The Ruby Short Hair Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a unique and adorable breed that's perfect for families and individuals who want a low-maintenance companion.
This breed is characterized by its short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
They are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them an excellent choice for households with children or for people who want a loving companion.
Ruby Short Hair Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are relatively small in size, weighing between 10-18 pounds and standing between 13-15 inches tall.
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Upkeep and Care
The Ruby Short Hair Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a delightful breed that requires moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy. They're perfect for apartment or condo living, as they're quiet and don't need a huge yard.
A daily walk around the neighborhood is all they need to get their daily exercise, and they'll enjoy sniffing out birds and exploring the wilds on a leash. They're not fighters, so they'll do well in dog parks that separate dogs by size.
Their short noses make them prone to heat exhaustion, so it's essential to avoid walking them during the hottest part of the day. They need access to shade and cool, fresh water at all times.
Regular brushing and occasional bathing are all they need to keep their coat looking its best. The coat around their abdomen may get soiled with urine, so it's a good idea to clip or bathe it daily.
Regular health checks are crucial to identify potential issues like syringomyelia, mitral valve heart disease, eye problems, hip dysplasia, and middle ear infections. These checks will ensure your Ruby Short Hair Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lives a long and happy life.
Health and Temperament
The Ruby Short Hair Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beloved breed, known for its gentle and loving nature. They're extremely popular as house dogs, and for good reason - they're cheerful, affectionate, and friendly towards strangers and other animals.
Their moderate energy level makes them a great companion for both children and the elderly, and they're generally easy to train. However, they're not a good watchdog or protection dog, as they're not big barkers.
Some common health issues in the breed include Mitral Valve Disease, Syringomyelia, Episodic Falling, Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, and Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca. It's essential to be aware of these conditions if you're considering bringing a Ruby Short Hair Cavalier King Charles Spaniel into your family.
Here are some of the health issues mentioned, along with a brief description of each:
- Mitral Valve Disease: A common heart condition that can lead to heart failure.
- Syringomyelia (SM): A condition that affects the brain and spine, causing symptoms like sensitivity, pain, and partial paralysis.
- Episodic Falling: A condition that causes dogs to fall or seize, but remain conscious.
- Hip Dysplasia: A deformity of the hip joint that can lead to mobility issues.
- Patellar Luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates, causing pain and discomfort.
- Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye): A condition that causes dryness and irritation in the eyes, leading to blindness if left untreated.
Health
As a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is a common condition in this breed, often developing at an early age, sometimes as young as one or two years old.
Cavaliers are prone to heart disease, which can lead to heart failure if left untreated. Research into the prevention of MVD is ongoing, but it's crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your dog's heart health.
Syringomyelia (SM) is another condition that affects the brain and spine, causing symptoms like sensitivity around the head, neck, or shoulders, or even partial paralysis. If you notice your Cavalier scratching excessively, it's vital to take them to the vet to rule out SM.
Episodic Falling is a condition that can be mistaken for epilepsy, but it's actually caused by the dog's inability to relax its muscles. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may start before 5 months of age.
Hip Dysplasia is a deformity of the hip joint that can be caused by genetics, environment, and diet. While it's not always a significant issue, some Cavaliers may require surgery to lead a normal life.
Here's a list of some common health issues that affect Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
- Syringomyelia (SM)
- Episodic Falling
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or Dry Eye, is an autoimmune reaction that reduces tear production, leading to blindness if left untreated. Fortunately, this condition is easily treated with daily eye drops.
Temperament
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an extremely popular breed due to its sweet, gentle, loving nature.
Many consider it the ideal house dog, and it's easy to see why. It's cheerful, affectionate, and friendly toward strangers and other dogs and animals.
Cavaliers do well living with other dogs or with just one person and make ideal companions for both children and the elderly.
The breed is fairly playful and easy to train but somewhat laid-back; its energy level is moderate.
Not a big barker, the Cavalier is generally not a good watchdog or protection dog.
For more insights, see: Are Maltese Dogs Easy to Train
Physical Characteristics
The Ruby Short Hair Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small but sturdy dog, standing between 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder.
Their weight is proportional to their height, averaging from 12 to 18 pounds. This is a great size for a family pet, as they are compact and easy to manage.
One of the distinctive features of this breed is their flat head, due to the high placement of their ears. This gives them a unique appearance.
Their coat is long and silky, coming in four color variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best haircut for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
For a comfortable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a light trim at the bottom of their coat is recommended, with no need to alter their natural length. This allows them to stay comfortable year-round.
What is the rarest color for cavalier King Charles Spaniels?
The rarest color for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is Black and Tan. This unique color combination is highly sought after by breed enthusiasts.
Can Cavalier King Charles have short hair?
Yes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can have short hair, as their coat grows back normally after clipping, similar to human hair. Clipping and trimming are common grooming practices for this breed.
Sources
- The Cavalier Rescue (thecavalierrescue.org)
- Cavalier Rescue USA (cavalierrescueusa.org)
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Standard (ckcsc.org)
- Dog Breed Info - The Purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dogbreedinfo.com)
- PetMD - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (petmd.com)
- A-Z Animals - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (a-z-animals.com)
- WebMD - What to know about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (webmd.com)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Syringomyelia in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS) dog (nih.gov)
- The Kennel Club - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Animal Corner - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (animalcorner.org)
- Cavaliers (merriam-webster.com)
- Breed Standards : Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (ukcdogs.com)
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