Anyone got a cavalier king charles spaniel ?

[mummydoc]

we want to get a puppy for dds aged 2 and 61/2, both love dogs -it willhave to be tolerent, like walks but be bale to be left alone ( we were thinking of dogflap into garden which is large and secure) for periods of about 4-5 hrs. i htought a ckcs would be great - any body out htere with one and what do oyu think, we want something smallish so lab too big also where did you get yours from ?

we had one when i was a child and he was totally lovely - i think they are one of the best breeds of dog for having around children!!!

We had the same set up - he went in and out through the cat/dog flap and was happy to do so.

A very loving dog!!

They do have a tendency to heart problems though

We have had 2 cavs-totally adorable but yes prone to heart problems.Make sure you get a heart and lung vet check thingy certificate before you agree to sale.Both my cavs have had heart probs, but bonnie lived to 14 years and her dd1 poppy is now 11 > She had a stroke and is on heart tabs but still people think she looks like a puppy ! They have been totally tolerant of all three children.Over the years have been pushed about in prams and dressed up as princesses ! We both work and so they are home alone all day (i work shifts so only part of the day ). They molt a bit so i have mine washed and clipped short every 3 months (about 15-20 quid ), so we have no smell and no hair .
They are very good lap dogs, so enjoy company.Mine have never ever snapped at the children despite some torment. I would recommened them as a family dog every time.Good luck x

had one as a kid

she slept, snored, put on loads of weight, got sat on by a labrador, refused to go out if we passed the car and she realised she wouldn't be getting in it

Brilliant dogs for kids - my parents have had labs, poodles, etc, but both my DSs love the cavs best - fun but patient and not likely to bowl the littlies over like v sweet but v exuberant labrador types. Mum knows breeder with v good rep in W Midlands if that's any use.

I've been told they are prone to something called 'fly-catching syndrome' where they snap at the air in a frenzy even though there is nothing there. I don't know any more than that but it may be worth finding out if you really want a cav, just to make sure yours is ok.

My mum breeds cav's and I have never heard of fly catching syndrome??

They are prone to heart problems and always get a puppy that has had eye and heart tests although it doesn't always mean they will not have probs.

They are fab with kids but can get lazy and fat if you let them

I haven't made it up, honest!

We had one and it was so possessive over my mum - and her stuff. It used toi guard her handbag if she had mints in it! We couldn't get near it!

I always thought they would make a brilliant little boys dog. Sam was tolerant and got very lazy and fat! But I suppose with two little boys to walk one yours would be ok! Defo get one!

My parents have two, and they are great with the children. THe eldest is nearly 13 and the younger one is 11, and they are so good natured. Walks - they love them, but aren't too fussed if they don't get them, and they are left for about 4-5 hours in a day with no problem.

thankyou so much - i feel really excited now and would definightly like the breeders name please Lorax. LOL at the dressing up as princesses and being oushed in pram - can certainly see that happening ! ( remember doing it to my cat when i was a child )