Expert: Liz Gregory - 8/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: How do I know if my puppy is an English Cocker Spaniel or a Cavalier K. C. Spaniel?

ANSWER: Hi Jose,
The Cocker Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are very different. The Cocker has a more domed head, the CKCS is flatter. The Cocker has a prominent Muzzle, while the cavalier's is much shorter. The CKCS is smaller between 12 and 18 lbs and has a shorter coat. I really can't tell you for sure without seeing a picture. Did you get this dog from a breeder thinking it was one breed but suspect it may not be the breed you were told? I wish I could help you more.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response. My puppy is 11 wks.old and weights 6.6 pounds.
We got her as an ECS, but many people who see her, including the vet, think that she is a CKCS. I have been looking at pictures of puppies and it can be very confusing since they look alike a lot!
The person from where we got her, said that her mom weights 10 lbs. If that possible for an ECS? We like our puppy a lot. However, we would like to know to provide her with the adequate care an training.

Answer
Thanks for the picture of Nala, it does help. She really does look like a Cavalier. Looking at her face I think she could be mixed. Did they also have cavaliers there? She is Blenheim (red and white) so I would say she is definitely at least half cavalier. She won't be tiny like her mother since she is already 6.6 lbs but she is going to be in the cavalier range. Cavaliers are good easy going dogs that love to please and love to play. They are great with children and other dogs if they are properly socialized. Personally I think you got the better deal! Cavaliers are prone to heart problems so that is something you need to be aware of, but I wouldn't worry about as long as she is running and happy. I notice she is prone to tear staining as many cavaliers (and cockers) are. I recommend a product called Angel Eyez that you can put in her food and that will help cut down on that.
Let me know if you have any questions, I will be glad to help.