Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Temperament, Characteristics and Traits

Are you interested in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to find out if it might be the right dog to enrich your life? Then you are at the right place! In this article, I will go over the character, traits and temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and try to help you with your consideration.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a medium temperament and a very loving character. They are liked by all people and animals, because they are very friendly to everyone and they bring a lot of other qualities. Because they want to please you, they are very easy to train.

What were Cavalier King Charles Spaniels bred for?

The history goes back to the 17th century. In paintings, these dogs were recorded with the children of King Charles I and II. However, at that time they still bore the name “King Charles Spaniel” and looked somewhat different. They had slightly larger heads and longer noses.

On the subject of health, you are welcome to read more in my article, “Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Healthy Dogs”:

They were bred in Britain to amuse the boring palace and court life for the children and ladies, So it was played or cuddled with the King Charles Spaniels all day.

To belittle the breed even more, short-nosed, small-headed breeds were crossed with it. It was not until 1920 that a re-breeding campaign was started, which led to the breed getting its present name in 1945 and being officially recognized by the Kennel Club as the “Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.”

Character and nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

In the following, I will go into more detail about the character and temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very peaceful and friendly.

The nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is insanely peaceful. They are incredibly affectionate, pleased and obedient dogs. Since they were bred purely for amusement and as bedwarmers for aristocratic lords, Cavaliers have no hunting instincts.

They are probably the most peaceful dog breed worldwide and therefore do not tend towards aggression or nervousness.

In addition, they are very compatible with conspecifics, but Cavaliers also get along exceptionally well with other pets.

They avoid quarrels on the dog run, let alone they would start a fight themselves.

Even towards strangers, they are very friendly but not pushy. Whether older people or children, as long as they are loved and cuddled with a lot, they will adapt to anyone’s situation in life.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are calm and cuddly dogs.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not barkers, so they are also suitable as apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise.

They don’t need a lot of space, on the one hand, because they are not that big and on the other hand because they prefer to lie close to you anyway.

But he should still have his basket, which he uses in certain situations. However, the Cavalier is in no way suitable as a guard dog! He will neither announce visitors to you nor keep away any burglars, let alone strike at unusual noises.

Lively and active

These charming little Cavaliers love to cuddle with their humans, but they love to be out and about just as much.

You can take them for a run, but they are also happy to go for long walks, but they would never demand it. They are insanely frugal dogs when they get the correct dose of everything.

Education/Training

Since Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are smart and want to please you, they are easy to train and are suitable for beginners as well. They are very intelligent, which makes it easy for you. Nevertheless, they do not educate themselves.

With some knowledge about dog training, an online dog training* or a dog school, you will raise your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to be a great companion that will enrich your life.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate.

Cuddling is essential for Cavaliers, so they are very affectionate, which may have the disadvantage that they follow you everywhere you go.

So it would be best if you taught the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from the beginning to stay in his place when you take care of the household.

Maybe you ask yourself if the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be left alone?! No, they don’t like to be alone.

But if you train this with them right at the beginning, you can leave him at home for 2 to 4 hours sometimes. Maybe you can watch him through a dog cam to ensure it doesn’t stress him out too much.

Children’s household or retired household?

Whether it’s a house full of children, where things can get very wild, or an apartment with a quiet retired couple, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel doesn’t care.

If you or your children treat him respectfully and he is loved, he will feel comfortable everywhere. Provided he gets the necessary exercise, is sufficiently cuddled and gets his portion of attention.

Conclusion: Character and temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great dogs. Their character can be described as calm, happy and cuddly. No matter if it is a family with children or a senior household, they feel comfortable everywhere.

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