New Puppy

[posiepurrs]

Hubby wants another dog. He has decided he wants a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. In doing some research on the breed, I have found they have several very severe health issues. Anyone have any experience with this breed? We have never had one before - a lot of other breeds, but not this one.

 

[Alejandra Rico]

I didn't hace first-hand experience with this breed, but I have known people who owned dogs of this breed.
You are right about health problems, they tend to have heart issues ( being small dogs, they can easily get overweight, thus making heart problema even worse) a d lots of eye-related problems which require surgery.
Of course, I know you will only aquire one of these dogs through reputable breeder, so you should be safe in this, ethical breeders test their dogs looking for this kind of issues to ban those genes from their breeding programs.
As this dogs can be on the hyper side, I suggest selecting a very low energy puppy, so that the dog won't drive your cats crazy. That is, unless your husband does really want to take the dog for long walks, jogging or hunting, of course.
I hope someone can actually help you in this, I know mine contribution is not really helpful

 

[posiepurrs]

I knew about the health issues. Never heard that about being hyper, just that if they are raised with cats they do fine. Truthfully I am not sure I want another dog- I have enough grooming to do as it is with the cats and our Sheltie (who has a massive coat!).

 

[jcat]

The problem I've read/heard about is that their craniums can be malformed, i.e., the skull is too small for the brain, but there are a host of health problems they're prone to. Some of them are discussed here:
https://vet.osu.edu/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/cavalierKingCharlesSpaniel.pdf

 

[posiepurrs]

I think he may have changed his mind on the breed - too much bad health to deal with. He wasn't planning on doing anything soon anyway. I am relieved - feel awful saying that because I love dogs too, but I know who would have to groom the dog and right now I have enough to take care of. Besides the wicked side of me says if he thinks we are to old for me to have a kitten to show, why are we young enough for a puppy?

 

[mightyboosh]

posiepurrs This is very pertinent for me at the moment and before you change your mind completely, I'll tell you of my experiences. We've had six cavs over the years (plus some pups from Sophie and Ruby) and we've got 1 and a half still with our family. The half is my daughters dog who visits regularly. I believe the life span of the breed is officially 9-14 years.

Sam who died aged 14.
Sophie who also died aged 14.
Megan (daughter of Sophie) died aged 13.
Ruby, who sadly passed away only yesterday aged almost 12. RIP gentle Ruby our sweetheart.
Overweight Charlie is 12 and still fit for his size (he's going on a diet).
Honey (daughter of Ruby) is 10 and going strong.
Molly (daughter of Ruby, same litter as Honey) who we gave to our neighbour and is fit as a fiddle and has never been to the vets. You'd think she was a puppy.

All the above, apart from Molly, have only required the vet for routine and maintenance reasons such as minor infections etc.

In those days we didn't think to check about their ancestry and associated problems so we were either very lucky or the frequency of the problems are overstated somewhat. Finding a reputable breeder is key although we didn't think to as said.

In my experience, Cavaliers are the gentlest and sweetest breed of dog and easily take to cats and other animals in their stride. I have never witnessed any real aggression in any of them apart from minor squabbles over food now and again. They're also the cutest dog in my humble opinion. None of them have been 'hyper.' The Cocker Spaniel can be though and can look very similar to cavs depending on any mix they may have.

 

[miagi's_mommy]

I think the hyper one you’re thinking of is the cocker spaniel. All I’ve met have been hyper; cavaliers are more docile. And should be fine with cats.

 

[neely]

posiepurrs

posiepurrs

 

[kristenann]

I've never owned one but I worked at a vet clinic so I've met a number. And I agree they are kind of health disasters, but again working at a clinic I primarily only saw the sick ones. BUT they are the sweetest dogs! They have excellent temperaments and tend to be very low key. I would recommend them

 

[Alejandra Rico]

I think the hyper one you’re thinking of is the cocker spaniel. All I’ve met have been hyper; cavaliers are more docile. And should be fine with cats.

Er... No. I would not confuse those two breeds. I said that then can be on the hyper side, not that they are natural lugar hyper. I just pointed that depending on which kind of activity they are planning to offer to their new dog, they should choose one kind of puppy or another. There are many books about dog breeds that highlight that cavaliers can be hyper due to their hunting background. It is true that the other Spaniel breeds, of which Cocker Spaniel is just one, are in general more active, but not all Cavalier breeders have been selecting "lap" dogs only. Most hunting dogs have a tendency to be very excitable and hyperactive, and this has partially been compensate un cavaliers, but It cannot be fully erradicated.
This being said, I prime individual over breed. One must choose a dog that has an energy level and activity needs similar to ones own, and provide limits, discipline and routines to make the dog feel happy and part of the pack. As long as this is ok, there should be no problems.

 

[miagi's_mommy]

The err no wasn’t necessary, thanks though!

 

[Alejandra Rico]

The err no wasn’t necessary, thanks though!

Pardon?

 

[posiepurrs]

I have had a cocker spaniel and she wasn't the least bit hyper - dumb as a box of rocks, maybe but not hyper. Really when you are that pretty, I guess you don't need to be smart! We decided to hold off on the new puppy for now, for which I am glad. I really think that the Cavalier would be a mistake, even though they sound like the perfect dog in personality.

 

[DogsSuckButILoveMine!]

Hubby wants another dog. He has decided he wants a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. In doing some research on the breed, I have found they have several very severe health issues. Anyone have any experience with this breed? We have never had one before - a lot of other breeds, but not this one.

Hey, I want to thank this forum.

Exactly one year ago I was a mess and googling all over because I very selfishly (and it is true, it was selfish!) adopted an "elder" terrier mix (those "elder" terriers will kick your butt!). My cat was SHAKING when she saw him. I can't tell you how LOW I felt about myself - how selfish, unfeeling, self-indulgent. I imposed my whim on the I could have given the dog back but the guilt (he is probably around 8-10 yo?) was also overwhelming.

It has now been 12 months. First 4-5 months my cat lived atop the fridge. The guilt was unbearable. She'd run and hide whenever the dog was out (He is 20 lbs). I taught him (very sternly, with a finger-on-your-head-roll-"NO!!!" motion) to not even look at the cat (because he snapped his teeth a her!).

Anyway, this went on for about 7 months. And then gradually.... they were on the floor together.... the cat was sniffing the dog's butt... esp. when he was sleeping... he was sniffing her...

12 months in we have a very well adjusted family. The dog cares about us humans and ignores the cat. The cat is curious and not afraid of the dog.

My message to you is: do not despair, be consistent (punish the interloper dog, gently) and it will be all good! I have no hopes that the dog and the cat will be friends, but they are coexisting peacefully and happily!