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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 ) although abit lazy at times

Umm - that sounds a bit like one of the "panic attacks" I mentioned. She will make noises that sound like she is desperately trying to suck in air. She's 5 now.

IMO Cavs are better than their larger cousins. I suppose it depends what you want from the breed. When I first got mine I lived alone in an apartment and I was working during the day. I asked my vet what breed would be best given my lifestyle...he recommended Cavs. I've been hooked ever since.

I can put my Cav in a bag and take her anywhere...no-one knows she's there. She's very quiet and hardly ever makes a noise. There's a lot to be said for portable dogs.

Faulty heart valves are a common problem with the breed. Because of this they are coughing to clear the fluid from their lungs...the more they cough the more pressure they are putting on their heart. Mine is on meds now and the coughing virtually gone.

That is just so god damned cute

Hi

Have you got your heart set on a cavalier? If not, might I suggest a west highland terrier?

We have 2 daughters & our westie is now 3, we had him from a pup & was just so laid back & easy going right from the off.

The reason I suggest a westie for you is that he's perfectly happy to slob around the house & be petted by the girls all day, yet can outrun any of us & would be more than able to go with you on your 7k walks every day - for a small dog, a westie is a really tough little character. I walk ours day in, day out & he is always full of enthusiasm. And manages to look incredibly cute whilst doing so

Best of luck with your search