 abbycat4232 PostsJoined 5/19/2007Maryland I saw a segment on these dogs on Animal Planet and wondered if any of you had one. About a year ago I adopted a greyhound (former racer) and I loved that dog. Most greys, when they retire from racing, are "couch potatoes." Not this one. My Vet. even told me she was hyper and needed room to run, which I couldn't provide since I live in a condo. Even the 2 - 45 minute walks a day weren't enough. So, after 3 months, I sadly returned her to the rescue group ..... they were absolutely hateful towards me, but I won't go into all that. Anyhow, I still would like to have a dog - a small one - and this segment intrigued me about these Spaniels. I've been doing some reading about them, and they sound very loveable and people-friendly. They're adorable. I wouldn't want to get a puppy, but a rescue. Part of me is "gun shy" after my last experience, so I'm wondering if any of you can provide me with more info. on these pups. Thanks, abby <*)))><
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3blackdogs1273963293.7420 PostsRegistered 3/19/2006 They are wonderful dogs, good with people and animals and kids. Very smart, loving and love to please. Am sorry to hear that your adoption didn't work. I volunteer at our shelter and animals are sometimes returned and hopefully she will have a new home that will be better informed by reswcue group now that they have more info on her. Puppies and little dogs need lots of exercise and training also - when you are ready to get a new dog, enjoy them!!! abbycat, I have 2 rescued "greyts", who are both 10 years old, one is a 100% couch potato and other a bit of a drama queen...lol. I have 5 dogs...the greyhounds, a mixed Golden Retvr/Yellow Lab, a hound mix (medium sized dog) and a rat terrier. All of them are rescues or strays. I had a friend who once had a KC Spaniel and she dearly loved him. She's a dog lover too and said he was the smartest dog she'd ever had. Good luck with your search and I hope you find the perfect dog for you. abbycat1273975817.8874232 PostsRegistered 5/19/2007Maryland Interesting thing is, I, too, am a volunteer at the Humane Society in my city. Apparently the group I'd adopted from had 3/4 of their dogs returned last year and mine was sort of "the icing on the cake," so to speak, so I got all of their wrath. But, it has really made me very wary, I will admit. So, I sit on the fence - I'd love the companionship as I live alone (with 2 cats), but I'm half afraid to try again. And, if I do ... I may just go to the shelter and see what's available. I don't want to go through the upset again of having to give up a dog I really loved and then having the roof fall in on me. Oh well, time will tell I guess. Thanks for your advice. abby <*)))>< My Cavalier KC is laying beside me sleeping. She is the BEST and I mean that with all my heart. My daughter and I just love her so much. Her name is Lilee and she is a Blenheim color. Almost 2 years old. She loves people and she is so excited when we come home from work/school. If you work a lot or not around I would not recommend this breed. They LOVE people and she has to be with us in the same room. I knew all this when I looked into getting this breed. Sweet, lovable,She loves kids. and if you like dog's that want to sit on your lap, she's your kind of dog. Love Sponge is another name for this breed. They are lap dogs and that suits her to a T. Downside is they have Lot's of health problems. Eyes, heart, brain. It did not deter me from getting this breed, but I do know it's a possibility she could get something. We take her for her yearly physical and do the best we can with heart worm pills and flea and tick prevention. We will love her no matter what for how ever long she is able to be with us. You won't be sorry for getting a dog in this breed. Hope this helps. shopping girl abbycat1273978497.84232 PostsRegistered 5/19/2007Maryland Hi shoppinggirl ..... did you get her as a puppy? I see that the puppies are around $2,000 in my area. That's why I was thinking of an adult. Also, thinking of a cockapoo. I don't work as I'm retired, so being away for long periods isn't an issue. Thanks so much for your input .... it's pretty much what they said on Animal Planet which was why this little dog really appealed to me. abby <*)))>< On 5/15/2010 abbycat said: Hi shoppinggirl ..... did you get her as a puppy? I see that the puppies are around $2,000 in my area. That's why I was thinking of an adult. Also, thinking of a cockapoo. I don't work as I'm retired, so being away for long periods isn't an issue. Thanks so much for your input .... it's pretty much what they said on Animal Planet which was why this little dog really appealed to me. abby Hi. Yes, we got her as a puppy. She was 2 months old when we got her. There were two puppies I let the dog pick me. For a while they were both the same and then lilee spent more time with than the other so I picked her. I paid $1K which was about the going rate for the breed. I have heard you can get older dogs from the shelter even some Cavaliers. Good luck with whichever breed you decide. I'm sure you'll be very happy!! and so will your dog.  shopping girl violann1274121829.1435403 PostsRegistered 12/12/2004 I once went to a seminar about therapy dogs, and when asked if any breeds were particularly well suited to loving people and helping them feel better, the trainer said "Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, without question". 3blackdogs1274125113.803420 PostsRegistered 3/19/2006 abbycat: From one volunteer to another...you weren't wrong to return your dog. Our shelter has a great adoption rate of 98% of ALL dogs brought to us and a relatively low return rate, but as I posted before not all adoptions work out and many times the dog's true personality doesn't come out until they are out of the shelter and comfortable. Wish you were here I have the perfect dog....9 yr old Coonhound who is a chubby, coach potato who likes leisurely walks with plenty of time for love breaks. She is a love and will probably go to her new home soon. hang in there, when the time is right you will find your new perfect friend!!!! SilverB1274317695.043144 PostsRegistered 10/2/2007Western Massachusetts We had a tri-color Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for 8 years. He was a wonderful dog but had the atrial heart issues common to that breed. He passed away on January 1st, one day after his 8th birthday. We were heartbroken losing him so early. We have rescued a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/Cocker Spaniel and she is also just a love. She looks very much like our Cavalier but is a bit more peppy and doesn't have the heart issues. We thought about a Cavalier/Poodle, too, but found this beautiful dog in rescue. Good luck with your search for a new dog. Cavaliers are just wonderful and loving dogs. This is our first dog from rescue and are very pleased with our new dog and that whole process. Silver LeslieR1274528714.713316 PostsRegistered 10/6/2004 My best suggestion is to read everything and anything about a particular breed - talk to breeders and make sure you ask about the negative with any breed (they all really do have a list of pro and con). Each dog is different, just like people - even within a breed. A Cavalier is a wonderful dog, very childlike and requires your attention -even a rescue group will take you through a lengthy list of things. They don't like being left alone for long periods, do need exercise, but have very sweet temperment. So sorry your greyhound was not the right dog for you, but you tried and the rescue group didn't need to be nasty. Patience and perseverance may pay off in the long run - keep an eye on those local shelters - get on wait lists - talk to area veterinarians - read and read - now that it is Spring/Summer you might even visit dog shows in your area. I am a big advocate for rescues - but believe it or not breeders get returns, rescues, referrals. Listen to your gut and make sure you choose the right dog for you, not just what is popular. Packaging is attractive, but never judge a book by it's cover - content is far more important. france541274531768.5233239 PostsRegistered 1/29/2010  The first step is deciding to get a dog! [good for you] I think the best advice is what was posted about going online and getting as much information about the breed as possible!! Good luck what ever you decide, and come visit us on the pet lovers forum, where you can get a lot of information about animals ... our ladies are a fountain of information... and good advice! Have a wonderful weekend
Life is too short to sweat the small stuff! On 5/19/2010 Silver_B said: We had a tri-color Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for 8 years. He was a wonderful dog but had the atrial heart issues common to that breed. He passed away on January 1st, one day after his 8th birthday. We were heartbroken losing him so early. We have rescued a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/Cocker Spaniel and she is also just a love. She looks very much like our Cavalier but is a bit more peppy and doesn't have the heart issues. We thought about a Cavalier/Poodle, too, but found this beautiful dog in rescue. Good luck with your search for a new dog. Cavaliers are just wonderful and loving dogs. This is our first dog from rescue and are very pleased with our new dog and that whole process. Silver At how old did you find out your Cavalier had the atreial heart issue? Did you get her tested yearly for this? TIA shopping girl kismet991274586779.2817 PostsRegistered 12/18/2009 I have a male cavalier named Rusty. He is a ruby cavalier. He is the best dog I have ever owned. The most loving creature on the planet. He wouldn't hurt a flea. He is very eager to please, was very easy to train, and he is the love of my life. I would recommend this breed to everyone. naturalfan1274587124.933052 PostsRegistered 1/27/2009 I don't have a King Charles (I have a lab and a terrier mix) but two of my neighbors have the King Charles. They are both the sweetest, most loving dogs and I have to admit, they are absolutely gorgeous. Good luck Lannie1274587772.671013 PostsRegistered 10/6/2004 My daughter has one & he is the most loveable people friendly dog I have ever seen. He is not hyper or yappy. Loves to be with you and take walks and is also a perfect lap dog, although he got bigger than what they thought he would. I keep telling my daughter he would make a perfect therapy pet at our hospital, but she just doesn't have the time to do that. She paid under $1K, but this was a few years ago and I think it matters what area you live in. He is black with some brown & he draws attention wherever he goes! SilverB1274618460.223144 PostsRegistered 10/2/2007Western Massachusetts Shoppinggirl59, We got our tri-color Cavalier as a puppy and early on our vet heard heart irregularities. We changed vets, so he had a different one and she also heard the heart problem. It was never suggested we put him on any heart medication. We took him for his regular vet appts. I've read that by age 5 fully 50% of Cavaliers have this same heart issue. It was very difficult to lose him at age 8. The breeder claims she's never had any Cavaliers with heart issues. It's just a wonderful breed of dog. It is a shame there seems to be so many health issues. Silver antyel1274622016.62710585 PostsRegistered 10/6/2004Miami call Kristin Davis - she has Elizabeth Taylor lol. Beautiful doggie "I Am Woman Hear Me Roar"
14 year breast cancer survivor!!
Thanks Silver B. I had read about all the health issues but wondered how you found out about the heart issue. I thought I had read something early on that you needed to have all these tests done to see if there were any heart problems. Lilee goes to the vet in June for her yearly check up. I know they listen to her heart but I will be on the look out for anything out of the norm. I know what you mean about the health issues, I just wonder why they cannot find something in the breeding to hault this nasty defect. They said people still buy the dogs knowing all these problems (as I did) and I wouldn't have changed it for a minute. We just love her so much and will enjoy every minute we do have with her and hopefully will be for a long time. take care and thanks again. shopping girl abbycat1274659699.7574232 PostsRegistered 5/19/2007Maryland Thank you all for your input. abby <*)))><
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