Tell me about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

[monkeywithacowface]

Have been dog broody for years but it's never been the right time. It feels like now circumstances are right and I know the ds's would love it (it would be my dog though, am well aware that the novelty of walking in the rain and picking up crap wears off with kids pretty soon).

Have been looking at small breeds that are good for families and cavaliers seem to pop up quite a bit. Just wanted to know what people's experiences were. I know that they can be prone to certain health conditions (but that seems to be something that has come up with a lot of breeds that I've looked at so not sure how to reduce that risk)

Haven't discounted the idea of a whippet but we do have an old cat so not sure we should risk that. Haven't discounted a rescue dog by any means either.

Not rushing into anything would probably not be looking at getting one until next year but do want to do my research first.

These pictures are lovely! Welly it's really interesting what you say about colours and characteristics - have you owned all four colours?

My mum has had 3. Lots of health issues and her current wee dog has just been diagnosed with syringomyelia. I wouldn't have one.

My dog, pictures above, is a ruby. I haven't had rubies before, she's hugely affectionate. Her breeder compared the colours of Cavaliers:
Blenheims, brown and white in colour, will sit and look at you from the other end of the sofa.
Tricolours, black, brown and white, will sit next to you.
Rubies, brown, will sit ON you - whether you want them to or not!
I'm not sure where Black and Tans would sit!!
I've had 4 Blenheims, 4 Tris and lastly my Ruby. Relatively, the Blenheims are independent and loyal to one owner, the Tris are gregarious and my Ruby she's the most determined and affectionate of the lot! My vet friend, who delivered my ruby, is especially fond of Ruby coloured Cavaliers.

Welly So many Cavaliers - I'm very envious .

My Blenheim boy was in a litter of 2 Blenheims and 2 Rubies - I'd have loved a Ruby as well, but the other pups were spoken for. You don't see so many black and tans - my breeders had one, but she was retired. I always have a good (covetous) look if I see one and about . I think, from memory, the black and tan gene is recessive to ruby so that might explain why there aren't so many of them.

Welly my Blenheim's favourite spot is around the back of my neck like a scarf, on top of my head, or on my actual face. When I wake up in the morning he hears my alarm go off and comes and plonks his head across my head and snores there gently while I get a mouth full of his ear fur. Not good for anyone who likes their personal space haha

Haha so true about rubies, my little ginger is not happy until he's physically sprawled over as much of me as he can manage. He's pretty needy in terms of company/attention so fairly high maintenance in that sense too compared to other dogs I've known, though since I love nothing better than snuggling and fussing him it works out ok.

Oh gosh all these beautiful dog photo's! It would be very easy to ignore the health issues seeing and hearing about all these lovely creatures! Gah!

9 Cavaliers is a lot, but it is a 40 year history of them! I won't be without a ruby as this one is so special, though I like a Black and Tan next to know what they're like!

Your ruby is truly gorgeous WellyMummy. Can I ask if you find pet insurance expensive (if you have it) and has it covered the typical Cav health issues?

Buying any dog carries a risk. Yes, Cavs do have health issues, but that's where selecting the right breeder and doing your research is vital.

My family have always bought dogs with a pedigree. As well as my Cavs I also have a Labrador. Last Easter my Labrador took poorly and 10 days later I had to have her PTS. She was only 7. I still don't know what the exact issue was and the whole event was extremely traumatic. My point is that there are all sorts of risks in owning a dog, careful research and ownership can minimise but not exclude risk. Dog ownership is so much more than the things we have discussed.

Whilst I don't want to encourage anyone to buy a dog without careful consideration of the impact dog owning has on a family, Cavaliers can be a good choice for a family. Then again, if you buy a different breed, that just leaves more Cavaliers for me!! 🐶🐶🐶

Yes I've been reading a lot of information about a lot of breeds and like you say there are pro's and cons/risks with any kind of dog. Whichever breed we go for I won't be doing anything until I've researched how to find the most reputable of breeders.

Must admit if you guys hadn't posted such lovely pictures I would have merrily dismissed cavaliers but have come full circle!

i am on my fifth ruby cavalier boy....started when my youngest dd was aged 2, it was her second birthday present.
The most wonderful dogs for families, especially with young children.
All five have been happy, affectionate, easy going dogs. Never aggressvie, easy to train, love their families .
I chose one orginally as i wanted a dog small enough to take to our holiday home and also small enough to not knock my small daughter over.
However 3 out of five have had heart problems, but with medication they all lived past 12 yrs and one lived to 15. All were happy and active right up to the end.

Sorry Monkey, I missed your question about insurance. I haven't insured my dogs. My last Cavalier to be on heart meds was 15 years ago, her meds then cost about £1 per day and she was on them for the last 18 months or so. When she went on them she got a renewed zest for life and they made a big difference.

Not trying to tip the balance (because I really do think the health issues need to be taken seriously) but my boy had a haircut today and the groomer put a bandana on him and it's just too bloody cute not to share ....

Ooh, he's got such a cute little face!

Have you considered an American cocker? They are equally adorable as the cav. I have had 4, all made it to double figures, my current old girl is 13. They have a very loving, playful nature.

Wombletor Have you by any chance got a picture of your girl - American cockers are lovely!

My babies! 8 now no health issues yet! Most loving friendliest dogs but thick as shit

We adopted ours when she was 2 - we knew little about their health problems when we took her on. She's been an amazing little dog - we can take her anywhere and she'll just snuggle into her bed or sit on our laps. She does like us to be around all the time but we're retired, so she's rarely alone.

She developed a heart murmur last year and is on medication for that, but no health issues apart from that. We've worked hard to keep her slender and fit - here she is, in the groomer's latest pic, with rather fluffy ears. She is 13 now and still enjoys her walks on the beach and hills.