Golden Cavalier (Golden Retriever & Cavalier King Charles Mix): Info, Pictures & Traits

Also called the Petite Golden Retriever, the Golden Cavalier is a much more recent hybrid of the Golden Retriever and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If you’re looking for a dog that gets along easily with almost everyone, look no further! Like their parents, they are incredibly outgoing and love people. They get along with other dogs and often need little socialization to befriend cats and other animals.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred as companions and to hunt small game. However, by the late 17th century, they had become rare and almost disappeared. The breed was not revived until the 1920s when an American came to Britain looking for the breed he’d seen in old paintings. He began offering money for the best old-type spaniel at the Crufts Dog Show, stirring up a revival of what became known as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

The Golden Retriever, on the other hand, was developed in the late 19^th century by British aristocrats as a retriever of game. Now they are one of the most popular companion dogs but also excel at hunting, search and rescue, and disability assistance work.

Golden Cavalier Puppies

The Golden Cavalier is a relatively new specialty breed. Because of their rarity, they tend to be expensive. Since they are a rare crossbreed, it’s important to do research and talk with several breeders before making a decision.

Golden Cavaliers are affectionate and loyal dogs. They’re ideal for moderately active families or people who have enough space for them to run around. They are energetic and playful, so exercise and mental stimulation should be at the top of your list. Early socialization and training are essential for this pup to get along with other pets. They love being around their human companions and develop strong bonds with their families.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Golden Cavalier

1. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Was a Favorite of Royalty.

As you might expect from the name, the King Charles Spaniel was named for the English monarch King Charles II in the 1600s. They have been linked to British royalty since Queen Mary I in the 1500s, and the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia also kept them as pets.

2. The Golden Retriever Used to Be Known as the “Golden Flat-Coat.”

Until 1920, the Golden Retriever was known as the Golden Flat-Coat. Other less common names include the Yellow Retriever and the Russian Retriever.

3. The Golden Retriever Has a Complex Origin.

Although it has been suggested that they evolved from Russian circus dogs, it is more likely that Golden Retrievers were bred from crossings that started with a yellow Flat-coated Retriever and a Tweed Water Spaniel.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Golden Cavalier 🧠

As with many relatively recent hybrids, there has not been much data collected on the intentional breeding of the Golden Cavalier. Owners who want to understand the potential personality traits must study the parent breeds for insight.

For hundreds of years, the Golden Retriever and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have been bred as companion dogs. Though quite different in size, each breed is an affectionate people-pleaser.

Are Golden Cavaliers Good for Families? 🏡

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make great lapdogs. They need lots of attention from their human companions and require a moderate amount of exercise.

Because of their adaptable, easy-to-train nature and sweet disposition, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has gained the favor of many royals over the centuries. For over a century, they were the favorite breed of the English monarchy. As you can imagine, they love to be pampered. Golden Retrievers were bred specifically to excel at assisting their humans in the hunting field but also to be gentle and loyal in the home.

While they can be somewhat goofy, Golden Retrievers are very intelligent dogs. In fact, they are the number one breed of service dogs to assist the blind, deaf, and disabled.

However, it’s important to remember that every dog has a unique personality. We can make sweeping generalizations because of the centuries of data collected on these breeds, but there’s no substitute for spending time with and getting to know your canine companion!

Do Golden Cavaliers Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

As a genial and adaptable canine, the Golden Cavalier gets along with dogs and cats, treating them as much a part of the family as the people. Early socialization should lead to a peaceful and harmonious home life with all pets.

However, as with any dog that has hunting instincts in their breeding, you should always supervise interactions with small animals, especially prey animals. Even a gentle dog enjoys chasing a rabbit once in a while!

Things to Know When Owning a Golden Cavalier

The decision to add a dog to the family should be well-considered and well-informed. Here are a few things you should know about the Golden Cavalier before you bring one home.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

A nutritious, well-balanced diet is one of the best ways to ensure your canine friend is happy and healthy. Golden Cavaliers need plenty of protein and fatty acids like omega-3s. But all dogs are omnivores and require a range of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest kibble, we recommend searching for a high-quality brand that contains a range of nutrients, not just proteins and grains. You can even supplement the standard meals with some fruits and vegetables. You can also ask your vet about safe foods and portion sizes.

Exercise 🐕

The Golden Cavalier has moderate exercise requirements. Though they can have lapdog tendencies, they aren’t generally couch potatoes.

They do best in a rural or suburban home with ample outdoor access. Though Golden Cavaliers are adaptable and medium in size and energy, we do not recommend keeping them in an apartment unless they have multiple opportunities per day to exercise in a yard or park.

Training 🦮

Golden Cavaliers love to please, and training them can be as easygoing as the dogs themselves. They respond well to positive reinforcement and are often very food-motivated.

They retain hunting instincts from the Spaniel side, so a strong recall should be trained early on. With their eager and obedient nature, they often take well to training on agility courses. And, of course, their retriever heritage means they’ll love to play fetch.

Due to their easygoing and gentle nature, the Golden Cavalier makes a spectacularly terrible guard dog. King Charles Spaniel and the Golden Retriever have been bred for their genial personalities, and like the parent breeds, this hybrid is friendly with everyone.

Grooming ✂️

Regardless of which of the parents your Golden Cavalier’s coat resembles most, they will require considerable grooming. Daily brushing is recommended to remove dead hair and prevent mats from forming, particularly in the feathered hair around their feet and ears.

Check their ears regularly as well—the floppy shape may hide the inside from view, but you’ll need to clean them often to prevent wax and dirt buildup. Cleaning your dog’s ears can prevent ear infections and parasites like ear mites.

The Golden Cavalier should have their nails clipped frequently if they do not have ample opportunity to wear them down naturally. Check at least once or twice a month to prevent cracking and foot problems.

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Health and Conditions ❤️

Hybrid breeds are generally healthier than their purebred parents, but Golden Cavaliers have a few health concerns.

Male vs. Female

Though there are a few physical differences between male and female Golden Cavaliers, their temperaments are similar. After all, just like humans, every dog has a unique personality.

Males are, on the whole, larger and more prone to sexually aggressive behaviors like humping. Females tend to be more petite and reserved.

Final Thoughts: Golden Cavalier

From their parents, the Golden Retriever and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Golden Cavalier has inherited many desirable character traits in a companion dog. They are incredibly affectionate, calm, and so sweet to everyone that they are considered some of the worst watchdogs.

They also have a slew of winning physical traits: big and adorable doe eyes, a slightly curled and wavy coat in rich colors, and a “just right” size that is neither small enough to get underfoot nor large enough to yank you off your feet.

If you’re looking for a gentle, highly trainable companion dog that will get along with the whole family, the Golden Cavalier might be the perfect dog!

Related Reads:

• Aussalier (Australian Shepherd & Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix)
• Beaglier (Beagle & Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mix)

Feature Image Credit: Janet Waldbillig, Shutterstock