Cavaliers are the best of two worlds, combining the gentle attentiveness of a toy breed with the verve and athleticism of a sporting spaniel. The sweet, gentle, melting expression emanating from large, round eyes is a breed hallmark. The Cavalier's lustrous, silky coat requires little more than regular brushing and an occasional bath to keep him in beautiful condition. Brushing not only helps to keep the coat shiny and tangle-free but also serves as a full-body massage that the dog enjoys. Grooming sessions enhance the dog-owner bond and provide an opportunity to inspect the dog's whole body for any new or unusual bumps or other issues. Four colors are recognized for this breed, Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolor (black/white/tan), black and tan, and ruby. The lifespan is usually between eight and twelve years. Cavaliers love people, enjoy companionship, and need rules to follow and limits to what they are allowed to do.