If you’re a dog lover, you probably already know that not all breeds are created equal. Some are popular for their loyalty, others for their hunting skills, and then there are those favourite for their high intelligence. Among dog enthusiasts, a particular breed that often comes under the scanner is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a cute and cuddly dog with its roots in the United Kingdom. You might be surprised to know that this adorable creature was once known as the favorite pet of King Charles II, hence the inclusion of “King Charles” in its name. But is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel really a smart dog? Let’s find out.
First and foremost, let’s clear the air about what “smart” in the context of dogs really means. Dr. Stanley Coren, a canine psychologist and the author of ‘The Intelligence of Dogs,’ has classified dog intelligence into three categories. These are instinctive intelligence (bred-for duties), adaptive intelligence (problem-solving skills and learning from past experiences), and working and obedience intelligence (learning and following commands).
If we consider Dr. Coren’s account, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ranks as 73rd out of 138 breeds when it comes to working and obedience intelligence. This may seem like a low rank, but if we dig deeper, it means they have an average working intelligence level. King Charles Spaniels can understand new commands in 25 to 40 repetitions and obey established commands 50% of the time or more!
Now, don’t be misled by these statistics. According to many Cavalier owners, they are very smart in more ways than simply following commands. Cavaliers are known for their high adaptive intelligence. This means they are good at problem-solving and can learn from their past experiences. They’re quick to understand if a behavior is likely to lead to a treat or praise, making them excellent at training with positive reinforcement.
One of the most interesting facts about Cavaliers is that they were specifically bred to be companion dogs. They have an uncanny knack for sensing human emotions and responding to them, which is why they are often used as therapy dogs. This emotional intelligence is not always taken into account in generic assessments of intelligence but is an important aspect of a dog’s smartness. This, combined with their incredibly friendly demeanor, makes them the go-to choice for those looking for a family dog.
But like any other breed, training a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires patience and consistency. Assuming the dog is not smart because it doesn’t follow a command immediately could be a classic mistake many dog owners make. Cavaliers are eager to please their human friends and learn quickly with the right positive reinforcement techniques.
In addition, let’s not overlook their instinctive intelligence. The original purpose of King Charles Spaniels was to chase game birds. Therefore, if your Cavalier is demonstrating a strong instinct to chase birds in the park, it means they are absolutely following their inbuilt intelligence!
So, if you expect a smart dog to understand complex instructions and solve math equations, no, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would not classify as ‘smart’ in your context. However, if you define smartness as the ability to connect deeply with humans, being emotionally in-tune, and having the capability to solve problems creatively, then yes, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is undoubtedly a smart dog!
To sum up, the intelligence of a dog depends mainly on the perspective of the one asking. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may not be a perfect fit for someone who needs a working dog, but it could be the perfect match for a family desiring a loving and sensitive pet. A respectable approach would be to appreciate every dog breed for its unique characteristics and talents, rather than simply judging them on one dimension of intelligence.
In the end, we all know the most important thing. Whether it is purebred, or mixed–every dog is extraordinary in its own way! So if you have a soft spot for those captivating, round and innocent eyes along with long, droopy ears and a heart full of love to give, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might just be the perfect canine companion for you!
