8 Common Complaints About Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

There’s a lot to love about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. These dogs are typically sweet and gentle, with perhaps the most soulful eyes of any breed out there. Cavaliers, as they’re called for short, make loving lap dogs who want nothing more than to snuggle with their owners. The breed gets along with nearly everyone, from children to cats to other dogs. They’re also known for being terrific therapy dogs. But sadly, this lovable breed isn’t completely perfect. They are prone to a number of problems, many of which are health-related. Here are eight common complaints about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

1. Separation Anxiety

Since they’re natural lap dogs, Cavaliers don’t usually love to be left alone at home. They prefer to be with their people. Some dogs may exhibit separation anxiety, which shows up as a range of naughty behavioral problems, such as barking, peeing, and destruction in the house.

2. Couch Potatoes

Cavaliers can be very athletic, excelling at sports like agility, and using their hunting instincts to take off after a scent. But if they aren’t exercised enough, they are willing couch potatoes, happy to lay around all day. This, however, can lead to obesity in the breed.

3. Shedding

Cavaliers have beautiful, silky coats. But they do shed a fair amount for their small size and need regular grooming with trims to avoid mats and tangles.

4. Heart Disease

5. Syringomyelia

This inherited neurological disorder may affect nearly half of all Cavaliers. Symptoms will typically show up when the dog is young, sometimes as young as six months. Symptoms include pain, trouble walking, and sensitivity to touch.

6. Eye Conditions

Cavaliers are known to be prone to a number of eye conditions, including cataracts, keratoconjunctivitis (also known as dry eye), and corneal dystrophy, where deposits of calcium and fats build up under the surface of the dog’s corneas.

7. Hip and Knee Problems

Luxating patellas, or loose kneecaps, are a common issue for this breed, affecting as many as 20 percent of all Cavaliers. These dogs are also prone to hip dysplasia, where the hip doesn’t develop properly during growth. It can lead to pain and early arthritis.

8. Allergies and Skin Conditions

The breed is known to be susceptible to a severe flaking skin condition called ichthyosis. The condition often presents very early, showing up in puppies. While Cavaliers do need regular and possibly additional veterinary care to ensure they are happy and healthy, nonetheless, their sweet temperament and cuddly appearance make them irresistible to own. 

8 Complaints About Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: