Cavalier King Charles - boy or girl?

[beingagoodmumishard]

We are on a puppy waiting list for a Cavalier King Charles Don't really mind whether we have a dog or a bitch, but are there different characteristics between the two?

For larger breeds people have always advised me that male dogs are harder work, and bitches are more docile and easier to train. But is this the case for a Cavalier?

[tabulahrasa]

I find the exact opposite with boys and girls, lol

The thing is, for a neutered pet, really any sex difference must be minimal - they haven't got the sex hormones anyway. If you've found a good breeder, breeding healthy (and tested) cavs then I'd take their advice on personality of the puppies and what would suit you.

[ForYourEyesYoniBrian]

Me too tabulah! I would say dogs are generally more loyal and loving whereas the bitches I've had (not CKC) have been friendly to everyone and not to anyone in particular.

My bitches have had a tendency to wander as well!

[ThatVikRinA22]

ive had 2 cavs - one dog and one bitch. no difference between them in terms of loyalty at all. Both were incredibly easy to train. Neither want to run off.

if you are neutering the dogs op is quicker to recover from, same for any breed though.

they are adorable dogs. All have heart probs though so do your breed research. It wouldnt stop be having another.

[NotSoNervous]

Their such a lovely breed, I don't think it would make much difference.

[PeekabooPlayers1]

Hi there, I have a cavalier King Charles girl dog.. She is very bouncy, calm tempered and easy to manage! Would definitely recommend these dogs.. Although something you need to know is that a lot of these breeds die early from over sized brain and the scull being too small.. Have a proper look into the dogs family background :) good luck! www.facebook.com/peekabooplayers

[beingagoodmumishard]

Health checks are top of our priority list. Breeders we have spoken to have confirmed that both mum and dad have been heart and eye tested.

[idirdog]

Because of the health issues with CKC only consider a breeder that is aKennel Club Assured breeder - this is not the same as a Kennel Club registered breeder.

Do not buy a CKC puppy unless the Mum and Dad have had an MRI scan.

[poorpaws]

I'v had 10 female cavaliers. I just prefer female dogs. Mine have all been wonderful. I just have one now and she's a lovely dog (a bit smelly though).

[ThatVikRinA22]

i loved my boy and my girl the same. truly cant separate them.

boy was absolutely mine. he was devoted to me. he was always just a big kid and he was my baby substitute.

girl was a rescue, slightly less stupid, less giddy, a little more refined perhaps, but a little more reserved with it. still my dog. absolutely loves me and i love her with everything i have.

i suspect all dogs, no matter what sex, are different, with differing personalities.
when i went for my dog, i wanted a blenhiem bitch. i came away with a runt, a tri colour dog, who had been left behind, and i couldnt leave him behind again.
then someone knocked on my door one day and asked me to take their blenheim bitch as they were emigrating!

these dogs are totally lap dogs. they are made for luxury - no dog beds for them - only the couch will do, and preferably as close to you as they can get.....
they live just to love you.

[poorpaws]

Yes vicar and they are so loyal. When I had pneumonia and was in bed for 6 weeks very very ill, my little cavvie girl was on the floor at the side of my bed and tucked herself into a very tight area between the bed and bedside table. Every time I looked down she was there asleep and didn't move until I got better.

[yesbutnobut]

OP, I have two bitches and they are quite different in character so I think it depends on the individual dog. Cavaliers are generally wonderful, loyal, loving dogs and I'm sure you'll be happy whatever you go for.

I would just add though that heart and eye testing (which you say your breeder has done) is not really enough - a good breeder will also be testing for other conditions these days especially MRI scanning for syringomyelia and you can also DNA test for dry eye and episodic falling syndrome these days. Have a look at some of the pups for sale on the champdogs website - they have some fully health tested pups on there.

Also make sure the mother and father of the pups are over 2 and a half years old. It is only at maturity that the tests should be done.