The sweet, placid Cavaliers sometimes have a reputation for being dumb, and the stubborn ones for being untrainable, but in general, these dogs are smart and learn quickly.

Because of their small size, though, Cavaliers must be protected from clumsy toddlers who might fall on them or “pet” them with too much force.Ĭavalier temperament ranges from sweet and placid to hard-charging and, yes, stubborn. These dogs generally love kids and do well in families with older children who will throw a ball for them, teach them tricks or just hang out with them. He will sit quietly with older people or young children and then turn into a rowdy playmate with active children or adults. His intuitive nature also makes him a superb therapy dog. He can be a steady and willing competitor in obedience and rally, and excels in agility and flyball. The ideal home is one with a stay-at-home parent, work-at-home spouse or retired couple.Ī Cavalier’s natural animation and cheerfulness stand out in the show ring. He's small, loving, playful and attractive.Ī Cavalier will dog your footsteps throughout the day, from kitchen to bathroom to home office and back again and prefers not to be left alone for hours on end. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel today is a beloved, and increasingly popular, companion dog. The typical Cavalier is always happy, trusting and easygoing, a friend to everyone he meets. True to their heritage as “comforter dogs,” Cavaliers love to be in a lap. This sturdy toy breed is a re-creation of the toy spaniels that populated royal courts and noble homes in Europe from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Real-life celebrities Claire Danes, Teri Hatcher, Mischa Barton, Diane Sawyer, and Jerry O’Connell are Cavalier owners. “Sex and the City’s” Charlotte York had a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Elizabeth Taylor.

King charles cavalier spaniel