Pet Lovers

[Mustang Shar]

I've had large breed dogs most of my married life. I'm single now and recently retired, taking care of elderly Mom.

My research of the breed and Merit AKC breeders is most informative! This is a loving gentle breed that would be the perfect fur friend to share my life with. 

If you have or had Cavaliers can you post your experiences? I want to know as much as possible so she has a great home with me.

I have sent emails, to AKC Merit breeders but no replies. Perhaps because of the Holidays, they are too busy.  I've looked at Cavalier Rescue site in my state, but that doesn't appear to be a good fit, because of temperament or puppy mill breeding. 

Thanks so much

[NickNack]

@Mustang Shar  I've had five Cavaliers over the years.  They are absolutely the most wonderful sweetest dogs.  They get along well with other dogs and love people.  They do shed a lot though, which is why I have a French Bulldog now instead of another Cavalier.  

I'm sure you know about their heart condition.  Lots of Cavaliers get mitral valve disease.  All of my Cavaliers had it, but none got it when they were young.  One of my Cavaliers died from it, but the others died from cancer.  My oldest lived to be 14.  I've rescued them and bought from breeders.  There have been studies on MVD in Cavaliers, and there's a breeding protocol that's supposed to be followed.  

I can highly recommend getting a Cavalier.  You won't be sorry.  They're just fabulous dogs.  If you have any other specific questions, just ask.

[RainyDayGal]

The puppies are expensive!!!  Please, keep researching rescue groups and don't rule out other breeds.  There are so many wonderful dogs sitting in shelters that need homes.    They are there through no fault of their own and they need loving familes. Visit your local humane societies.

I volunteer at a local shelter and see dogs that are surrendered and I just cry because the dogs didn't do anything wrong. Large dogs. Small dogs.  Young. Old. They all need loving homes.

[Sooner]

Can I put in another word for getting a dog from a breeder?  It is important for dogs too that people buy and support reputable breeders so that different breeds of dogs, which fit different lifestyles and purposes, continue to exist and improve.  

I've recently heard a couple of vets talking about how important this is, and how we are heading to a single breed of mostly lab-mix dog, which would greatly reduce genetic mixes and be bad for dogs in generations to come.

While it is great to adopt, it is just as great to get a puppy from a breeder, see it's parents, and have a better idea of how the animal might grow up and fit your needs.  And if you think a certain breed of dog is just wonderful, it's great that you have the choice.

[Lyttlewyng]

I also own a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and I support everything NickNack said in the above post.  I am new to the breed but at seven months old, our little girl is just a darling pup and learns something new on her own quite quickly.   She's a very affectionate dog, devoted to her human companions and loves everyone that she meets!  Thus, not a very good watch dog as she would happily lead the burglar to the jewels!  Nevertheless, I highly recommend the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  They are easy to spoil.  : )

[GingerPeach]

@Mustang Shar

I got my first dog from a top (as in good, not as in volume) breeder of Papillons.  But, not a puppy.  The dog I took home (after the interview, etc.) was an older dog, a retired dog.  Back then, I thought I might be allergic to dogs, but after living with my Papillon, it turned out I "outgrew" the allergy.  

I used to sneeze and get a throat tickle every time I got near labs or most other dogs.  Papillons do not have an undercoat and that's one reason they were said to be better for folks with allergies.

Anyway, getting an older dog from a breeder might be a route for you if your heart is set on this breed.  Puppies aren't the be-all and end-all -- seriously.  Nothing against puppies, but perhaps don't make them your first or only option.

Older dogs make wonderful companions, and they do bond with you just as a younger dog would.  

Since that first dog, I've only adopted older dogs from shelters.  They've all been wonderful, each in their own way.

[Kachina624]

They are very high on the adorable scale but there is the heart issue.   Vets charge as much as doctors nowadays and vet specialists like a cardiologist cost even more.   I spent the past year dealing with a dog with serious medical issues,  saw a internist and had no surgery and the bill still came to just  under $10,000.  Then she had to be put down anyway. 

I personally would not consider this breed for that reason.   There are many cute little dogs from which to choose.  My choice would be a miniature poodle... Smart,  non-shedding and personality plus.   Small but not too small. 

[Carmie]

I currently have two female CKCS.  They are both whole colored.... A Ruby and a Black and Tan.  They are 4 and 5 years old.

I have always had dogs..... Only 1 at a time, but these are the BEST dogs ever.  I have two of them.  I would not hesitate to own another one.

They are sweet and adorable and so loving.  They are not dogs that can be left alone.  They must be in company of another pet or human or they won't be happy.  If you work full time, they might not be the breed for you.... And yes, they do shed a lot.

They are expensive.  I paid more than 2k for each of mine.  I also have pet health insurance.  Both of my dogs are healthy and have no heart problems.  Research your breeder before you buy.

I can tell you that CKCS breeders are snobby and very cautious.  It can be difficult to purchase one from a reputable breeder.  They are trying to keep backyard breeders from breeding puppies that could have genetic problems.  Good breeders test and retest the parents before they are allowed to breed.  Most breeders show their dogs and only breed when they need a new dog and sell the pet quality pups.

Cavalier Rescue has some really nice dogs.  Some are there only because their owners have passed.  Google Cavalier Rescue often and fill out an application.  They sometimes have puppies that will never get shown on their website.

I love this breed and highly recommend them.

[GCR18]

My mother has one.  She's eight.  No heart problems.  Very affectionate.  As stated, she's not a watch dog and will lead a robber to the jewels.  She's really good with children.  She does have ear problems.  Her ear canal is narrow and she itches it.  The vet has her on one pill a day.  As long as she gets her pill, she's fine.

[Mustang Shar]

Thank everyone here!

This is a great place to obtain information, other than Cav forums. Yes, pricey but fortunately, money isn't an issue.

Perhaps I should put in an application with rescue, but the ones I'm seeing might be problematic? I am home nearly all the time, if I'm not my 88 year old disabled Mom, is home. I think this dog would give her so much joy to keep up her spirits also.  I'd be the one who takes care of the dog.

Yes, I'd LOVE a retired breeder Cav. Young adult, trained and socialized would be just the best. I emailed an Illinois Merit breeder as they had a retired one that I am most interested in! 

The only concern, is I would have to train the dog not to follow my Mom when she walks ever so slowly, in her walker. One and only concern I have.  I've already looked up a trainer I'm interested in, should I get a puppy. I'd prefer young adult.

keep the comments coming, I'm like a sponge , soaking up everything I read. 😀