Nearly 50 Cavalier King Charles spaniels will prance into the ring at Westminster this year, which makes their breed the second-largest entry at the famous dog show. It's a tribute to the rapid rise in popularity of this toy breed.

Bred to resemble the big-eyed, long-eared lap dogs seen in so many 18th-century portraits, the good looks and charm of this toy spaniel are undeniable. Their silky coats come in four color combinations, with the chestnut-and-white "Blenheim" pattern the most common.

Sadly, the breed suffers from a number of potential health problems.

The most serious is mitral valve disease, a potentially lethal defect of the left valve of the heart. It can strike while the dog is still quite young and is found in all bloodlines from all countries. All responsible breeders screen their dogs for heart disease, and there are no exceptions. Cavs can also suffer from a neurological disorder known as syringomyelia.

There are two clubs for the breed in the United States, and both have strict codes of ethics requiring their member breeders to screen their dogs for health problems. Be certain the breeder you select is a member in good standing of either club and is actively working to produce healthy puppies. More information on finding a Cav puppy from a health-conscious breeder can be found at www.cavalierhealth.org.

Cavs are wonderful dogs for seniors and apartment living. Their grooming and exercise needs are modest, although they love to play and do need daily brushing. They have a tendency to put weight on easily, so owners must not overfeed them. And Cavs cannot live outdoors or in a kennel. They are lap dogs through and through, so be sure you have a warm lap to offer if you bring a Cav into your home.