Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

Any advice or experience with this breed?

For 6 year old

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

I've got one and she's great - too cute by far - taking her for a walk where there are a lot of people can be time consuming as lots of folk like to pet her.

I'd recommend getting one from a breeder as they are prone to various ailments and by choosing your breeder carefully

6 yo is quite young but as long as supervised think the breed would be ideal.

Word of warning, don't let the dog on the bed ever if you don't want the dog on the bed...!

I'm not sure what state your in but NSW have an owners association and would be able to provide good advice and let you know where some registered puppies may be found.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

Yep, our beloved 8-year old Merlin was left with my parents when we moved here. Very loving dog raised from a pup around kids and babies. The only thing is I find CKCSs to be quite excitable so can be a bit much for really little kids who are wary of dogs but a 6 year old should be ok. Also, I don't think I know of a breed whose bark is so distinct - we can hear a king charles yap-yap from half a mile away! You'll want to nip that in the bud while they're very young or it will drive you nuts every time someone comes to the door or it's time for a walk. Also, they are VERY hairy dogs that shed a LOT. If you're happy to be sweeping the floors every day then great but it put us off getting another long-haired breed ever again. Otherwise, excellent temperament, very loyal, full of energy and fun and easy-peasy to train, even as an older dog.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

The best dog in the world :thumbsup :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

We had a Cavalier when we lived in UK called Barney, unfortunately we got him adopted by my cousin before we left, we couldnt put him through the ordeal of coming here.
He was the most loving and affectionate dog I have came accross, wonderful with kids, he followed our wee boy about day a night, they shared ice cream lol, a lick for Matthew and a lick for Barney. He used to sleep in our bed before the wee man came along, he lay accross the back of my husbands head lol.
He pinned terrible when we werent there or when we we locked him in the kitchen at night, that is mainly why we couldnt bring him, I truely believe it would have killed him as he would have pinned and fretted for us!
It broke my heart leaving him and I miss him terribly, but I know he is well loved by my cousin and his kids. We had a black and tan one, but the tricolour one is really nice too. I dont think you could pick a better dog for children. here is a wee pic of him

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

We were the same. He didn't handle big changes very well - very stressed - when we moved house and changed his collar he'd get really nasty bouts of Colitis and we'd end up at the vets every time. We didn't think it was fair to put him through the flight and quarantine as much as we wanted him with us. My parents lost their dog a couple of years ago and Merlin lived with us all for the first few years so he was always comfortable there and they were more than happy to take him. Felt like the right thing to do.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

Very good tip, one we learnt the hard way with a Rhodesian Ridgeback that liked to spread out.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

CKCS are known for mitral valve (heart) problems and hip joint problems.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

Thank you all for the replies

We are in Victoria (inner Melbourne). The breed was recommended by a close friend of wifes (who is also a vet).

Daughter is very good with dogs in both asking owners before attempting to pat strange dogs and while has no nervous disposition around dogs she is aware some dogs are what she calls "moody".

She has been demanding a dog since age 3 and this has been every time she sees a picture of a dog, a tv program with a dog, we cannot pass a dog on the street (either side) without her approaching the owner for a pat.

Being quite tall for her age I do not see her being unable to physically cope (she is 5 now and 6 in Nov but currently mistaken as an 8 year old). Our neighbor in Geneva had a Newfoundland and the 2 were inseparable.

How much walking can they handle? As I currently do a 7km walk in the mornings would they enjoy/cope with this distance? Had a pug dog years ago which I ended up having too carry after 3kms.

While I would like my daughter too be completely responsible for the dog I am also a realist so need to be aware of what work/jobs I will ultimately be doing ;)

Definitely intend to go through a registered breeder and happy to pay top dollar for a quality dog. (What price range should we be considering?)

How are the dogs with water (ie on boats and alongside or in swimming pools?)

Another consideration we had to do was reducing overseas holidays so we could holiday with the dog ie camping and travelling interstate (via vehicle). Have you found them good travel partners? We have a large 4x4.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

I've had Cavs for over 30 years....they are happy, wonderful little dogs and they are great with children. Do make sure you have the dog checked out for heart valve, hip and knee problems.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

That is the most gorgeous little face. I wanted one when we got our Golden but my hub wanted a large dog. I might still get one as a second dog.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

I love them. You rarely see them come up for rehoming but I do get some sometimes. They are lap dogs and I would love to get one for my daughter.

I think they are not the smartest dog though :) I am sure people will disagree but while they are not an afghan (who are really stupid) they are not going to be winning any brain games either. Actually its not so much intelligence as they are docile.

Note: I have a boxer crossed kelpie who is the most dull dog you can ever meet - you show him a ball, slowly in front of him put it up your jumper and then ask him to find it and he will go around the room looking for it so I am not judging them. I like ALL dogs :)

I am not sure about the 7km walk, perhaps as a young dog but thats a long walk on little legs, terriers are made a bit differently, I wouldnt have thought a Cav was suited to long long walks - especially in heat (short snout, long hair means its hard for them to cool easily. Also their heart can be an issue as someone mentioned). I think Cavs are very much like pugs in quite a few ways.

Vivienne

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

I think a 7KM walk would be pushing it. If the weather is warm, not hot, 2km seems a comfortable distance for mine.

For price, from a registered breeder, you would be looking around $1000-1600 I believe.

Our dog loves water, although I hear some don't like it at all. Now she has the nack of swimming in the local lagoon she litterally drags me their so she can have a swim when I walk near by, but I keep that as an occasional treat as she tends to need a bath afterwards. On a boat I would be a bit concerned for her jumping in the water - but ours travels really well and absolutely loves a ride in the car - just get them used to it from an early age is key I think.

When I go away and can't take the dog I have got a couple of excellent dog minders who take her into their own home and basically pamper her something silly. She ends up with a better holiday than me most times I think! They do love people around them and are certainly not a breed to lock out the house, or bed room, they will miss you something rotten.

As for not being intelligent, I have to disagree (but maybe I'm biased). Ours can bark on command, roll, act dead when shot with a toy gun and all sorts.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

I was going to say the dog will probably fit in well with us:D

Guess the thing is we are not looking for a pet so much as a new member of the family if that makes sense.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

awwwwwwwwe i think thats fantastic, i think all children should have a pet, but i think it should be a mini schnauzer, but then am biased:)

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

I just checked dogsonline and there are a lot of pups for sale. The breeders who quote prices range from $650 - $1000.

There are also a few adult dogs available which may be worth considering as puppies can be such - especially around a 6 year old.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

That's the perfect attitude GG. A dog, particulary a smaller dog, will live a good long time if well cared for. It will probably be around after your 6 year old has gone off to uni and got her own place. If you have someone/something living with you for 15 or 16 years it is like a member of the family.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

Hi when I was five we got a boy CKCS, he was the best - Charlie. Lovely breed of dog. He lived til he was nearly 15. We then had an american cocker spaniel, both lovely dogs but did spoil them too much!! Good luck.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

?:unsure: not to sure what you were meaning about adult versus puppies?:)

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

Pups are like children, they need training, make lots of mess, go through adolescence, are boisterous and generally have times when they are a pain in the butt. You grow to love their cute little personalities along the way.

Adult dogs are calmer, don't have as many hiccups, are shaped by their past to some extent, are easier to train (up until a certain age - eg beagles, guide dogs etc go to foster homes until they are 18M), are less likely to be scared and get fear issues from being mauled by a 6YO.

My 4YO would be fine with a pup, My 2 Yr old would scare one to death
Both have their pros and cons.

I would defo get a second hand cav (I am not saying instead of a pup) as they are usually good dogs. I like the feeling of giving a dog a chance. Its a personal choice thing I think

I have one advertised on my site dogmatch.com.au but they dont come up often. This one is advertised as $450 (I dont sell them, I just offer a free advertising medium). Hes in Sydney, they dont last long though

Buddy is a pure breed cav with papers.He is only 2 years old. Buddy has the gentlest little soul, will follow you everywhere and loves to be part of the family.Get on very well with any type of dog and fantastic with little children. Loves to have a game of fetch and likes chasing plastic bottles. Would suit a home where he could be with the family or very nearby. Buddy Regretful sale.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

I am a Boxer fanatic. Fantastic with children and very protective. You couldn't go wrong buying a Boxer puppy, but be warned they are the most distructive little devils you could find! However they repay a thousand fold when they pass that stage!:thumbsup:

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

Sorry Geelong Gent - I was trying to say what viviennef expressed so well but somehow had issues with technology along the way (lost 1/2 the post!)

I am currently struggling to house train a rather willful Lhasa pup and there are times during the numerous mop ups when I wish I had gone with an older dog. Its certainly an option you may wish to consider, but ultimately its a personal choice - good luck and don't forget to post a pic once you have your new addition!

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

mmmmmmmm food for thought here, good post:), i know being quite a laid back family our dog hates it otherwise, for example if we start rowing or have lots of peeps over:), he just looks so pathetic and unhappy, another big consideration is holidays, i would hate to put our putch in kennels , we have only had a few days away since getting him and lucky enough we got someone to house sit and look after him, gawwwwwwwd the thought of anything other than this, ......dont fink i could leave him in kennels or anything, our few days away included mrs geelong gent and her vet friend on standby, yes i know i am an over protective mother, lol



but we all just love him to death, cant imagine life without him now., even when am knackered he makes me feel guilty and ave gotta get off me big lazy arse and take him for a walk, lol

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

they also have skull problems which is very much kept 'hush hush' as the top UK breeders have it in their lines but they deny it.

There was a big hoohaa with the Cav club in the uk last year - look it up.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

We babysat one once for 5 weeks & she was so cute, Charlotte! She had mucky eyes a couple of times, but her temperament was amazing! I had heard they can get heart probs?
If in doubt, get a Wirehaired Fox Terrier, I can't tell you how good these pooch's are :wub: Put up with anything, go anywhere dogs....:cool:

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...n/IMG_2049.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...Again/Xena.jpg
Xena is 8 yrs old...

She's always been fine with our girls:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...n/PICT0012.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...n/e0015af5.jpg

These days she does tend to skulk off into a quiet corner when the girls (2.5yrs and 5yrs) get a bit too loud, but still cops a fair amount of attention before she gets fed up and moves!

I can't recommend the breed enough - the kids love her to death and she is SOOO peaceful and affectionate.

Danger here in Australia though particaulrly for small dogs is paralysis ticks. Xena has been hospitalised twice and on both occassions was lucky to survive. We rushed her to the vet as soon as we detected the slightest hint of symptoms both times - if we'd waited until we were sure she had a problem it would've been too late!

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

Here's my Cav...she's a girl but her name is Charlie. The other is a Long Haired Chihuahua called Belle.

My husband calls Charlie 'Miss Two Yards' because she is never more than 2 yards away from me. :wub:

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

The Mrs wants to know if anyone has any experience with a Cavalier Poodle cross. This also comes highly recommended as they don't shed but have the temperament of the Cavalier.

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Or they might shed like a Cav and have the temperament of the poodle - that's the problem with cross breeds, its just a matter of luck (IMO!)

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IMO the shedding is worth it...they are such lovable, loyal companions. BTW if you keep their hair groomed regularly it's not too much of a problem. I've found shedding with black and tans to be less of a problem than the other 3 types of Cav.

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Definitely DONT count on a crossbreed not shedding it is a load of bollocks invented by a minority of breeders.

Also dont count on the parents having their health checks.

Always always always insist on seeing the genetic testing of parents and pups if appropriate. There is nothing more heart breaking than spending $1000 on a puppy only to have it cost you another $5000 on vets fees due to bad breeding and genetic problems and then have the animal put down.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

We're moving to Perth at the end of September and are worried about our CKCS making the journey. She's a "pampered pooch" and we don't think she'd take very well to being transported in a small cage and then spending 30 days in quarantine. Like the other ones mentioned here, she will follow the family around the house, but also loves her sleep. If it's raining she'll quite happily stay inside rather than go for a walk!

She will often have, what we describe as, "panic attacks" where she struggles to breathe. So we are really worried that she will suffer whilst in the hold of the plane. When it gets hot she flakes out and tries to cool down by lying on the tiled floor in the kitchen. So the Perth weather is also a concern!

So it's interesting that others have said that they decided against taking their Cavalier. Has anyone taken one and how did they cope with the journey, quarantine and the Australian weather?

Thanks!

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

We just got a Cav here in Perth about 6 weeks ago. He's absolutely gorgeous! He doesn't get too bothered by us going out since we have a golden retriever to keep him company during the day. Chip (the 2.5 kg puppy) thinks he's alpha dog over the 47 kg full grown golden. :lol:

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

Get a 'proper' dog. Get one of these. He's an Hungarian Vizsla

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

We have owned 3 Blenhiem cavies over the last 20 yrs , fantastic loyal dogs great with kids .
But we had 2 die from heart attacks, aged about 9 yrs , and one old dog 10 yrs i ran over in my drive one night, god that was so heart breaking, he was prone to epilectic seizures, and we think he must of had one , and collapsed in the driveway.
Any way you could not get a better childrens dog................:;):mm

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God and i thought he was a" uranian arse licker" ..........:rofl:mm

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Think what you want.... they are twice the dog that a Cavalier could ever hope to be.

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Thats pretty obvious there twice as big..............mm:rofl:

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Yes they are, and then some.

They are also smarter, gentle, will run all day, will stick to your kids like glue (they have a nickname as the Velcro Dog), they don't moult (so no need for these weird Cavoodle, Jugs, etc dogs) and they hardly ever bark unless someone intrudes on their territory.

I am obviously biased but I can't think of a better family dog

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

Have a word with your vet and see what he thinks. There was a poster a couple of years ago whose Cav had a heart attack whilst travelling via air. Saying that I'm sure many are OK. Cavs are prone to cardiac problems...I've had Cavs for over 30 years (5 in total)...one died of a heart attack aged 6...my current Cav is now on heart meds.

The first signs of a cardiac problem with Cavs is usually coughing...as if they are trying to clear their throat.

Re: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
 

What about an American cocker spaniel? If I was choosing between a CKC and an American one I would chose the American cocker spaniel. I have one before and it just looks so much better than a CKC. Some people have said cocker spaniel are quite slow mentally but the one I had was just so human-like and very intelligent its scary (in a good way :rofl:) although abit lazy at times :thumbup: