The Golden Cavalier, a mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Golden Retriever, is a popular “designer breed.” Mixed-breed dogs are becoming increasingly popular as people seek to combine the best traits of two different breeds.
This article offers a complete overview of the King Charles Golden Retriever mix to help you decide if it’s the right dog for you.
Origins and Characteristics of the Golden Cavalier
The Golden Cavalier is a relatively new designer dog breed, having been recognized since the early 2000s. They’re a mix of two popular breeds: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a favorite of royalty for centuries, and the Golden Retriever, a breed beloved for its friendly, tolerant attitude.
Golden Cavaliers combine the best traits of both breeds. They’re friendly and eager to please, and they tend to bond closely with their people. These dogs are generally active and playful, but they also enjoy snuggling up with their families at the end of the day.
Appearance and Physical Attributes
Golden Cavaliers, also known as Golden Retrievers crossed with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, are small to mid-sized dogs with a sturdy build.
Size and Build
Most Golden Cavaliers range in size from 25 to 45 pounds, although some can get as big as 50 to 55 pounds. Keep in mind that individual size can vary quite a bit.
Coat and Shedding
If you’re thinking about adopting a Golden Cavalier, be prepared to do some grooming, as they’re known to shed. Regular brushing can help to keep loose hair under control.
The coat can vary, but it’s often medium in length and can come in shades of gold, cream, brown, and black, or a mix of these colors.
Health and Care
Like all mixed breeds, Golden Cavaliers may inherit health issues common to either the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Golden Retriever.
That’s why it’s important to work with a responsible breeder who screens their dogs for conditions like hip dysplasia, eye disorders, heart conditions, and patellar luxation using OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing and other genetic screening tools.
The Golden Cavalier will need regular brushing and bathing to keep their coat healthy and free of mats. And like both parent breeds, these dogs need a moderate amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Training and Behavior
Training is essential. Your dog needs to know you’re in charge for the best behavior.
King Charles golden retriever mixes usually want to please their owners, so training them is often relatively easy. They aren’t known for barking too much, either, which is a plus!
Closing Thoughts
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Golden Retriever mix combines the best of both breeds to create a loving and trainable companion. However, they can be prone to shedding.
If you’re the right owner, this mix can make a wonderful pet.
Before you bring one home, do your homework to make sure you’re ready for the realities of life with a Golden Cavalier.