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The representative of the breed of the dog Chevalier Charles Spaniel will be an excellent pet for any person. These dogs do not show aggression at all, and are rather docile animals. The rhythm of life of the gentleman varies depending on the owner, because the pets adapt to his life style.
Residents of England believe that this breed has a positive effect on the human psyche, helps to get rid of stress. Therefore, most often these dogs prefer those whose work is associated with constant moral tension. These pets are not just animals, but real companions from childhood.
The origin of the breed
These rather small dogs have their own history of origin. The first similar representatives of this breed were brought back to the territory of England in the 9th century by people belonging to the Celtic tribe.And the Minnesingers mentioned these little dogs in their musical creativity in the 13th century.
These animals have never been ignored. Because the ladies of the court very much loved to start such pets for themselves. Chevaliers also used during the hunt. But over time, they began to be considered exclusively dogs for decoration, whose task was to decorate the room. But not only by these characteristics they became famous. These wonderful dogs can be found in the paintings of famous artists from different countries at that time.
There are many stories associated with animals of this species, one of which is that during the execution of the Swedish queen her pet of the same breed walked beside her, and sat near her body after death.
The name of this species comes from the king who lived and ruling in the 17th century - Charles the Second. This is rather strange, because he had nothing to do with the breeding of these dogs. But the thing is that under his rule the spaniels had the opportunity to live in the palace of the king.
Also, this type of dog was said to be "created by the king." The first who began to breed these lovely dogs, and has achieved its present type, was the American Roswell Aldridge. Spaniels have been and are quite popular species in the countries of modern Europe, and most of all, in Britain.In Russia, these representatives are not so many.
Life at court
Spaniels performed not only a decorative role, but they were also used to engage in catching small game, which included a duck with a pheasant, as well as a rabbit with a hazel grouse. At that time, the animals of this breed had more dimensions, and their scent, as now, remained sharp.
But hunting skills are not the only merits of Charles Spaniel's gentlemen. These dogs have charming appearance. They are small in themselves, with smooth curves of the body, as well as silky hair and kind eyes. All these features combined to create the image of a cute little dog, with whom it nursed and did not like in his soul. Therefore, this species received a "residence permit" in the luxurious chambers of the ruler.
Close to the king
If you take into account the famous individuals, then among the admirers of gentlemen were Mary Stuart and Queen Elizabeth, also the kings Charles I and II, and even Henry VIII. And, as already known, not in vain they read this type of dogs. One of the representatives of the breed and, at the same time, the favorite, accompanied his mistress, Maria Stewart, to the place of execution. After the death of which, the poor pet died from longing for her two days later.
A similar story happened to Charles I, who was sent to custody. This faithful pet was with the king right up to the execution. And after his death, the rebels took away the spaniel, who showed this dog on the streets, so that they would not forget about the reason for which their former king was punished.
A gift for a collector
About these dogs there are not only stories and memories in the form of great paintings. In the 17th century, Queen Victoria ordered clay figures from famous masters from famous masters. These figurines were no less than a thousand. And still collectors hunt for these clay spaniels.
Breed founder
The father of this type of dog, which was named in his honor, was Charles II, but his name was Charles. During his reign, this breed gained the most popularity. There are legends that these dogs accompanied him everywhere. He spent a lot of time with them, played, and in communication with these cute animals completely forgot about the affairs of the state. Therefore, these animals lived on the rights of full members of his family in the palace. But at this their advantages did not end, because the gentlemen had the opportunity to attend the services in the church, public holidays and other events.
It was also rumored that the king was bored with all the formalities and conditions, and therefore he took up the issuance of a decree that would allow the spaniels to dwell absolutely everywhere, even including the Parliament itself. It is not known whether this is rumored or not, but it is believed that this law is still in effect.Charles’s strong love for these dogs can be traced to the fact that he allowed the dog to give birth to puppies right on his bed.
By the will of fashion
Some time later, in the middle of the 18th century, completely different hunting dogs became popular, which diverted attention from the gentlemen. But all these animals also pleased the ladies and the whole court family.
But the fashion of those times has made its own adjustments even in the characteristics of this breed of animals. And from the dog of those times only character and silky hair remained. Already at the end of the 18th century, spaniels became more refined and decreased in size, which made them completely unable to be hunters. The head began to resemble the shape of a dome, and the muzzle of the animal became shorter. The eyes are wider than they were before.
Over time, the former hunters became smaller, and as early as the beginning of the 20th century, there was no trace left of the cavalier hunters. But in every fashionable institution of that time one could meet a small spaniel who flaunted on a pillow of fur.
Chasing the legend
New representatives began to be called not the Chevalier King Charles Spaniel, but the Toy Spaniel. But King Edward VIII was opposed to this type of dog being renamed, because it was rather humiliating in relation to pets.
In the event of the First World War, the American breeder, who was mentioned above, visited an exhibition of paintings, which depicted these dogs. And after that, he was looking for cute dogs, which he saw in the works of medieval authors. He even offered a reward to someone who would show him a dog similar to the one that lived at the court of the kings, so much they hooked him.
But, unfortunately, by that time there were no representatives left at all. But the man did not give up and sought out one of the breeders who had been breeding dogs very similar to spaniels. These animals became the main contenders for breeding.
Old New Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
In collaboration with this woman, Rosel Eldridge did the impossible. And after only a couple of years a new spaniel was born, very similar to the one that was known before. He was a little heavier than the Spaniel, which gave him the opportunity to renew his hunting instincts.
In 1928, the basic standards were defined, which must be met by representatives of the Spaniel breed. For a long time these animals participated in exhibitions with compact dogs of breed King Charles Spaniels. But after a while, these dogs were given a new name, adding the prefix Cavalier.Despite some differences, these two breeds are also confused. And the cavalier king charles spaniels were recognized by the association of dog experts at the international level.
Standards and appearance
- The height of this dog does not exceed 30-33-ex cm. And its average weight does not exceed 5-8 kg.
- The body is slightly elongated, the head is dome-shaped, and the eyes on it are set rather wide, and the long ears are set high.
- The muzzle seems to be slightly flattened.
- The coat is smooth and silky.
- The ears and tail are covered with a longer coat than the body.
- With regards to color, tricolors are allowed, ruby and black and tan with blenheim.
Dog character
These representatives are very friendly, quite sociable and love all family members. They prefer to be the center of attention. Unfortunately, they are not a watchman, because they are not at all aggressive, and they even see friends in strangers.
Most of all they love their masters and communication with them. And without proper attention spaniels become depressive. Also dogs love to play with children, travel with family. If he speaks of other pets in the family, then they get along with them easily.
The dog is very easy to maintain, and he easily adapts to the lifestyle and temperament of the owner, which makes it possible to conclude that this dog can be turned on by absolutely everyone.
Ill treatment of this animal can infuriate even such a good-natured animal. So it is worth remembering that you need to give the Spaniel only love and affection.
If there is such a need, gentlemen are amenable to training.
Care and maintenance
These animals are easy to keep, and this applies to all its aspects. Such a small dog should live in the house, and it can be fed both with food and ready-made food. With regards to food, spaniels are not picky.
Cavaliers are not very active, so simple walks will be enough for them.
Grooming is an important step. Do not forget that they need to cut the hair between the fingers, as well as between the pads. You need to comb the animal once a day.
Ears need to be cleaned of sulfur and debris. Due to poor ventilation under them, these dogs are prone to otitis.
Health
The life span of gentlemen reaches 10-12 years on average.These animals are prone to genetic diseases like hydrocephalus with epilepsy, Legg-Perthes disease with heart valve disease.
They also suffer from acquired diseases. Spaniels can easily dislocate knee cups when jumping from a height. They are also overtaken by a variety of eye diseases.
Due to the flattening of the face, dogs can have difficulty breathing, and even snoring.
And so, if you take in general, health and gentlemen is excellent. The main thing only when buying a puppy to make sure there are no genetic ailments. To do this, it is necessary to study his medical record, pedigree, and, most importantly, to meet his parents.
In order to avoid health problems, periodically it is necessary to carry the animal to the vet. This prevention will help to detect the disease in the first stage, if there is one.
Cost of a puppy Chevalier King Charles Spaniel
The purpose of the dog significantly affects its value. Therefore, the price can vary greatly. If a potential owner chooses a spaniel simply as a friend of the family, and is not going to take part in exhibitions, then its price starts from $ 800.
A cavalier who claims to be the champion may cost 1500 USD It would be better if you buy a puppy in the nursery, and not from a private person. The reason for this is quite simple. In the kennel, the price for a puppy, although significantly higher, but there is a guarantee that the animal belongs to this breed, it has a pedigree and all vaccinations are made.
Video: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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