How to live with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Cavalier King Charles may be the cutest little dogs on the planet. But what are they to like to live with? Find out what you need to know before you bring one home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leather or Microfiber Furniture
• Tile or wooden floor
• Strong leadership abilities
• Time to cuddle

1. Before considering living with a Cavalier, you must determine your tolerance for shedding. Cavaliers shed at different rates at different times of the year, but they do shed. This is where leather or microfiber furniture comes in handy. If you are opposed to wearing "Cavalier Cashmere," I have found there are certain fabrics that work best and I always look for clothing made with those fabrics.

2. Although not necessary, hard flooring helps with the fur management program. I prefer rugs to carpeting which can be quickly swept up with a Sweepa rubber broom daily and vacuumed at least weekly. Corners are easily cleaned with the vacuum attachment.

3. Cavaliers are so cute that it is hard not to let them push you around. Cavaliers love to eat and will demand to share your food, have a treat, or beg from strangers with those big brown eyes. Do not over feed a Cavalier, too much weight is a terrible strain on the joints and heart.
   
   Although it may seem harmless, doing anything once "just because they are soooooo sweeeet" will make it a new tradition. If you do not want to spend every night with your dog in bed, don't do it once. (*My husband and I sleep with four in a king sized bed.) If you wish to eat in peace, never feed from your plate. Cavaliers don't do well with harsh scolding, but they do need strong leadership so that their cuteness does not breed annoying habits.

4. Many people are surprised by the level of attention and adoration a Cavalier gives to their human. Those that own Cavaliers are familiar with the Cavalier Hug whereby your dog will plant her feet on your shoulders and smother your face with her neck. Alarming at first, you learn to turn your head to the side for a deep breath and then turn back to the dog's neck and hummmmmmm. This is the normal good morning greeting and also to be expected when you return from being away, even if it was only five minutes.
   Not to be overlooked are the health benefits for you: stress relief and blood pressure lowering.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your research. Buy from a breeder who is a member of the CKCSC or ACKCSC clubs to be sure your Cavalier looks and acts like a true cavalier. This will also assure that the dog has been bred with a strong health background. The less you pay for the dog, the more you will pay at the vet.
• Check rescue organizations. Unfortunately, there are Cavaliers from pet stores and backyard breeders that end up without homes, usually due to the social needs or health problems that the owner was not prepared for. Being bred for companionship, they require lots of time with their people. The dogs with health issues are usually quite manageable with proper care and will reward you with the sweetest love you could ever imagine.
• Boy or Girl? It is said, "A girl will love you, a boy will be in love with you." But either way, a Cavalier is so devoted, you will hardly notice a difference.
• You will become invisible to the world as Cavalier cuteness creates a blinder effect with most strangers. It will only be after your dog and said stranger have had a meaningful conversation that the stranger will become aware of the human at the other end of the lead and say hello to you.
• Also known as the Potato Chip (or Lays) dog, it is nearly impossible to stop at just one. Perhaps one of each color?

Resources

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club
• American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club
• The BEST broom for picking up fur.
• Helpful tips, Best dog products rated, Talk about your dog.

[rightpet]

on 11/18/2009 Good overview of the breed. I've seen the big brown eye begging in person and I can see how someone could fall prey to it! What lovable dogs!

[DenaEBolton]

on 3/22/2009 I know someone with a Cavalier. They really are hard to resist! 5* and a recommendation.

[starlet67]

on 3/19/2009 These sound like fascinating dogs! And so cute!Great article on the good, the bad, and everything in between on this breed!5*

[Upon-Request]

on 1/8/2009 They are adorable! Great article for prospective dog owners.

[hoolihan0519]

on 11/25/2008 I have admired these dogs for years. I have never seen one up close but "root" for each one I see at a dog show on t.v. One day I am going to make one my own (or it will make me his own). Thank you.