35-40 lbs
16-17"
United States
The Golden Cavalier is a hybrid mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Retriever. The aim of crossbreeding these two purebreds is to reduce the size of the Gold Retriever and create a petite or miniature Golden Retriever. These hybrids, along with other designer parent crossbreeds are popular and breeders may use other dogs, such as the Cocker Spaniel or the Poodle, but Golden Cavaliers always have Golden Retriever and Cavalier parentage. Currently, the Designer Dog Kennel Club and the Dog Registry of America recognize the Golden Cavalier as a designer hybrid.
The Golden Cavalier is hybrid of two sweet companion dogs, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Retriever. The hybrid is a modern dog with little documentation over the last decade or so of intentional breeding. Owners interested in understanding the potential characteristics and traits of the Golden Cavalier will have to look at the parent breeds for insight. Golden Retrievers are well known for their excellent companionship and sweet natures. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed needs lots of human attention and makes for an excellent lap dog. The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland in the later part of the 19th Century as a hunting and retrieving dog for waterfowl. The goal of the breeding program was to create a breed that was unmatched in the field but gentle, calm, and loyal indoors. This was achieved by crossbreeding a Wavy-Coated Retriever with a now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. Only Golden-colored dogs were chosen from subsequent litters for the breeding program, and by the late early 20th, the Golden Retriever was recognized as a breed in England. The American Kennel Club recognized the Golden Retriever in 1925, and the breed has enjoyed many years as a top choice for families. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a colorful, yet private history and was recreated in the 19th Century. The ancestor or the Cavalier is the English Toy Spaniel, which resembles modern day Cavalier standards. The English Toy Spaniel was a favorite of Queen Mary of Scots and her family. Her grandson, King Charles and great-grandson son, King Charles the II also kept the dogs, which borrow their names from those 15th Century rulers. However, the English Toy Spaniel soon afterward lost popularity to the Pug and other short-muzzled, flat-headed breeds. The English Toy Spaniel was crossbred with many of these other dogs throughout history, which changed the appearance of the dog. By the mid-19th Century, the King Charles Spaniel was accepted as having a flat head and face and the English Toy Spaniels from earlier centuries were almost extinct. However, in the 1920s, an American started searching England for a pair that resembled the English Toy Spaniels of King Charles. Luckily, a pair was found, and a new breeding program was established to restore the Cavalier King Charles. In 1954, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was established, and the club chose not promote the breed out of fear of poor breeding practices that would not honor the standards. The American Kennel Club asked the CKCSC to be the parent club for the Cavalier breed in 1992, but the club declined out of the same desire to maintain the high standard. A secondary parent club, established in 1995, allowed the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to gain full recognition with the American Kennel Club.
The Golden Cavalier is a hybrid between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Retriever. The purpose of crossbreeding these two purebreds is to produce a smaller-sized Golden Retriever and many times, the Golden Cavalier will resemble the Golden Retriever in looks. However, the Cavalier’s face and muzzle may be present in some hybrids. The muzzle is shorter than the Golden Retriever and broader as well with a large, black nose. The head of a Golden Cavalier is round on top with expressive brown eyes. The ears are longer than the Golden Retriever and are often feathered, like the Cavalier. The coat is silky and may lay flat or have a wave. The legs are short, and the body is compact as well. Some Golden Cavaliers can weigh up to 40 pounds, making them a bit too large for lounging on laps.
The Golden Cavalier is not a hypoallergenic dog and sheds considerably no matter which parent the hybrid resembles. Daily grooming will help remove dead and loose hair and keep your Golden Cavalier’s coat healthy and mat-free. The hair around the long ears is longer and feathered. Pay close attention to grooming the ear and check for any built-up wax, dirt, or debris. Cleaning your dog’s ears will prevent ear infections. Your Golden Cavalier, who may not have much opportunity to wear down his nails naturally, should have his nails clipped frequently.
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The Golden Cavalier has moderate energy needs and is very loving with its family. The Golden Cavalier is nearly as equally affectionate towards non-family members and strangers. Both parent breeds are considered people-loving dogs. The Golden Cavalier is patient and with proper socialization will do well with children. The Golden Cavalier adapts well to sharing space with other dogs and cats and treats other pets as part of the family. However, early socialization with other dogs and cats will help a Golden Cavalier to live in harmony with all pets. The Golden Retriever parent is always eager to please as is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, making this hybrid a breeze for training and novice dog owners.
The Golden Cavalier is a hybrid of two breeds with medium energy but lower intensity needs. Trips to the dog park or playtime in the backyard will suit these hybrids well. However, the Golden Cavalier should always be on a leash when outside of an enclosed area due to their higher potential for wanderlust. With proper exercise, the Golden Cavalier does well in an apartment, but a house with a yard is ideal. The Golden Cavalier prefers temperate climates, and while he tolerates hot and cold environment, extremes are not well-tolerated.
Written by Loreziel Ortega
Published: 10/26/2017, edited: 12/17/2021
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