What to feed the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: the diet of a home “hunter”

• Breed name: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Country of Origin: UK
• Time of birth of the breed: in the 17th century
• Weight: males and females (minimum 5.5 kg)
• Height (height at withers): males and females (maximum 32 cm)
• Lifespan: 11 to 12 years

Author of the article
Tatyana Anisimova

Breeder of purebred dogs with 12 years of experience.

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Rating of the 10 best dry food for King Charles Spaniel

Feeding

More often, allergies are detected to chicken, so you can change the food containing lamb or veal.
The meat component is only with low-fat varieties due to the fact that dogs are prone to obesity. Wheat can cause allergies in your pet. It is better to select calorie intake based on the lifestyle of the King Charles Spaniel.

During the period of active growth, your pet's eyes may become very watery and red. It may be possible to initially choose hypoallergenic food to avoid diseases.

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The presence of artificial dyes and flavors in the diet is unacceptable; their presence can even turn the undercoat pink over time.

Appearance, breed standards

In a European way, the discreetly charming “cavalryman” looks like a plush toy in childhood. His photogenic personality will be the envy of any Instagrammer, and in terms of intelligence, the dog is not inferior to a German shepherd. Main parameters:

• males - height 30-34 cm, weight 6-8 kg;
• females - height 25-31 cm, weight 5.4-6 kg.

Important! Experts do not evaluate the size of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but rather its proportional build.

Breed standard:

Head

• Flat skull between the ears, shallow stop, wedge-shaped (not pointed!) muzzle approximately 3.8 cm long;
• high-set, long ears with abundant hair;
• well-spaced, large, round eyes (without protrusion), dark irises;
• strong jaws with a perfect scissor bite;
• large dark nose (no light markings).

Torso

• Medium length neck with a beautiful curve;
• flat back, chest of moderate depth, short loin;
• The fluffy tail, when excited, rises slightly above the level of the back, the length is balanced with the body, docking by 1/3 is acceptable (rarely practiced).

Limbs

• Straight legs, moderately developed bone structure;
• “cow” and saber stance of the hock joints is unacceptable;
• small paws, with soft pads and rich feathers.

Wool

• Long, silky, straight (slightly wavy, incomplete curl is acceptable) coat, longer under the neck, on the ears, tail, belly and paws;
• color: black and tan, white and chestnut Blenheim (the spots are clearly defined), ruby ​​(rich red), tricolor (on a black and white background there are red tan markings on the eyebrows, ears, under the tail, on the inside of the legs and ears).

Important! According to the FCI standard, it is unacceptable for a solid color to be diluted by white spots, and for colored dogs to have speckling.

1st Choice Breeders for miniature breeds with chicken (20kg)

The best option among super-premium feeds. It consists of high-quality meat, vegetables, and does not contain unnecessary third-rate components and by-products. The composition does not contain taste or smell enhancers or other artificial additives.

The price per kilogram (366 rubles/kg) is budget-friendly for a product of this quality. Product, there is a huge range of food for small breeds with other tastes, hypoallergenic types that are suitable for animals with a tendency to allergies.

pros

• There is no unpleasant smell, the animal’s mouth does not smell after eating;
• The condition of the coat improves;
• Does not cause digestive upset, suitable for animals with a weak gastrointestinal tract;
• Each product in the line is balanced according to the age of the animal for which it is intended (this product for adult miniature dogs contains the required 22% protein);
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

• It has the form of granules, which are much more difficult to digest when not chewed;
• Difficult to find in pet stores.

Description

The now popular image of representatives of the royal breed was created as a result of breeding experiments by Roswell Eldridge (USA) and his English associates in 1926. He restored the original distinctive external characteristics of the cavalier.

A more refined and graceful female, which weighs no more than 5.5 kg, is much lighter than a male with a weight reaching 8 kilograms. Height varies from 30.5 to 33 cm.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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It should be noted that size does not influence the implementation of exhibition examination. The main role is played by harmony and compliance with the description of the breed.

ProNature Holistic (for miniature breeds) (0.34 kg)

The best option from holisticists. The composition contains minerals, animal proteins, trace elements, vitamins. Consists of meat, fish, egg products, berries, fruits, vegetables, does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or other grains.

There are no chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers. Veterinarians consider the products of this brand to be among the best for the constant feeding of miniature breed dogs.

pros

• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time, eating a small portion;
• The appearance of the coat improves with constant holistic nutrition;
• No problems with the gastrointestinal tract, well absorbed by the animal’s body;
• Suitable for dogs with intolerance to certain foods;
• After eating, the animal's mouth does not smell;
• The small package has a convenient clasp, the food does not run out.
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

• Not found in all pet stores.

Character

The King Spaniel is valued not only for its excellent appearance, but also for its amiable, balanced disposition. This pet, with its natural nobility, quickly becomes a devoted friend.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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A mini spaniel can become very sad and refuse to eat if left alone for a long time.

His peaceful character and amazing calm without sudden manifestations of aggression are noted. He willingly plays with children and is friendly to all household members. During walks he is active, runs after objects thrown by his owner, enjoying intense movement.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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If there is danger for the owner, the miniature pet will most likely not play the role of a brave bodyguard. He is constantly peaceful and incapable of malicious attacks.

These dogs of “blue blood” are not fans of noisy fights and do not like fuss. For all their mobility, they do not tend to get into fights with surrounding animals. They do not create problems at home and get along well with other pets.

Orijen Original (6 kg)

Super premium product, suitable for all breeds, including small ones. Includes high-quality fish and meat, the content of which reaches a record 80% among other dry food, healthy herbs (dandelion, mint, turmeric).

All these ingredients help strengthen canine immunity. Does not contain third-rate by-products, chemical preservatives, flavor enhancers, aroma, vegetable proteins, gluten, or cereals. Orijen is suitable for active miniature dogs.

pros

• Record high animal protein content;
• Does not cause allergies;
• The composition contains several types of fish.

Minuses

• There is no fastener on the packaging so that the food does not dry out; it will have to be poured into a closed container;
• Strong odor and noticeable but short-lived odor from the animal's mouth;
• Rarely, problems with the gastrointestinal tract are possible.

List of suitable nicknames

To name a good-natured puppy that appears in the house, but with natural hunting inclinations, you need to look through different options. The royal status of the pet is also taken into account.

When looking for a name for a dog, they often turn to the English sound, keeping in mind the origin of the breed: Albion, Byron, King, Sherlock. Appearance may play a role, giving the following nicknames: Orange, Sunset, Mango, Ruby. Often the source of inspiration is the names of heroes of various works: Ivanhoe, Barrymore, Hamlet, Gray, Greene, Duncan, Zorro.

Females are also called based on their appearance, character and origin: Amalia, Arabella, Bastinda, Becky, Gloxinia, Gloria, Daisy, Dolly, Camellia, Camilla, Coney, Lizzie, Magnolia, Misty, Nancy, Stephanie, Alice, Ellie,

Go! Natural Holistic (holistic menu) Go & NOW Natural (690 g)

Suitable for all dog breeds, especially miniature ones. It contains only natural ingredients, calf meat, turkey, lamb, duck, fruits, berries, vegetables.

The product is perfectly balanced, the necessary animal proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, microelements, acids are present, there are no harmful soybeans, preservatives, odor and taste enhancers, or low-quality by-products. All components retain their properties thanks to gentle processing.

pros

• Convenient sealed packaging with a zipper: the food does not expire and does not lose its properties;
• The amount of excrement is significantly reduced, and its smell becomes less pronounced;
• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time;
• The coat becomes more shiny and smooth in appearance with prolonged constant feeding;
• Does not cause allergies or dental problems;
• The condition of the skin and eyes improves noticeably over time;
• Can be found in every pet store;
• Does not have a pronounced odor.

Minuses

• Large granules that are difficult to digest if the dog does not chew them;
• Possible odor from the animal's mouth;
• Occasionally, problems with the gastrointestinal tract occur.

Content Features

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not designed to live in a yard or kennel. Remember, dogs of this breed require close contact with people. In addition, they do not tolerate cold well. In this regard, we recommend that you look at the clothing section for dogs in the ZooPassage online store and buy your pet a fashionable wardrobe for all occasions and weather conditions.

Up to 4 months you will have to walk your gentleman as often as possible so that the pet learns to pee and poop outside. However, at home you still need to designate a corner for a diaper. Even from the loud cry of a child, a little king can wet itself. An adult dog is walked twice a day: in the morning for 15-20 minutes. to relieve themselves (it is recommended to walk longer in the morning for hyperactive people), in the evening - about 40-60 minutes.

Caring for royal pets is quite simple:

• Brush your pet once a week, and daily during shedding. Cavaliers are not cut or trimmed! Even at exhibitions, natural negligence is highly valued.
• The “cavalrymen” are washed when they become dirty or once a month.
• Clean your ears (often dirty) and eyes regularly.
• If your pet doesn’t walk on asphalt a lot, adjust the length of its claws using a nail clipper.
• Brush your teeth regularly.

List of accessories necessary for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: a pet-sized bed (in a large bed the dog will toss and turn), a paw washer, a collar or harness, a leash (we do not recommend a tape measure), pet shampoo and conditioner, a hair brush, a nail clipper, diapers, toothbrush and pet supplies, carrier or travel cage

Ontario Mini Weight Control with Turkey and Potatoes (2.25 kg)

Czech super-premium product. Recommended by veterinarians due to its perfectly balanced composition. Does not contain cereals or grains. The composition includes high-quality fish, meat products, vegetables (for example, tomatoes).

There are no low-quality ingredients, chemical preservatives, or meat and bone meal. Suitable for dogs with excess weight problems.

pros

• High content of lycopenes;
• Suitable for dogs with poor health, problems with joints and immunity;
• Does not cause a bad odor from the animal's mouth;
• All useful microelements in the form of chelates are absorbed by the dog’s body 100%;
• Small granules that are easy to digest;
• Distributed in pet stores;
• Hermetically sealed packaging.

Minuses

• Pronounced smell.

Advantages and disadvantages

Analysis of the strengths and weaknesses will allow you to evaluate the advantages of the breed.

Advantages:

• high intelligence;
• devotion;
• friendliness;
• good learning ability;
• gracefulness and decorativeness.

Comparing the pros and cons, you can see that this breed has practically no disadvantages. Only high prices for puppies can scare away potential owners.

NOW FRESH salmon, duck, turkey (2.72 kg)

Canadian quality holistic. Products of this brand do not include grain crops, by-products, chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers.

High-quality meat, vegetables, and cereals maintain the required level of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the animal’s body.

pros

• Unfastened packaging;
• Large granules may be difficult to digest if not chewed.

Minuses

• Pronounced smell.

Acana Heritage (6 kg) (for small breeds)

This Canadian product is a good choice for a miniature breed dog. It is suitable for both active animals and completely lazy ones. The food is holistic, that is, it contains only natural ingredients.

There are no cheap low-quality components in the products of this brand; feed wheat and bone meal are completely absent. Contains only meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and high quality dairy products.

pros

• High concentration of animal proteins;
• Fresh ingredients;
• There are no carbohydrates (the dog’s body does not need them);
• A variety of fruits, vegetables, tonic herbs in the composition, which strengthen the heart and improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Reduces insulin levels, strengthens the liver;
• High quality packaging.

Minuses

• May cause allergies;
• Noticeable fishy smell;
• High fat content.

Price

When planning a purchase, you should immediately think about the main purpose of having a dog in the house. This will allow you not to be disappointed in the future and get maximum pleasure from communicating with this faithful and intelligent individual.

The average cost of a puppy, which, due to its capabilities, will not be able to qualify for championship titles, but will become a beloved pet, is 45 thousand rubles.

If active exhibition activity is predicted, then options with a certain pedigree and the makings of future winners of different levels of competition will be offered. In this case, the puppy costs 85,000 rubles. and more.

Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15 kg)

German quality holistic specialist. The products of this brand include only those components that are easily absorbed by the dog’s body, without causing any digestive problems.

https://dog-care.ru/zdorove/pitanie/luchshih-suhih-kormov-dlya-king-charlz-spanielya.html

No wheat, oats, corn, starch or gluten. Meat makes up more than half of the food - cod, mackerel, haddock, pheasant, rabbit, trout, salmon, lamb.

pros

• Excellent balance of vitamins, minerals, healthy supplements;
• Complete absence of chemical ingredients (flavor and aroma enhancers and dyes);
• Moderate size granules;
• No noticeable odor;
• Elegant, high quality packaging;
• The company has an official website with a detailed description of the product and instructions;
• The condition of the coat improves.

Minuses

• Rarely available in pet stores;
• In isolated cases may cause constipation

Grandorf (3 kg) Lamb with rice Mini

Suitable for a small breed dog. Veterinarians often mention this brand as the most suitable for dogs prone to allergies. The composition is completely free of chicken and grains.

In addition to meat, it contains components such as vegetables and grains. It is better to take this food for an active dog. If she is lazy, then Grandorf will make her overweight.

pros

• High meat content - >60%;
• High calorie content, the dog will be full for a long time;
• No chemical flavors or additives;
• Improves the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, restores intestinal microflora (and is even indicated for those dogs who have digestive problems);
• Improves the condition of the coat.

Minuses

• High in fat, a lazy dog ​​will quickly gain weight.

Royal Canin for healthy skin and coat 2 kg (for small breeds)

Famous French super-premium food. It is of good quality, but lower than that of competitors (discussed in paragraphs 1-9).

Royal Canin Mini contains grains and vegetable proteins.

pros

• Does not cause allergies;
• Nutritious, but does not cause excess weight in the animal (the energy intensity of the diet and the protein content in the product are precisely calculated);
• Available at many pet stores;
• High-quality packaging;
• Moderate size granules;
• Restoring the condition of the coat;
• Contains sodium polyphosphate, which prevents the formation of plaque;
• The composition includes many useful microelements;
• Improved digestion.

Minuses

• With constant feeding of this food, it is impossible to do without additional supplements with vitamins and microelements;
• Inconvenient packaging without fastener;
• Contains poorly digestible grains and artificial additives (preservatives, dyes.);

Among these foods, the best choices for a miniature animal would be 1st Choice Breeders Miniature Breed with Chicken (20kg) and Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15kg).

The first is the highest quality, and at the same time inexpensive, super-premium food.

The second is a natural holistic company, and the company has a detailed official website with all the information on the food and instructions.

Both products have a minimum of disadvantages, which are offset by advantages from the balance of nutrients, vitamins, microelements and the absence of harmful preservatives to convenient packaging.

Price and where to buy a puppy

Since the end of the last century, interest in representatives of the breed has increased in Russia. Naturally, purchasing a purebred puppy is only possible in a well-known nursery that values ​​its reputation. In addition, breeders always stay in touch with the new owner of the puppy and will always come to the rescue and advise on issues of maintenance, illness and training.

If you try to save money and look for a representative of the gentlemen in the newspaper or on the Internet, you can buy a mixed breed or even just a similar representative of the mongrel. No one guarantees the health of the pet in this case.

The cost of puppies is quite high and varies from 70 to 100 thousand rubles. Such an expensive price is due to the fact that for this money you will receive a breed or show-class puppy with all the accompanying documents. For this price, your pet will have titled parents and the prospect of a successful exhibition career. In addition, the breeder will do tests for the presence of major pathologies.

Photo: wikimedia.org

Feeding tips for miniature dogs

To maintain the health of a small dog, it is important to consider recommendations and advice on feeding and managing the animal’s diet:

1. It is advisable for miniature breeds to eat dry food daily. This is due to the fact that they often experience oral diseases: inflammation of the gums, unpleasant odor from the mouth, loose teeth, and excessive deposits of tartar. Diseases develop faster than in large individuals. Preference is given to holistic feeds; they do not contain dyes, preservatives, or by-products. Dry food reduces the risk of these diseases, but is not a panacea.
2. The diet should include wet food. Miniature dogs are prone to diseases of the urinary system; due to their size, the kidneys produce a small amount of urine, which contains a concentration of harmful inorganic substances. Wet food helps saturate the body with additional fluid and prevents the appearance of formations in the urinary system. It is not advisable to mix dry and wet food; it is better to offer them to the animal at different times.
3. Do not choose your own nutritional supplements for the animal and do not give food from your table. The advantage of ready-made dry food is its balance. The substances your dog needs are available in the right quantities. Homemade table food contains a lot of salt, fat, spices, and other substances harmful to the animal. A dog whose diet is based on dry food does not need additional biological additives. An excess of vitamins is more harmful than their deficiency.
4. Do not overfeed. Small individuals have a tendency to become obese. If you do not control the number of servings in the bowl, then over time the animal may become overweight. On packages of ready-made dry food there is a table on portion sizes and feeding frequency. Compliance with these standards will protect your dog from weight problems.

Character and parenting tips

The English “cavalryman” does not know what sadness and despondency are. He will rejoice at every spring flower, in the summer he will gladly accompany you to the beach, become a bright “beam of sunshine” on a gloomy autumn day and help you out on New Year’s Eve. Kingushenok is a real living antidepressant that will relieve even the most melancholic from the blues.

From a hunter, the royal favorite turned into a companion dog to the core, which simply needs communication with a person. His desire to always be in the center of events and accompany his owner everywhere sometimes seems obsessive. However, just look at those smart eyes. The dog is not just present nearby, he tries to understand everything that is happening. Sometimes it seems that the tailed baby understands more than some of our relatives. Such a desire for knowledge is worthy of praise, not dismissal.

Important! If the Cavalier King lives in a large family, then his boundless sociability will be distributed to all household members. Tired dad relaxing on the sofa? The dog will not bother you and will go to play with the child.

Kingushenok is as tolerant of children as Mother Teresa, unless, of course, they twist his tail into their own hands. Don't let the "cavalryman" jump on people, otherwise he may knock over the little one who is just learning to walk. Teach kindergarten-aged children to be careful with their toy dogs. Excessively active games can lead to injuries to the puppy.

The “cavalry” puppy, like all dog children, loves to play and chew on everything that is not lying well. But he is not as hyperactive as the Jack Russell, and not as flighty as the champion circle runner Beagle. A couple of wires, a pair of slippers and, in extreme cases, one nibbled joint is all that a king spaniel is capable of. Buy toys for your pet and avoid even these losses. Our online store “ZooPassage” has everything to distract your gentleman’s attention for a long time: soft bears, balls, puzzle toys and cotton ropes. All products are made from safe materials and will withstand more than one “attack” of dog teeth.

Unlike many hunting and decorative dogs, the Cavalier does not like to talk idle. Your neighbors will be happy about this. They can even come to visit you quite calmly, without fear of bites and angry growls. The “cavalryman” is not capable of this, although he may bark once (not at all out of anger) and at first will watch the stranger warily. The dog's friendliness puts an end to his career as a security guard. As soon as the attacker pets him or plays with him for a minute, the baby will allow him to take anything out of the house.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does not strive to become the leader of the pack. Thanks to this, he easily finds a common language with other pets: dogs and even cats. But on the street, a respectable dog, not in the mood for communication, can grab a playful bully dog ​​by the scruff of the neck. Such situations can be avoided if you teach your pet to control its excitability, teach it skills to communicate with dogs, and end the game at your request.

Important! The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is only a threat to birds. Still, he has the hunter genes in him. Dispersing a flock of pigeons or chasing a sparrow is a sweet thing.

The smart king easily learns different commands. If classes are held in the format of a game and are rewarded with treats, the little king will become an “excellent student in the class.” He will perform any trick, and will learn the usual set of commands (“Sit”, “Come to me”, etc.) in one or two minutes. If you don't train, your pet will never reveal all its talents. To prevent your life from turning into a series of disappointments, spend a little time every day exercising your pet, and you will have the most obedient dog genius in the world.

Important! Cavaliers are not known for their stubbornness. If your pet refuses to follow your commands, most likely he is bored or simply tired from long exercises.

What vitamins are needed when feeding small breed dogs

If the dog’s diet consists of natural food, ready-made vitamin complexes will serve as an additional source of vitamins and minerals. There are many types of multivitamins and specialty vitamins on the pet market designed for small dog breeds.

The vitamin multicomplex solves the problem of vitamin deficiency in the body of an adult animal.

For example, Farmavit Active, Wolmar Winsome Pro Bio Booster Ca Mini or Galakan Champion. These nutritional supplements are developed for small breed dogs, are hypoallergenic, and do not cause side effects.

Varieties

There is a conditional division of the breed. The criterion is the predominant coat color:

How to properly feed small breed dog puppies

When a puppy is just born, its digestive system is on its way to development; a diet of the right foods is the key to health for years to come. Newborn puppies can be supplemented with milk or a specialized formula. At the age of about 1-3 months, you need to feed puppies with natural food: lean meat, eggs, fish, porridge, fermented milk.

Protein should make up at least 70% of the diet. We add healthy fats and boiled vegetables to the rest of the diet. This menu may seem boring to humans, but puppies do not need a variety of foods.

Their gastrointestinal tract is just learning how to digest food, and preference is given to simple and healthy foods. The diet should not contain fatty, fried, sweet foods; they are prohibited for puppies and cause serious health and digestive problems.

Nutrition

Organizing a diet based on professional feed is considered the most convenient. They contain all the elements and vitamins necessary for life.

Varieties are selected based on the age and health status of the pet. It is recommended to give preference to the premium class. For puppies, the daily intake is divided into five servings. Adults are fed in the morning and evening.

If the dog was initially accustomed to a natural diet, only products that are healthy for its body should be used. The basis is lean meat. Veal is given raw, but turkey or lamb should be boiled, like offal.

The menu includes buckwheat or rice porridge, low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, and vegetables. Vitamin and mineral supplements prescribed by a veterinarian help balance the diet. Two eggs are fed for a week. Bones, sweets, smoked meats, and baked goods are prohibited.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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The weight of a newborn spaniel is only 350-500 grams.

With properly organized nutrition, it grows quickly:

If your miniature dog has digestive problems due to food

A common reason for visiting a veterinarian is gastrointestinal problems. Not a single animal is safe from them.

The reasons for their appearance are usually similar: either a specific brand of ready-made dry or wet food is not suitable for the animal, or the owner decides to save money and buys cheap brands of food that have an unbalanced and even harmful composition.

The most common digestive disorders are:

• Diarrhea, constipation
• Allergies that cause a skin reaction
• Intolerance to components included in the finished feed
• Uncontrollable vomiting
• Poisoning

For each of these symptoms, the dog should be shown to a veterinarian to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Self-medication or self-diagnosis is fraught with the emergence of new diseases. If you do not review your dog’s diet, then over time, minor problems with the gastrointestinal tract will lead to the development of chronic diseases of the internal organs.

The damage will mainly be caused to the stomach and liver, and various parts of the intestines.

To solve the problem, it is enough to change the brand of food, choosing a diet without harmful and poorly digestible components. A competent veterinarian can advise which food is best to introduce, based on the health of a particular dog. Change the food gradually; too sudden a change will cause severe digestive upset. The replacement should be made within a week, mixing the new type of food with the old one.

Health and illness

Having good immunity, royal spaniels, if the principles of care and nutrition are followed, are rarely subject to pathological disorders. Purchasing puppies from reliable breeders who have provided all the necessary vaccinations also plays a role.

However, it should be borne in mind that there is a risk of developing some characteristic genetic diseases:

Diet for a pregnant miniature dog

Pregnancy of a pet is an important moment; it is necessary to organize the correct diet for the animal. It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in diet; pregnancy is stressful for the pet and changing the diet can aggravate the pet’s condition. The main part of the menu should be animal proteins. An overweight towards fast carbohydrates and fats can cause excess weight.

It is better to choose premium dog food intended for pregnant females; they have a good composition and contain a balanced set of vitamins and minerals necessary for a pregnant animal. It is important to monitor the portions you consume. Excessive feeding can lead to excess weight gain; there is no need to feed your pet for two or three. Additional weight can weaken the dog’s labor and add increased stress to the internal organs.

In the first half of pregnancy, the animal is fed according to the usual schedule, maintaining the portion size that was before pregnancy. To avoid weight gain, small pets need to remain active, but remember - you should not overwork the animal during pregnancy. If it was decided to switch the animal to another food, then the best time for this is the first half of pregnancy. The transition is carried out smoothly, on average about 8-10 days. If the new food is not suitable for a particular pet, the return to the previous one should be gradual.

In the second half of pregnancy, active growth of puppies in the womb begins; if before this excess nutrition was spent on the pet’s excess weight, now all the excess will go to feed the fetuses. The animal’s body gives all its resources to its offspring. It is important to gradually increase the pet's diet; by the end of pregnancy, the bitch should receive about 30% more food than usual.

There are periods when the female’s appetite decreases or disappears. There is no need to force feed; when the dog feels better, it will begin to eat properly again. During this period, it is better to offer food often and in small portions. During pregnancy, the uterus puts a lot of pressure on the internal organs, and large portions of food will worsen the condition, and a lack of food will provoke the birth of weakened offspring.

Origin story

The most distant ancestors of the “cavalrymen” (“cavalier” translated from English means cavalier, cavalryman, horseman, knight) are considered to be Tibetan spaniels, who lived from time immemorial in Buddhist monasteries. Officially, the origin of the breed dates back to the 15th century. However, one fact suggests that the ancestors of four-legged “knights” lived before our era. During the time of the Macedonian king Philip II (father of Alexander the Great), who lived in the 4th century. BC e., they minted a coin with the image of a long-eared dog. There is no direct evidence that it was a spaniel. However, this cannot be categorically denied. The warlike king went to the Persian lands. As a trophy, his warriors could grab Tibetan spaniels, which Buddhist monks gave to their powerful neighbors, the Persians.

The first evidence of small dogs with a characteristic appearance was found in the Canterbury Tales (late 14th century). The author of the work, Godfrey Chaucer, calls long-eared hunting dogs “spanellas,” “spinels,” and “spaniels.” First, the dogs, along with the knights returning from the Crusades, ended up in Spain. From the “land on which the sun never sets,” dogs moved to France, Holland and England. The further history of the breed is connected with Foggy Albion.

The four-legged friends of the Spanish crusaders had amorous affairs with local spaniels used for hunting game birds. Their descendants, small and very smart cute toy spaniels, quickly won the love of aristocrats and settled in the royal courts of the Old World. They enjoyed the special favor of King Henry VIII of England from the Tudor dynasty, who officially allowed dogs to be at court. Toy dogs found their way to the heart of Queen Mary I, known as Bloody Mary. The shaggy hustlers were adored by her grandson, King Charles I Stuart. His most beloved pet was called King Charles.

Dogs received the most royal honors during the reign of Charles II. The “Merry King” paid great attention to breeding the breed, and puppies were born right in the palace, and not in the royal kennel. Toy spaniels are nicknamed “dogs created by the king himself.” With the permission of the monarch, the four-legged favorites began to be officially called King Charles Spaniels, and from ladies' boudoirs they migrated straight to the English Parliament.

Important! Duke John of Marlborough, the ancestor of the famous politician Winston Churchill, bred white and tan King Charles spaniels. The distinguishing feature of the “Marlbor” pets was the noble chestnut spot on the pearly white head. This color came to be called Blenheim in honor of the Duke's victory at the Battle of Blenheim (Bavaria).

In 1688, the “Glorious Revolution” took place in England, and William III of Orange ascended the throne. The wise politician had a tender affection for pugs. Very quickly, the goggle-eyed piglets took away the title of favorites of aristocrats from spaniels. Toy dogs with silky fur began to be crossed with pugs. Why this happened is not entirely clear. Either there are still fans of toy spaniels among the breeders who decided to preserve the breed (not yet recognized) by any means necessary. Either the offspring of the former royal favorites simply had nowhere to go. As a result, the kings noticeably decreased in size, acquired a convex forehead, a short “pug-like” muzzle and huge bulging eyes. At the beginning of the 20th century. it was impossible to find the old-type spaniels depicted in the paintings of Titian, Van Dyck and Gainsborough.

American breeder Rowell Eldridge was struck by the discrepancy between modern King Charles spaniels and the cute dogs depicted by Renaissance artists. In 1926, he advertised the search for an old-type spaniel, as in paintings from the time of Charles II. He promised the owner of the dog that best fits the description of a reward of 25 pounds sterling. By the way, monthly earnings in those days were only £1. Breeders rushed frantically to look for King Charles Spaniels. Luckily for them, the bug-eyed king spaniels still occasionally gave birth to old-type puppies. Two years later, 14 spaniels with a flat skull, an elongated muzzle and a spot on the head were on display at the Crafts exhibition. Miss Mostyn Walker's pet, Ann Son, was recognized as the best. The English Kennel Club turned a blind eye to the fact that Ann Son's father was a Papillon, and based on the winner's appearance, they compiled the first breed standard (1928).

Important! The French called toy spaniels “consolators” (comforters). Dogs warmed their owners on cold winter evenings, helped them survive love failures, and doctors prescribed communication with them as a treatment for stress.

Snub-nosed toy spaniels and old-type dogs resurrected from the ashes belonged to the same breed, competed in the same ring and often crossed with each other. This led to unimaginable confusion: the appearance of the small puppies was impossible to predict. The debate continued for almost 20 years, and in 1945 the British divided toy spaniels into 2 breeds. The descendants of matings with pugs were called “King Charles Spaniels,” and the Stuarts’ long-faced favorites were given the prefix “Cavalier.” The supporters of King Charles II were once called Cavaliers. In 1955, the Cavalier Kings were recognized by the FCI.

Important! In the USA, the old type of dogs were called English Toy Spaniels.

The most famous gentleman in Tsarist Russia was the pet of the daughter of Nicholas II. Anna received the dog as a gift from a wounded officer and often hid him in her muff. With the advent of Soviet power, the “kings” were no longer even remembered. Watchdogs and service dogs were in favor, and Russian spaniels and English cockers dominated the hunt. Those who saw the dog only as a pet got a larger American Cocker Spaniel.

Alexander Polyakov can be called the father of Russian cavaliers. In his younger years he served in the GDR. The military often went hunting, and Alexander decided to buy a hunting dog that would lift a bird under fire and bring back wounded animals. Having chosen an ad at random in the local newspaper, he went to the nursery and bought a “Cavalier” named Herbie von Douglas. At the end of the 90s a soldier with his beloved pet returned to his homeland, Moscow. Polyakov began taking his dog to exhibitions, but to his surprise, the experts had no idea about this breed. The persistent man decided to correct the injustice and brought his pet a bride from the GDR. To further breed the breed, in a roundabout way and for a lot of money (he could buy a foreign car with it), he “registered” Cavalier Kings from Finland and the same Germany. Thus, thanks to the enthusiasm of an ordinary Soviet citizen, our country became acquainted with a very interesting breed of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Now these dogs often appear in the TOP of the most popular breeds, leaving the short-nosed kings far behind. The handsome men pose for a photo with the impressive Marilyn Monroe, US President Donald Reagan, Queen Elizabeth II's sister Princess Margaret and actor Owen Wilson, known for the film Shanghai Noon.