within the draughty houses and cold carriages of the time, a little spaniel curled up on a ladys lap would of been a great comfort. Even in these modern times of central heating these little dogs are still a comfort! Dr Caius goes on to call them "Chambar companions, pleasant play fellows, and pretty wormes". The Doctor even goes on to suggest in his writing that these little dogs where good at helping cure sickness of the stomach. He gave cases where the dog feel ill for no good reason as the owner became well and assumes that the sickness entered the dog thus saving the owner
There is another story quite well known that after the execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587, her little black spaniel was found under her petticoats.
There are many tales told about the Stuarts love of the little spaniels. Charles I had a little spaniel called Rogue which after his execution one of the Roundheads took the dog and exhibited him in the city.
It is King Charles II though that we really associate these little spaniels with. Although Charles I was very fond of little spaniels, but with King Charles II we have many contempary pictures and writings that give an insight into the place these spaniels had at the Royal Court at the time and after the Restoration in 1660. Legend is that King Charles II even passed a Royal edict that no King Charles Spaniel could be denied entry to any public place and the right to run loose in Londons Royal Park. A rule I have never tried to prove right.
In the diaries of Samuel Pepys he records for the 25th May 1660 (the day that Charles returned to England after exile) 'The King was rowed ashore in the Admiral's barge, while I followed in a smaller boat with Mr Mansell, one footman and a dog that the King loved'. His Majesty was seldom seen without his little spaniels, which was not always appreciated by everyone at court, as this rhyme written by Lord Rochester, an intellectual wit at Charles II's Court shows.
'In all affairs of Church and State.
He very zealous is and able
Devout at prayers and sits up late
At the Cabel or Council Table
His very dog at Council Board
Sits grave and wise as any Lord'.
The above rhyme I think really sums up this little dog and for me paints quite a vivid picture in my mind of these dogs at the Court of his Majesty.
Pepys complained bitterly that at Privy Council the King apparently paid little attention to business but played with his dogs. Also John Evelyn the diarist says of the King ` He took delight in having a number of little spaniels follow and lie in his bed chamber, where he suffered the bitches to puppy, which rendered it very offensive and indeed the whole court nasty and stinking.'
During the last days of King Charles II before his death, Bruce, the King`s Lord in Waiting lay awake listening to the noises of ` the Scotch Coal Fire, the dozen dogs that came to our bed, and several pendulums that struck the half and quarter and all not going alike. It was a continual chiming`.
After his death, his brother James II carried on his love of this little spaniel.It was reported that during a rough night at sea , orders were given to abandon ship. The King in most vehement voice called ` Save the dogs and the Duke of Monmouth!` One might think he had his priorities right!
At this time it is written that these dogs came in several colours,black, black and white, red and white and tricolours. They were fine boned with fine muzzles, but with the reign of William and Mary the pug came more into favour with the aristocracy, although we still see many portraits of eighteenth centuary show ladies with their little spaniels.
Around the 1840s is when we start to see the spaniels faces changeing to look like what we now see in the modern King Charles which is the dooming of the head and the shortening of the nose to almost flat. As up until 1838 we have pictures of Queen Victorias tricolour spaniel Dash and he still had the longer nose and flatter head we see in the modern Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
The Blenheim or Marlborough Spaniel owes its name to the fact that this red and white spaniel was bred for many years at Blenheim Castle by the first Duke of Marlborough and legend has it that Sarah Duchess of Marlborough is supposed while waiting for news of the Dukes Campaign at the Battle of Blenheim to of nursed and stroked one of her spaniels who at the time was in pup and when the pups where born they all had a thumb print mark on their heads, so the starting of this legend of the Blenheim Thumbprint, spot or lozenge, which is so attractive and disirable in the Blenheim Cavalier. The Blenheims were well known for their sporting instincts. The Sports Mans Review 1820 writes of these dogs `The very delicate small or carpet Spaniels, have exquisite noses and will hunt truly and pleasantly`. Major Harding Cox describes the Blenheims at Blenheim Palace ` I once saw a small pack of these pretty little fellow perform prodigies of valour in covert and hedgerow, throwing their tongues for all they were worth, giving their quarry no peace, until they bustled him into the open`. It is also noted in 1885 that these dogs were different from the type which was dominanting the show ring they had longer noses, flatter heads and were a bit bigger.
The Toy Spaniel Club was founded in 1886, and the name Toy Spaniel was applied to the King Charles with each colour being known by a different name. The black and tans were called King Charles-though it is thought that Charles II never owned a black and tan! Tricolours were called Prince Charles or King Charles I Spaniels. Red and white were Blenheims and the all red, rubies, but in 1903 the Kennel Club to stop the confusion wished to classify them all under `Toy Spaniel` and dropping their ancestral and Royal name. The Toy Spaniel Club was appalled and tryed to have this proposition withdrawn, but it took the intervention of King Edward VII by intimating that it was his wish that the historical name `King Charles Spaniel` should be retained and thus it was. The dog though that developed over these years was to become what is now the modern King Charles and the dogs we now call Cavalier King Charles and are originally what the dogs looked like in King Charles I and King Charles II time was
nearly lost and it took till nearly 1923 to see the old type revive again.
Mr Roswell Eldridge had been disappointed coming from America to find only the noseless King Charles in England and kindly offered £25 for three years and later extended it to five years at Crufts, for the best of the `old type`. In spite of this generous prize only two entries came forward in the first year, but the seed was sown and we then see the start of the beginnings of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel although it would be until 1945 when it is allowed to be seperated from the King Charles.
Click on pictures below to see full size.
The
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Evolution
In 1926 this announcement appears in the Crufts schedule 'Blenheim Spaniels of the Old Type, as shown in pictures of Charles II`s time,long face, no stop, flat skull, not inclined to be domed with spot in centre of skull. The first prize of £25 in Class 947 and 948 are given by Roswell Eldridge Esq., of New York, USA. Prizes to the nearest to type required.'
The Cavalier`s Pet`s by Landseer 1845
Above this notice was the above picture. Mr Eldridge was disappointed to find only noseless King Charles Spaniels in England and offered this generous prize for eight years and are thanks must go to him for firmly planting the seeds for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel we see today.
The majority of King Charles breeders were horrified to think that a King Charles with even the slightest suspicion of a nose could be shown in their classes let alone appalled to think it could win such a generous prize. Although there was luckily the brave breeder who took up the challenge and preferred the type and look of the Old Type King Charles Spaniel . Some breeders were also quite glad to find a market for what they considered below standard pups. These pups had good confirmation but had the undesirable longer nose or the ability to breed it which the King Charles breeder did not want.
In 1924 Mrs Hewitt Pitt bought a Blenheim King Charles bitch. She called it "Waif Julia" and she took this bitch to Miss Brunne a well known breeder to be mated and she suggested she show her at Crufts in the class sponsered by Mr Roswell. She won the class and to quote Mrs Pitt"I got very interested in the possibilities of breeding this type of Spaniel" and the seed of the Cavalier Club was sown.
So a committee began formed from practical dog breeders with high ideals. The ideals were to breed an active, sporting, sound little spaniel free from any artificial trimming or colouring. The chairman was Miss Mostyn Walker who owned the lovely Ann's Son who we will have more later. The secretary was Mrs Pitt who was a great strength and very determined force with pushing this breed forward. Her priffix 'Ttiweh which is her surname backwards can be found behind all Cavaliers world wide.
The name 'Old Type King Charles Spaniel' was confusing so with the founding of the Club at Crufts 1928 the name 'Cavalier King Charles Spaniel' was adopted. It was also one personal plea not to abbreviate 'Cavalier' to 'Cavs' as the word 'Cavalier has a much more Royal ring about it.
The majority of King Charles breeders were horrified to think that a King Charles with even the slightest suspicion of a nose could be shown in their classes let alone appalled to think it could win such a generous prize. Although there was luckily the brave breeder who took up the challenge and preferred the type and look of the Old Type King Charles Spaniel . Some breeders were also quite glad to find a market for what they considered below standard pups. These pups had good confirmation but had the undesirable longer nose or the ability to breed it which the King Charles breeder did not want.
In 1924 Mrs Hewitt Pitt bought a Blenheim King Charles bitch. She called it "Waif Julia" and she took this bitch to Miss Brunne a well known breeder to be mated and she suggested she show her at Crufts in the class sponsered by Mr Roswell. She won the class and to quote Mrs Pitt"I got very interested in the possibilities of breeding this type of Spaniel" and the seed of the Cavalier Club was sown.
So a committee began formed from practical dog breeders with high ideals. The ideals were to breed an active, sporting, sound little spaniel free from any artificial trimming or colouring. The chairman was Miss Mostyn Walker who owned the lovely Ann's Son who we will have more later. The secretary was Mrs Pitt who was a great strength and very determined force with pushing this breed forward. Her priffix 'Ttiweh which is her surname backwards can be found behind all Cavaliers world wide.
The name 'Old Type King Charles Spaniel' was confusing so with the founding of the Club at Crufts 1928 the name 'Cavalier King Charles Spaniel' was adopted. It was also one personal plea not to abbreviate 'Cavalier' to 'Cavs' as the word 'Cavalier has a much more Royal ring about it.
One of the founding fathers of the Cavalier
The Kennel Club though would not allow a seperate registration and early breeders would add' Cavalier Type' to the registration forms. The standard for this breed was written down with Ann's Son standing on the table in front of them. This dainty little Blenheim was one of the founding fathers of this breed and his ruby son Peter of Ttiweh and his Blenheim daughter Daywell Nell are behind many present day Cavaliers. To me he is what I see as the perfect Cavalier as he was said to be very sporting in appearance which is what Poundlane Cavaliers are hopefully breed to be like.
Ann's Son was considered what ever breeder wanted to aim for, as many attempts were made to breed another Ann's Son, but none were to have his presence and Ann's Son was seen as unique. His influence on the Cavalier in the early days indearing so many who saw him to the breed and by the importance of his progenys influence in the modern Cavalier, cannot be over estimated.
The modern Cavalier stems from six stud dogs which the breed was first formed from. There was obviously lots of inbreeding in the first generations of the breed and unfortunately this is most probably where most of the hereditary problems stem from in this breed as at this time the damage inbreeding can cause was not know and eughenics was practiced putting best to best regardless of how related thinking this was improving the breed in look and health To inbreed also called linebreeding now is not acceptable as now that we know the dangers of decreasing genetic diversity within breeds & at Poundlane we believe that careful crossbreeding has its place to improve health in many of the purebreeds that suffer with many genetic disorders from inbreeding & hope that soon the Kennel Club will see the merits of crossbreeding to help mantain many of the purebreeds & thus record ancestery of crossbreed dogs as well as purebreed dogs.
After World War II the breed continued to gather strength and finally in 1945 the Kennel Club agreed to seperate registration for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and the rest is history. This breed has grown so much in the United Kingdom since then that it is the fourth most popular breed, but care must be taken in moving forward with this breed and through careful breeding and health checks we can hope to improve the health
issues that we have in this breed.
Ann's Son was considered what ever breeder wanted to aim for, as many attempts were made to breed another Ann's Son, but none were to have his presence and Ann's Son was seen as unique. His influence on the Cavalier in the early days indearing so many who saw him to the breed and by the importance of his progenys influence in the modern Cavalier, cannot be over estimated.
The modern Cavalier stems from six stud dogs which the breed was first formed from. There was obviously lots of inbreeding in the first generations of the breed and unfortunately this is most probably where most of the hereditary problems stem from in this breed as at this time the damage inbreeding can cause was not know and eughenics was practiced putting best to best regardless of how related thinking this was improving the breed in look and health To inbreed also called linebreeding now is not acceptable as now that we know the dangers of decreasing genetic diversity within breeds & at Poundlane we believe that careful crossbreeding has its place to improve health in many of the purebreeds that suffer with many genetic disorders from inbreeding & hope that soon the Kennel Club will see the merits of crossbreeding to help mantain many of the purebreeds & thus record ancestery of crossbreed dogs as well as purebreed dogs.
After World War II the breed continued to gather strength and finally in 1945 the Kennel Club agreed to seperate registration for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and the rest is history. This breed has grown so much in the United Kingdom since then that it is the fourth most popular breed, but care must be taken in moving forward with this breed and through careful breeding and health checks we can hope to improve the health
issues that we have in this breed.
Health Of Cavaliers
Pupster at nearly 7 & Primrose at 7 months
Keeping Your Cavalier Healthy
Minor Health Problems
The Cavalier if kept fit and not over weight is a sporting little dog and will be an active little dog out and about. They enjoy retrieving, chasing wildlife and generally having fun. To keep them in this condition it is good to know about a few of the minor ailments, before we tackle some of the bigger health issues.
The Cavalier should be kept well groomed and I actually trim my dogs ears underside to help with ventilation to the ear and if neutered and gets a very thick coat it may be beneficial to your Cavalier to have them fully clipped out so they are more comfortable during the warm months. If showing your Cavalier they are to be shown with out any trimming. When grooming your Cavalier this is your chance to check for lumps and bumps. This is also your chance to check their teeth, ears and paws.
Your Cavalier needs to keep his teeth clean, access to things to chew, as this helps to remove plaque from their teeth, bones are great and if you speak to your vet or pet supplies shop you will find many products to help you keep your Cavaliers teeth in good order.
Ears need to be looked after with great care as if you find your dog has any of these symptoms shaking their head alot getting distressed, scratching at their ears getting distressed, the ear smells a bit and there is a brown discharge the chances are they have ear mites or an ear infection. Ear mites are easy to get rid of, but if you have more than one dog you may find that they all have them and you may want to visit your vet who will give you advice on the products to get rid of them and the steps to stop your dog getting them again.
Ear infections are a vet job as your dog will need antibiotic ear drops to clear the problem. The way to stop ear infections is to regularly check ears and get an ear wash product from your vet and gently clean them about once a month.
Claws need trimming as and when because this will vary from the age of your Cavalier and environment your Cavalier lives in. To trim these you will need dog nail clippers and be very careful, if unsure, ask your vet or dog grooming parlour if you use one. Most Cavaliers do not have their dew claws removed, this is a little pad and claw found on the inside of the front leg about 2 cm up from the paw and can also still be found on the back legs of some Cavaliers, do remember that this claw also needs to be regularly checked and trimmed, as if left will curl back round and eventually ingrow and cause an infection. Most working breeds of dog have their dew claws removed when a couple days old as they can be ripped of when going through thick hedgerow but saying that we have never removed dew claws from are Cavaliers & my dogs all will work a hedgerow, we have never had a Cavalier rip a dew claw off yet. I think it is due to them having legs well protected from lots of hair as breeds such as foxhounds & beagles which have very little hair on their legs they I know are much more prone to ripping their dew claws of if not removed at a early age.
Anal glands are a gland either side of the anus and if your Cavalier vigorously bites and licks his anus or drags their bottom on the ground, they probably need their anal glands emptying. I have been taught to do this myself but do not attempt to do this unless you have had training as you could seriously hurt your dog. This is a vet job or can be done by your dog grooming parlour if they are trained to do it. If neglected damage to the gland can result with them ending up with very painful anal abscess. Get your vet to check them when having booster vaccinations, but more frequently if they have a problem.
Eyes need to be looked after and checked. Any excessive weeping of eyes, redness and scratching towards eyes are indications of eye infection or injury and this is a job for your vet as antibiotic drops or ointment will be needed. Eyes and around them need to be kept clean a warm saline solution (salt & water) and cotton wool is ideal to clean away any eye discharge and dirt.
Lumps and bumps. If you find anything which you think should not be there get your vet to have a look, as if any treatment is needed in most cases as with humans the sooner treatment is started the better.
Your Cavalier should be regularly treated for internal and external parasites and this is something you can get advice from your vet about, as treatment and regularity of treatment can be different for each dog as to the environment they live and their lifestyle.
Vaccinating your Cavalier should not be overlooked as this simple procedure annually protects your Cavalier from five serious infectious diseases, canine distemper (hardpad), infectious hepititis and canine parvovirus which are viruses and two forms of leptosipirosis which are caused by bacteria.
Any one of these diseases would be devastating to your Cavalier to contract.
Microchipping your Cavalier is an important way to identify them if lost or stolen and you will stand a much higher chance of your Cavalier being returned by this simple procedure.
All Poundlane Pups leave us microchipped.
The Cavalier should be kept well groomed and I actually trim my dogs ears underside to help with ventilation to the ear and if neutered and gets a very thick coat it may be beneficial to your Cavalier to have them fully clipped out so they are more comfortable during the warm months. If showing your Cavalier they are to be shown with out any trimming. When grooming your Cavalier this is your chance to check for lumps and bumps. This is also your chance to check their teeth, ears and paws.
Your Cavalier needs to keep his teeth clean, access to things to chew, as this helps to remove plaque from their teeth, bones are great and if you speak to your vet or pet supplies shop you will find many products to help you keep your Cavaliers teeth in good order.
Ears need to be looked after with great care as if you find your dog has any of these symptoms shaking their head alot getting distressed, scratching at their ears getting distressed, the ear smells a bit and there is a brown discharge the chances are they have ear mites or an ear infection. Ear mites are easy to get rid of, but if you have more than one dog you may find that they all have them and you may want to visit your vet who will give you advice on the products to get rid of them and the steps to stop your dog getting them again.
Ear infections are a vet job as your dog will need antibiotic ear drops to clear the problem. The way to stop ear infections is to regularly check ears and get an ear wash product from your vet and gently clean them about once a month.
Claws need trimming as and when because this will vary from the age of your Cavalier and environment your Cavalier lives in. To trim these you will need dog nail clippers and be very careful, if unsure, ask your vet or dog grooming parlour if you use one. Most Cavaliers do not have their dew claws removed, this is a little pad and claw found on the inside of the front leg about 2 cm up from the paw and can also still be found on the back legs of some Cavaliers, do remember that this claw also needs to be regularly checked and trimmed, as if left will curl back round and eventually ingrow and cause an infection. Most working breeds of dog have their dew claws removed when a couple days old as they can be ripped of when going through thick hedgerow but saying that we have never removed dew claws from are Cavaliers & my dogs all will work a hedgerow, we have never had a Cavalier rip a dew claw off yet. I think it is due to them having legs well protected from lots of hair as breeds such as foxhounds & beagles which have very little hair on their legs they I know are much more prone to ripping their dew claws of if not removed at a early age.
Anal glands are a gland either side of the anus and if your Cavalier vigorously bites and licks his anus or drags their bottom on the ground, they probably need their anal glands emptying. I have been taught to do this myself but do not attempt to do this unless you have had training as you could seriously hurt your dog. This is a vet job or can be done by your dog grooming parlour if they are trained to do it. If neglected damage to the gland can result with them ending up with very painful anal abscess. Get your vet to check them when having booster vaccinations, but more frequently if they have a problem.
Eyes need to be looked after and checked. Any excessive weeping of eyes, redness and scratching towards eyes are indications of eye infection or injury and this is a job for your vet as antibiotic drops or ointment will be needed. Eyes and around them need to be kept clean a warm saline solution (salt & water) and cotton wool is ideal to clean away any eye discharge and dirt.
Lumps and bumps. If you find anything which you think should not be there get your vet to have a look, as if any treatment is needed in most cases as with humans the sooner treatment is started the better.
Your Cavalier should be regularly treated for internal and external parasites and this is something you can get advice from your vet about, as treatment and regularity of treatment can be different for each dog as to the environment they live and their lifestyle.
Vaccinating your Cavalier should not be overlooked as this simple procedure annually protects your Cavalier from five serious infectious diseases, canine distemper (hardpad), infectious hepititis and canine parvovirus which are viruses and two forms of leptosipirosis which are caused by bacteria.
Any one of these diseases would be devastating to your Cavalier to contract.
Microchipping your Cavalier is an important way to identify them if lost or stolen and you will stand a much higher chance of your Cavalier being returned by this simple procedure.
All Poundlane Pups leave us microchipped.
Health Conditions found
in Cavaliers
Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia (SM) is a neurological condition similar to the human condition, Chiari Type 1 malformation or Arnold Chiari. This condition has only been recognised in recent years in dogs due to the development of the Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI) machine allows a neurologist to identify the problem. It does occur in other breeds. In the Cavalier it is typically due to occipital hypoplasia which is a malformation of a bone at the back of the skull which is too small. This can displace the cerebellum forcing it into the foramen magnum, which is a small opening at the back of the skull leading into the vertebal canal which contains the spinal cord. CSF which is around the brain and spinal cord and normally moves freely through the foramen magnum becomes obstructed and accumalates in pockets known as syrinx which results in the condition Syringomyelia.
The most common symtoms of SM are an attempt to scratch at the shoulder or neck but not make contact, especially when on a lead or excited. Sometimes the dog will attempt to walk and scratch at the same time. This behaviour is more frequently than would be natural for a dog with skin or ear infection. The dog may cry out or scream for no apparent reason. They may be more sensitive around the neck, head and forelegs. Some badly effected may have a twisted or tilted head position, show a wobbly rear end gait and others weakness in the forelegs. Though the symptoms may show up at anytime generally they are seen between the ages of 6 months to around 2 1/2 years but some have not shown the first signs of this condition until a much later age
There is only one way at the moment to positively diagnose the condition which is to MRI scan. In Setpember 2012 the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in conjuction with the Kennel Club (KC) introduced a brain scanning scheme open to all dogs including crossbreeds. For more information about this scheme and Syringomyelia visit www.bva.co.uk and follow the link to Canine Health Schemes and for further information about syringomyelia and its management visit www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk and follow the link to syringomyelia.
The most common symtoms of SM are an attempt to scratch at the shoulder or neck but not make contact, especially when on a lead or excited. Sometimes the dog will attempt to walk and scratch at the same time. This behaviour is more frequently than would be natural for a dog with skin or ear infection. The dog may cry out or scream for no apparent reason. They may be more sensitive around the neck, head and forelegs. Some badly effected may have a twisted or tilted head position, show a wobbly rear end gait and others weakness in the forelegs. Though the symptoms may show up at anytime generally they are seen between the ages of 6 months to around 2 1/2 years but some have not shown the first signs of this condition until a much later age
There is only one way at the moment to positively diagnose the condition which is to MRI scan. In Setpember 2012 the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in conjuction with the Kennel Club (KC) introduced a brain scanning scheme open to all dogs including crossbreeds. For more information about this scheme and Syringomyelia visit www.bva.co.uk and follow the link to Canine Health Schemes and for further information about syringomyelia and its management visit www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk and follow the link to syringomyelia.
Dogs Brain
Dogs Skull
Eye Conditions
The Cavalier under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme are certified Affected or unaffected for two particular conditions which are, Hereditary Cataract and Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia(MRD).
Anatomy of a dogs eye
Hereditary Cataracts
Hereditary Cataracts can be seen in dogs as young as 6/9 months of age but may not be apparent until the dog is a lot older. Progression of the cataract will eventually involve the majority of the lens and cause vision impairment. The mode of inheritance is unknown.
Multi-focal Retinal Dysplasia (MRD)
Multi-focal Retinal Dysplasia (MRD) is congenital in origin and is diagnosable by ophthalmoscopic examination of puppies from 5 weeks of age onwards. The development of pigment in the retinal tissues from 8/10 weeks of age can lead to alterations in the appearance of MRD, sometimes making the condition more or less easy to diagnose. The condition can vary greatly with a few folds or rossettes being the commonest finding but on occasion retinal detachments and even haemorrhage may be seen. Lesions are normally found in both eyes. The effects on vision are variable depending upon the extent of abnormality present. A few folds can be counted as a minor defect for a pet owner not wishing to breed, but severe MRD with retinal detachment should be of concern. The conditon is belived to be inherited by recessive mode.
Eye Testing
With eye testing there has been seen over the last 15 to 20 years a significant reduction in MRD and a reduction in the incidence of cataract. So that it seems that breeders testing and taking care in trying to breed out these eye conditions are having a positive effect and should be encouraged by these findings. So to maintain progress in eradicating eye conditions from Cavaliers, regular testing of breeding stock is required. When buying a puppy ensure that both Mum and Dad have been tested in the 12 months before your pup was born and be sure to be allowed to see the certificates. All Poundlane Cavaliers are anually eye tested.
We now in 2012 have a gene test for Dry eye and Poundlane Cavaliers will all be tested. We hope soon that gene tests will follow for cataracts and multi-focal retinal dyspasia
We now in 2012 have a gene test for Dry eye and Poundlane Cavaliers will all be tested. We hope soon that gene tests will follow for cataracts and multi-focal retinal dyspasia
Other Conditons
There are other conditions found in the eyes of Cavaliers and these may be inherited. They are Kerato-conjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), Distichia (a row of extra eyelashes) and Microphalmia (smallness of the eye or eyes). These conditions will be listed on the dogs Eye Examination Certificate.
Dry Eye
Dry eye may be seen occasionally as a congenital condition but more normally develops in adulthood, (can be an immune mediated condition) & occurs with the condition Curly coat. This is a very painful condition but we are lucky that the Animal Health Trust have developed a gene test and all Poundlane Cavaliers are tested.
Microphthalmia(smallness of the eye)
This condition can be seen in isolation or in conjunction with other abnormality such as cataract or persistent pupillary membranes. It is congenital disorder but may be difficult to diagnose until 8 weeks old or more of age, unless the smallness of eye is severe.
Distichia(row of extra eyelashes)
This condition may be seen at a few months old but may not develop fully until 18 to 24 months of age.
Heart Health
Mitral Valve Disease(MVD)
This is a disease of the heart that is common in Cavaliers. In some cases it shortens their lifespan, though many now with more knowledge of this condition are living past the average lifespan despite having symptoms of MVD.
What is Mitral Heart Valve Disease(MVD)? The heart consists of 4 chambers, 2 atria and 2 ventricles, with the atrioventricular valves ensuring the blood flows from the atria to the ventricles when the heart is beating. A defect or weakness in the mitral valve or left atrioventricular valve allows some blood to move back into the left atrium, known as mitral regurgitation. This makes the heart less efficient at pumping blood through the body.
Mitral valve disorder is the most common of the acquired cardiac diseases in older dogs of all breeds, affecting 1/3 of dogs older than 10years.
Symptoms. The first symptom of this disease is development of a heart murmur, normally discovered through a routine examination by a vet when the dog is being vaccinated. However a dog with a heart murmur may live a full life span, depending on the progression of the disease in that particular dog. If the vet hears a murmur while listening to the heart he will then grade the murmur for severity from Grade 1 (mild) to Grade 6 (severe) and depending upon the grade and if the dog is showing any other symptoms will advise at the time if the dog needs treatment then or not until later.
This disease is why all people who wish to have a Cavalier should try to aquire a puppy from a breeder who annually gets their breeding stocks hearts checked, as this problem is only going to improve in the breed if the breeders who are trying to improve it are supported. Always make sure that you see the heart certificate for the parents of your pup and it is up to date, at least within twelve months before your pup was born. All Poundlane Cavaliers are heart checked by a Cardiologist vet before each litter.
What is Mitral Heart Valve Disease(MVD)? The heart consists of 4 chambers, 2 atria and 2 ventricles, with the atrioventricular valves ensuring the blood flows from the atria to the ventricles when the heart is beating. A defect or weakness in the mitral valve or left atrioventricular valve allows some blood to move back into the left atrium, known as mitral regurgitation. This makes the heart less efficient at pumping blood through the body.
Mitral valve disorder is the most common of the acquired cardiac diseases in older dogs of all breeds, affecting 1/3 of dogs older than 10years.
Symptoms. The first symptom of this disease is development of a heart murmur, normally discovered through a routine examination by a vet when the dog is being vaccinated. However a dog with a heart murmur may live a full life span, depending on the progression of the disease in that particular dog. If the vet hears a murmur while listening to the heart he will then grade the murmur for severity from Grade 1 (mild) to Grade 6 (severe) and depending upon the grade and if the dog is showing any other symptoms will advise at the time if the dog needs treatment then or not until later.
This disease is why all people who wish to have a Cavalier should try to aquire a puppy from a breeder who annually gets their breeding stocks hearts checked, as this problem is only going to improve in the breed if the breeders who are trying to improve it are supported. Always make sure that you see the heart certificate for the parents of your pup and it is up to date, at least within twelve months before your pup was born. All Poundlane Cavaliers are heart checked by a Cardiologist vet before each litter.
Cross section of a dogs heart
Episodic Falling Syndrome
Episodic Falling Syndrome or sometimes called Falling Cavaliers and Collapsing Cavalier is a paroxysmal hypertonicity disorder. This condition causes muscle stiffness and collapse and the underlying cause is still not known even though it has been seen in this breed over 40 years. It is frequently misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures. In less severe cases it may be written off as cramp, a spasm or odd quirk. Your vet or breeder may be unaware of this condition because in some parts of the world it has just been recognised.
The Animal Health trust have now developed a gene test to recognise carriers of this syndrome and all Poundlane Cavaliers have been tested.
The Animal Health trust have now developed a gene test to recognise carriers of this syndrome and all Poundlane Cavaliers have been tested.
Hip Dysplasia
The hip as a ball at the top part of the femur which fits into a joint called the hip socket in the pelvis. If the hip socket does not develope properly the ball then does not sit in it properly. Then this will cause stress on the cartilage lining the hip joint. With constant use of this joint the cartilage thins and the joint becomes stiffer which then decreases the joints ability to handle the daily stress of normal movement and weight bearing. In time arthritis will build up in the joint and cause thickening and this will cause a decrease in motion and range of motion along with accompanying pain.
This is a congenital, degenerative condition. It is polygenic disease which means there are several genes involved to cause the condition, also enviromental factors should be taken into account such as growth rate, nutrition, excess weight and too much or too little exercise. Certain breeds especially the larger breeds tend to have a predisposition for this condition and occasionally it has been seen in Cavaliers.
Care again should be taken not to breed from a Cavalier knowingly with this condition.
This is a congenital, degenerative condition. It is polygenic disease which means there are several genes involved to cause the condition, also enviromental factors should be taken into account such as growth rate, nutrition, excess weight and too much or too little exercise. Certain breeds especially the larger breeds tend to have a predisposition for this condition and occasionally it has been seen in Cavaliers.
Care again should be taken not to breed from a Cavalier knowingly with this condition.
Hip joint of dog
Patella Luxation
This condition can be found in a many of the smaller breeds. The patella in the dog is the equivalent to the human knee cap. It is a bony structure that sits in a groove on the femur in front of the stifle and has tendons from the femur and tibia. The tendons are what straighten or extend the leg. As the leg moves the patella moves up and down in the trochlear groove. If the groove is deep enough so the patella fits correctly and all the muscles, tendons and bones are properly aligned then there should be no problem and everything works smoothly.
Patella luxation which is also known as slipped stifle comes about from abnormalities in the bones of the rear legs, such as a shallow trochlear groove. This condition is easily diagnosed by a vet manipulating the joint. Patella luxation is graded into 4 degrees of severity.
Grade 1- the stifle joint is almost normal and luxation is found on examination. Usually there is no signs of abnormality in the way the dog moves.
Grade 2- the patella lies loosely in its normal position but will luxate when the joint is flexed. This will also produce a"bunny hop" gait, this is because the patella moves out of the trochlear groove and the dog hops on their good leg trying to kick the bad leg straight to put the patella back in its fight place.
Grade 3- the patella is dislocated most of the time, but can be manipulated back into place when leg extended.
Grade 4- the patella is dislocated all of the time and will need corrective surgery.
The surgery is normally very successful in correcting this abnormality and most dogs will go on and have a normal lifespan. Care should be taken to not breed from dogs knowingly with this abnormality.
Patella luxation which is also known as slipped stifle comes about from abnormalities in the bones of the rear legs, such as a shallow trochlear groove. This condition is easily diagnosed by a vet manipulating the joint. Patella luxation is graded into 4 degrees of severity.
Grade 1- the stifle joint is almost normal and luxation is found on examination. Usually there is no signs of abnormality in the way the dog moves.
Grade 2- the patella lies loosely in its normal position but will luxate when the joint is flexed. This will also produce a"bunny hop" gait, this is because the patella moves out of the trochlear groove and the dog hops on their good leg trying to kick the bad leg straight to put the patella back in its fight place.
Grade 3- the patella is dislocated most of the time, but can be manipulated back into place when leg extended.
Grade 4- the patella is dislocated all of the time and will need corrective surgery.
The surgery is normally very successful in correcting this abnormality and most dogs will go on and have a normal lifespan. Care should be taken to not breed from dogs knowingly with this abnormality.
Bone alighnment of dogs hind leg
Foot Note
After reading all of the above you may be discouraged from this breed, but you will have a good chance of your pup having none of the above disorders, if you purchase from a reputable breeder that is health checking all their breeding stock and rearing their pups in the correct enviroment with good food, good socialisation, right exercise and lots of love. Please read my page titled"Guide To Buying A Puppy" as this will help you to know were to look for the right breeder and what you should be asking them or contact me for more information on howarthmurch@btinternet.com as at Poundlane we are trying to improve and safe guard this type of dog to be loved and enjoyed into the future.
