MIL is about to inherit a Cavvie, what should she know, good and bad?!

[YoureBreakingMyHeartCecilia]

Inheriting it from a friend who can no longer look after it. I think it’s about 2 or 3 years old.

MIL is early 70s and in good physical (not great mental) health.

Small flat with a bit of outside space, near a park.

She will be a doting owner, that’s the one guarantee!!

But is this a bad idea?! She’s owned dogs before and honestly I think this one could be so good for her as she’s lonely and needs the companionship. But are they easy, as breeds go? I mean obviously they need exercise and love and stimulation. But are they big barkers? Aggressive with people they don’t know? (Our 7 year old DD will have quite a lot of interaction with the dog, she’s very good with dogs and loves them but I worry that as the primary owner is my MIL and previous owner was elderly the little dog might not be used to kids and might get stressed/snappy)

Are they nice dogs, usually?

I’m so hopeful and excited that this could give MIL a real structure and companionship that she badly lacks. But I worry too she might be biting off more than she can chew (no pun intended) as she hasn’t owned a dog for many years and tends to be neurotic about, well, everything... if CKCS are a laid-back breed that will help...!!

Health, health and health. They have horrendous health issues so I would want a very very thorough health check before going forward or your Mum could be up for a lot of expense and heartbreak.

They are breed to be companion dogs and are generally happy if they have lots of company.

Thanks Polly!

Yep I’ve just been reading up on them and seen the health issues are there ANY healthy ones?!?

Oh dear maybe we should be talking her out of it...!!!

Afaik this one is healthy so far, I think MIL would know if it hadn’t been as the current owner is a good friend of hers.

But it’s still young so I guess time to develop health issues.

Oh dear. I will talk to DH. The last thing his mum needs is the worry of a poorly dog.

Sigh. Had been hoping this would work out; MIL is so keen for it to go ahead too as she wants a dog but is only really happy with a dog she already knows.

They are amazing companions and super friendly (from what I know). Health issues are a worry, but to be honest all pedigree breeds have health issues of some kind

Amazing companions and super friendly ticks the right boxes Xela!!

We’re going to have to discuss the health issues with MIL I think, see what her thoughts are. Perhaps if she’s forewarned...

I would go for it personally if it's a nice little dog and a known quantity - be very careful about buying a puppy cav or cav cross as it can support irresponsible breeding, but in this case as presumably the alternative is rescue for the dog it's probably worth it. They do have horrible health problems as a breed as you've seen, so do get a vet check and good insurance, and prepare yourself for the fact that average lifespan for a cav would be 8-10 rather than than the 12-15 you might get in other breeds, but if your MIL is too fragile to cope with potential future health problems she probably shouldn't get any dog as it's always a possibility as they get older - at least with this dog having reached adulthood with no serious health issues it's slightly less of a risk than with a puppy.

Personally I love cavs and if it wasn't for the aforementioned health issues they'd be my first choice for a pet/family dog - and for what it's worth all the ones I've known have been very healthy until the age of about 8 when health problems can creep in. They are the perfect mix IMO of active enough to enjoy long walks and running around playing with kids (providing they are exercised regularly and kept in reasonable condition, you see some horribly fat ones waddling about struggling to breathe which only exacerbates the pre-existing heart condition risks ) but also chilled and sweet and affectionate enough to be a lapdog and enjoy slobbing around on a sofa of an evening. A lovely companion for a reasonably active older person. I wouldn't say they are particularly barky or aggressive although as with all dogs it depends on (a) the individual personality and (b) how they are trained and handled.

You would probably need to manage introductions to DD carefully as s/he isn't used to children and it will be a lot of change all at once to move to your MILs and meet loads of new people. Do train your child on proper dog interactions (signs the dog is anxious or has had enough etc), try and restrain her natural inclination which will be to be all over the dog, wanting loads of cuddles etc (natural when they are such little cute dogs, the temptation is to treat them like a toy, but you need to give the dog its space and let it come to you just as much with a little dog as a big one) and perhaps be prepared to keep dog and child separate for initial visits - perhaps your MIL could create a little penned off area in the kitchen or similar, then dog can come out for short spells of play/interaction and then retreat to a safe space (or if s/he is crate trained already that can fulfill the same function?

Wow thank you maxelly, that’s so helpful!

Yes I think the alternative for this dog would be a rescue centre as I don’t think there is anyone else able to take it.

Tbh as I say that I think if MIL changes her mind, we will take it!! I don’t want it going to a rescue centre...

They sound great as you describe them. Yes I have just realised I have seen some fat waddly ones too!!! That’s worth remembering. I’ve seen a pic of this one and it’s not fat! Yet...

Ok so health problems tend to creep in around age 8, so 5/6 years away... hmm...

What do you think the odds are on having one that made it to the end of its life without a major issue that significantly shortened its life or made it unwell for much of it? Slim to none, or dependent on luck?!

You’re right of course that any dog can have health problems. We need to check MIL is ok with that.

My nan had a Cavvie when she was late 60s/early 70s and she adored him. He was an ideal dog for her, and she was heartbroken when he passed (i think he was only 8). As for the grandchild, I was 2 when my nan got hers so grew up with him, and I was besotted with that dog. He never snapped at me (but he was raised around me from a pup)

I haven't read others' responses but they've probably mentioned the problems they can have. My nan's died of heart problems, typical of this breed. My husband grew up with one as well, he had terrible breathing issues, and also died prematurely. I think these are the only downsides to Cavvies really.

They are totally wonderful little dogs. They can have health issues. Most develop a heart murmur but in some it needs no treatment. They do have tendencies to health issues but so do all flatter faced dogs.

I wouldn’t talk her out of it. I have two cavvies and they’re the most beautiful sweet little dogs.

Temperament wise, they are generally speaking extremely sweet, happy, friendly, gentle little dogs, wonderful little companions.

Their health problems cannot be emphasised enough though.
A huge, huge percentage of Cavaliers (think it’s over 80%) develop Mitral Valve heart disease before 10 years old.
I’d get good insurance.

We 'inherited' one aged two. She was highly intelligent and to some extent trainable but she did bark a lot. She doted on our other dog but not particularly on humans although she like someone to be around. She died at 11 but had had some sort of stroke a year before so was somewhat frail.
DMil inherited two old men cav kc . Again they barked and one was naturally rather unfriendly. He died fairly suddenly at about 8/9 and the other dog had a new lease of life and was a lovely pet for a further 3 years or so. I think they make good pets and apart from company don't have many requirements. We had three in my childhood who all died fairly young.

Generally - they’re nice wee companion dogs.

Yep the health is shocking and I wouldn’t buy one, but, a young adult that she already knows? Sure.

Btw, if it goes in a rescue it’ll not be there long, that’s the type of dog that’ll probably never even make it on to the website before it’s rehomed.

Her best bet is to have a really detailed conversation with the present owner. Although there can certainly be trends in breeds each dog is an individual and there will be a wealth of information about temperament, needs, behaviour, present health (although of course not future health and that can be a real concern with cavvies) just in the asking.

My MIL bought herself a Cavalier when she was in her late 80s and the dog has been a godsend - its her reason for getting up to walk the dog which she adores. Luckily she hasn't had a lot of health issues (the dog!) but she is a terrible scavenger - she's had to have peach stones removed surgically and stomach pumped from eating grapes chocolate etc. As my MIL is elderly we have to be very careful about what she leaves lying around. Apart from that she's been an ideal companion dog.

Ours is three months old and an absolute joy. Whip smart, great with kids, loves walks and cuddles equally

Thanks everyone! Ok so it looks like major thumbs up on the temperament and major thumbs down on health.

I think we will talk to her about the health and make sure she’s had a good amount of info from her friend the current owner.

Good insurance sounds vital no matter what!

They sound like lovely dogs though in the main. Glad to hear it’s been such a godsend for your mum albird; this is sort of the scenario we are hoping for!!

I've never met one that wasn't absolutely lovely. The only thing imo that lets them down is their health issues.

We have a 9 year old cavalier who is a dream to look after, good insurance is a must but to date our dog is fit and healthy apart from his hearing is not quite as good anymore, and still extremely active.

He is quiet and affectionate in the home and loves everyone he meets but when outside he is active, loves his walks, his ball and swimming all of which helps keeps his weigh down compared to some we see. Barking wise he only really barks if someone knocks at the door and if I am not fast enough throwing his ball! He is fairly smart and has been quick to pick up on learning new hand signals we have had to introduce.

My Brother in law has had 2 who unfortunately did have health issues ( they were also were far more yappy) so whilst I adore mine I think that whilst I would not buy a puppy I would find it hard to resist taking in a rescue.

And of course some photos, one contemplating whether to jump into a bog and one snuggling with his favourite toy that had to be replaced by a very kind mumsnetter.

We have a gorgeous Cavalier. Age 9 and health issues since he was 2 really. As a result 'good insurance' becomes prohibitive. If you opt for a lifetime policy while they are in good health you are guaranteed continuing cover even if they develop serious issues. However you will not be able to change insurance company which means they keep increasing the premium. Several years ago I made the decision to self insure as the alternative was to pay £1500 per year. Goodness knows how much it would have been by now. Get a quote for the insurance now and you will get some idea but it increases dramatically as they get older as the health issues are so common.
Our Cav now has heart problems (MVD) and I somehow doubt he will reach 10 in spite of the expensive medication and care he is having. I would not recommend a Cav which is awful to say because they are such fantastic little dogs and I love our little chap very dearly. But I feel guilty that his breeding causes him so many problems. Our other dog is a heinz 57 with no issues.
We chose the breeder very carefully. It was a kennel club assured breeder and the pups parents had been tested for anything they could be tested for.

We rehomed a cavalier 12 years ago, he’s over 13 now. His health has not been the best - started with epilepsy aged around 2, but it’s been well managed. Now he’s older he’s got some arthritis and he’s completely deaf, he’s definitely really slowed up in the last year and is very obviously an old dog now, but up until maybe 2 years ago he’d still happily walk for hours and was often mistaken for a puppy.

They have the sweetest nature ever, ours is the softest and most loving little thing I adore him. He was endlessly patient with my nieces and nephews who were/ are around a lot and puts up with my now 10 month old who is desperate to pat him all day (he mostly ignored her until weaning but since she’s started chucking food around the place he’s decided they’re friends).

As a younger dog he was really needy in terms of wanting companionship all the time and preferably to be in physical contact with me at all times. Never barked much but very vocal whining when he wanted a walk. These days he’s not much fussed about walks and can take or leave me a lot more, but still good company and enjoys the occasional snuggle.

He’s honestly been the best dog. He’s not the cleverest dog - I’m not sure if that’s a breed thing but certainly he’s not one for tricks or needing much ‘mental stimulation’. When younger he was all about walks though - I read about the breed when we got him and read something like ‘they’re happy to get most of their exercise climbing on and off their owner’s lap’ - absolutely not true in his case he definitely needed two decent walks a day, and loved to walk for hours and hours when able. These days he’s happy with a potter round the garden but like I say that’s only been in the last year.

My (ex) SIL is on her 4th cav - I think they've all been quite healthy, two lived to pretty good ages (one unfortunately slipped the lead and got run over , the other is her current dog ) . Ive not met the latest but the other three were very sweet little chaps, and they were good with kids.

My good friend has one and it honestly the calmest sweetest dog I’ve ever met and call her my soul dog she’s 8 years old and I’ve never heard her bark honestly apparently the occasional time she has she’s scared her self. My friend lives in a first floor flat and it’s perfectly toilet trained she’s recently started having some health problems but I believe it’s because she was never spayed lovely dogs IMO.

I am mid 70s and have just taken on a 5 year old spaniel cross - for my mental health and to keep me active
Someone in early 70s who lives alone needs a companion and there would be a good few years for the cavalier king charles dog before major health problems.
As others have said - better for the dog than being sent to a rescue and better for your MIL. No dogs have zero health problems and the dog deserves a doting home for however many years.

Aggressive with people they don’t know? (Our 7 year old DD will have quite a lot of interaction with the dog, she’s very good with dogs and loves them but I worry that as the primary owner is my MIL and previous owner was elderly the little dog might not be used to kids and might get stressed/snappy) The dog's temperament will be influenced by genetics and it’s early socialisation. Unfortunately, Cavies are often puppy farmed. Do you know where the current owner got the dog from? Did she meet its mother? Do you know how the breeder and the current owner socialised it in the first 16 weeks of its life?

Decent breeders normally ask that dogs are returned to them if their owners are no longer able to care for them. Do you know if the current owner has contacted the breeder to offer him/her first refusal of the dog?

We had cavvies growing up and they are beautiful souls but yes health issues are common. Some may not be apparent with a young dog so consider the affordability of big vet bills 5 years down the line