With the confidence and personality of a dog many times his size, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the world's most beloved toy breeds, continuing to rank as the most popular toy breed in his land of origin, "that sceptered isle," England. Author Juliette Cunliffe, a British dog specialist, well describes this charming and elegant purebred dog in this Comprehensive Owner's Guide, beginning with the breed's history and development in the U.K. and tracing the Cav to the U.S., where it has become a favorite choice as a purebred pet. The chapter on characteristics includes a discussion of the breed's physical traits, IQ, health considerations, and personality. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.