Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Feed your Cavalier a high-quality dog food matched to age, whether puppy, adult, or senior. A diet made for small breeds, or one formulated specifically for the breed, is a strong option. Some Cavaliers tend to gain weight, so watch calorie intake and keep an eye on body condition.

Match the food to life stage. Puppies should eat a diet formulated for puppies, which has added nutrients for development; food labeled for all life stages is best reserved for puppies, since it is not usually formulated for older dogs. Dogs older than 1 year should eat an adult diet. Around 7 to 8 years old, ask your vet whether a senior food fits your dog's needs. A low-fat or low-calorie diet can suit adult and senior Cavaliers, since lean body weight helps dogs prone to orthopedic issues.

Feeding frequency also follows age:

• Puppies: three to four times a day, to help prevent low blood sugar
• Adults: twice a day

Exact amounts depend on weight, health, and lifestyle. Ask your veterinarian, follow the package instructions, or contact the food manufacturer to help determine requirements. Give treats in moderation, no more than about 10% of daily calories, and use them as a training aid.

A well-balanced, standards-compliant diet generally supplies the vitamins and minerals a dog needs. Check with your vet if you have concerns about weight, diet, or supplements.

The Cavalier's silky coat asks for little more than regular brushing and the occasional bath. Weekly brushing is typically all it takes to keep the coat shiny and tangle-free, and it doubles as a full-body massage the dog enjoys. Brush more often if mats start to form, and trim the hair between the foot pads regularly. The breed sheds only a little, and grooming sessions are a good chance to check the body for new or unusual bumps.

Bathe your Cavalier once or twice a month to keep the coat healthy and the skin free of irritants. A mild, soap-free, aloe- or oatmeal-based dog shampoo suits their skin and coat.

The breed's long, drop ears are prone to infections, so check them weekly for redness, debris, or odor, and use a mild ear cleaner to keep the canals clean and dry. Ears can also develop hematomas, where tiny blood vessels in the earflap burst and a pocket of blood forms; a vet can address this by treating the underlying ear infection or, in some cases, with a surgical procedure.

Trim nails at least once a month, since overgrown nails can cause pain and trouble walking or running. Small dogs like the Cavalier are especially susceptible to dental issues because of their little mouths and crowded teeth, so regular dental care matters, and this breed may need more frequent professional cleanings starting earlier. Gently wiping around the eyes with a warm washcloth or a vet-recommended tear stain remover can help reduce staining; check the eyes during grooming and contact your vet if you notice any changes.

The Cavalier was bred to be a beloved lap dog, but it descends from sporting dogs and enjoys moderate exercise and outdoor activity. Despite the lap-dog reputation, it still needs regular movement to help maintain a healthy weight and stay mentally engaged. It will happily go for walks, then be just as glad to settle on the sofa once its energy is spent.

A moderate amount of daily exercise is enough: two 20- to 30-minute walks will do. Activities Cavaliers enjoy include long walks, backyard games, and trips to the dog park, ideally kept separate from larger dogs. The breed also takes to dog sports such as agility, tracking, and obedience, and likes tug-of-war toys and running an agility course.

Cavaliers should not be off leash, because they keep their scenting and hunting instincts and may not come when called once they find an interesting trail or a creature to pursue. A fenced yard is recommended. The breed fits just about any home or lifestyle, content in a large house or a small apartment and equally happy being active or lying on the couch all evening.

The Cavalier is sweet, gentle, and affectionate, and very eager to please. Smart and good-natured, the breed trains easily and is relatively easy to teach. Because Cavaliers are often food-motivated, they respond well to reward-based training, and they excel in canine sports including obedience, rally, and agility. Their sweet nature also makes them fine therapy dogs.

As with all breeds, early socialization and puppy training classes help a young Cavalier learn good manners and grow comfortable with a wide range of people and situations. This friendly breed is good with strangers and other animals, and does very well with children, cats, and other dogs.