What Makes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel So Cute?

The average Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can come across as a bit of a fanatic to the uninitiated. The dogs can quickly become the subject of any worthwhile discussion, with many owners referring to their Cavaliers as their children, and being unable to stop at adopting just one. People who once seemed perfectly normal can become slaves to the fluffy pups, and the reason is simple: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are simply too cute.

While the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has kept some of the sporty nature of their spaniel cousins, their real place is as a loving companion. They can entertain themselves outside by flushing out birds and attempting to retrieve them but their happy place will always be on their backs getting belly rubs or at your feet getting head pats.

Cavaliers Are Different from Any Other Breed

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s affinity for felines is surely one of their cutest and most endearing traits. They have no interest in chasing or running from your other furry friends. Whether your cat likes it or not, if they come in sight of your Cavalier they will be loved, snuggled and licked. Inter species cuddling is not uncommon between these two unlikely allies, and many cats are strangely comfortable with Cavaliers where other dog breeds would be quickly batted away.

Some owners theorise that this friendship has occurred because Cavaliers believe that they, too, are cats. This might also explain why your fully-grown dog is trying to perch on your table, counter or neck right now.

Cavaliers can be wonderful companions who love and play with all of their might, but their energetic nature can make them an aggravating pet for some owners. They’re very playful, and tend to make great family dogs because they’re great with kids. They love dog sports like rally, display team and flyball and are one of the largest “toy breeds”. Many can be just as athletic as true sporting breeds and will love a run on the beach or a good hike.

The Food Love Is Real

The heart-eyes your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gets over a bit of food is probably the cutest thing ever. For just a morsel of green bean, they’ll happily do a few somersaults, shake your hand and play dead. It’s great to have someone in your house who will always be ridiculously grateful for any bit of food you give them, though you will need to train them carefully to avoid non-stop begging.

If you’re ever bored, the hi jinks a Cavalier will get into over half a dog biscuit will keep you entertained for hours.

Cavaliers have become a massively popular breed, and it’s not hard to figure out why. A lap dog with the loyalty and drive of a hunting dog is always a people-pleaser. Calmer Cavaliers have even been successful as therapy dogs – is there anything this dog isn’t good at?

Cute Children + Cute Dog = Cute Overload

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is so named because they descended from King Charles II of England’s favoured toy spaniels, which he had from childhood. The antics of even the fussiest child have never been a problem for these little spaniels who are naturally loving, loyal and patient. Cavaliers won’t make a fuss when their human’s child inevitably dresses them up, holds them wrong or hauls them around – for some reason, they even seem drawn to children.

Whether they’re lying on your child’s lap while they read or watch TV, playing fetch, learning tricks or participating in dog sports, Cavaliers can be great playmates for kids. Small children could injure your Cavalier accidentally because of their small size, however, so supervision is necessary.

Your Dog Wants to Be with You

Where else do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels pick up cute points? Well, the fact that they want to stick to their owners like glue has to count for something. If you go away, your Cavalier will pine for you – they will live and die for their human. If you so much as lock them out of the bathroom, their cries will break your heart. A Cavalier will want to sleep in your bed, watch TV on your lap and somehow fit into the same one-person car seat as you for the duration of any journey.

You couldn’t wish for a more perfect companion – provided you aren’t too worried about personal space.

If you keep your tiny Cavalier happy, they’ll do their very best to break the world record for most waggy tail.

Cute but Smart

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel still has some of the spaniel’s outdoor and hunting smarts, even if their clingy, overenthusiastic nature makes them seem a little less than bright. If a bird has the audacity to fly overhead when your Cavalier is around, their tail will shoot straight out and their nose will begin to point. Like any dog, they love to play, fetch and be active.

Your Cavalier will amaze you with their smarts if you try to hide a treat from them. They’re inquisitive and engaged and ready to take part in any new game or puzzle you throw at them.

For more information about building your relationship with man’s best friend, check out Need2Know’s Essential Guide to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels which walks the owner through ‘essential things to know’ including: microchips; vaccinations; insurance; weight etc.

• Need2Know have books about all 20 of the UK’s most popular dogs, including Pugs, Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels. Becoming a doggy guru has never been easier!