MyDogBreeds
Both Harrier and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are originated from United Kingdom. Harrier may grow 17 cm / 7 inches higher than Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Harrier may weigh 18 kg / 40 pounds more than Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Both Harrier and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Harrier and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has almost same litter size. Both Harrier and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance.
Developed in Great Britain, the Harrier is another hunting dog – a hound that primarily hunts hares and small prey. The breed itself is medium sized - smaller than an English Foxhound and larger than a Beagle. Although the definitive origins of the Harrier are not set, it is believed that he is a cross of the Basset Hound, Talbot Hound and Bloodhound. Others believe the breed is a cross of the Greyhound and the English Foxhound. The Harrier looks like a smaller version of the English Foxhound.
The Harrier is a pack dog and in 1260, Sir Elias de Midhope established the first pack in England. From there the breed spread to Wales and Western England, most used in Ireland where they hunt fox as well as hares. However, hunting hares is the specialty of the breed and even gave the breed its name. In 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Hound Group. Yet despite this and despite the number of Harriers working in England, they are not recognized by the UKC.
The origin of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel goes back many centuries. It was in 1928 that this spaniel breed was separated from the smaller King Charles and these were particularly popular with royalty in England.
In fact, Mary, Queen of Scots had one of these spaniels who accompanied her to her beheading. It was her grandsons who gave their name to the breed, and King Charles II, who reigned from 1660 to 1685 kept these dogs. After Charles II's death, the dog’s popularity waned somewhat. The dog was later bred with pugs giving them the familiar features they have today, such as the domed head and the shorter nose.
Interest in the breed revived, and a breed -club was established, drawing up a breed standard. Finally, in 1945, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed.
The Harrier is a typical hound dog much like the English Foxhound. The breed is a little smaller than the Foxhound but is muscular and large boned like his cousin. They have short hard hair that sheds and ears that hang. The Harrier is a large boned breed built for strength and stamina in the race with hares. They have broad skulls, strong muzzles, with hazel or brown eyes. They also have a black, wide nose and a high, medium length tail.
They say he has a ‘courtly grin’ on an expressive face. Being pack dogs, they must be sturdy, able to cover any type of terrain, for as long as the hare runs. It is critical that their scenting and running tools are exceptional. He is blue or yellow-pied. His feet are cat like and the chest is dropped low. He is an extremely well-proportioned dog
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small to medium sized dog wih its height being 31 – 33cm and its weight being 5 – 8 or 9 kg. He is known for his long, silky coat which is fairly straight and feathery.
He has floppy ears, and with this Spaniel breed the tail is generally left long and feathery. The coat comes in many different colors so you will find the popular rich red shade with white, he can be black and tan or even tri-color.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is affectionate, playful and eager to please. He makes an excellent pet for children as well and gets on well with other pets in the home too.
They adapt quickly to different environments and will be happy in the city or in the country, so long as his owner is with him and meters out lots of love and attention. He is intelligent and responds well to training and socialization, turning him from a playful puppy into a relaxed, obedient adult dog.
The Cavalier loves to be active but he also loves to be quietly lying next to his owner. It is also why these dogs make such splendid companions for the elderly as well as being a good choice for therapy dogs.
Yes, they are good with children but are very rambunctious and should be supervised with young children.
Scenting ability and wonderful personality
This breed is very adaptable as long as it gets enough exercise. He can live in the country or she can live in the city with an outlet for exercise.
Smart but stubborn at times. Therefore, his learning ability is moderate.
The Cavlier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate, playful and eager-to-please dog breed that is good with children and other dogs. They will be happy to join you in any games you have in mind but will easily lie quietly beside you for companionship too.
This spaniel breed is exceptionally intelligent and can be easily trained and socialized, making them even better behaved dogs.
For their gentle, sweet nature, it is no wonder that they make such excellent therapy dogs for children and adults, and he is willing to be a wonderful friend to you too.
It seems the only real health issue other than hunting accidents or foot and toe incidents due to hunting.is:
This abnormality in the hip socket can cause arthritis and lameness that is very painful. This is the most severe form. The Harrier can have a milder form that does not progress to this level. Hip dysplasia has a genetic component, but the environment plays a role as well and active hunting dogs are especially prone to this.
Floppy ears that hang down are always susceptible to ear infections. Check them often and clean them at least weekly.
Cavaliers are generally fairly healthy dogs but they are prone to mitral valve disease which can lead to heart failure. The heart as 4 chambers and each chamber has a one-way valve to keep blood from flowing backward. One of these is the mitral valve and it can leak over time resulting in a heart murmur. Dogs as young as 4 years of age can develop a murmur from a leaking mitral valve.
Congestive heart failure develops, your dog has a chronic cough and lacks stamina. A veterinary cardiologist may need to be called in to recommend some kind of medical intervention. The vet will evaluate your pet's condition and lifestyle before making a recommendation.
Other health problems which the Cavalier might have to contend with will be luxating patella as well as eye issues.
This condition affects toy breeds, occuring when the kneecaps slip out of place. It can be severe enough to cause lameness in the dogs leg, but fortunately it can be managed with an anti-inflammatory or even surgery.
Feed a high nutrition puppy food dry food made for an energetic breed. Feed 3 times a day ½-3/4 cup each time.
Again feed a high nutrition adult food for an active breed. Feed twice a day 1-11/2 cups each time.
Outstanding health unless in a hunting accident.
The Harrier is an energetic, hunting breed that needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and jogging or running is good for the Harrier. If they are not working, hunting dogs they need more exercise. A fenced yard for playing is good. If this intense breed does not get enough exercise and mental stimulation, he needs there could be issues with destructive behavior and obesity. Flyball, tracking, agility, coursing, rally and hunting are great activities for this breed of dog. In addition, they are pack animals and do better in a family that has more than one dog.
The Cavalier Spaniel’s long silky coat will require brushing at least twice a week to remove loose hairs and to keep it healthy and shiny. This is one spaniel however, that won’t require trimming. However, because he loves to be playing outdoors, some owners do trim the dog’s feathers around the legs and paws.
As a dog with floppy ears, it will become essential to check his ears for wax build-up and moisture within the ears combined with dirt. This can lead to ear infections. Also the silky ears can be prone to matting. You can wash them gently with dog shampoo.
Smaller dogs like the Cavalier Spaniel are more likely to develop dental problems because of the structure of their skulls and jaws which are more compressed. Brush your dogs teeth 2 or 3 times a week with special canine tooth-paste and toothbrush.