Select a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you are looking for one of the most charming companions in the canine community, consider the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavaliers are the largest breed in the Toy Dog category and make wonderful pets for people with many different lifestyles. Read further to decide whether a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might be the ideal friend for you.

Steps

 * 1) Be mindful that as a Toy dog breed, the average Cavalier King Charles Spaniels stands only 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 13 to 20 lbs. Due to their diminutive size, they are easy dogs to handle for most owners and have happy, energetic, easy-going personalities that make them a great choice for most families, singles and seniors. However, as with any small animal, be careful if you are buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy for a family with young children who may unintentionally handle the puppy too roughly. In some cases, buying an older, adult Cavalier may be the better choice.
 * 2) Consider care and grooming needs of your new pet. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have luxurious silky coats and come in four different color combinations known as Blenheim (chestnut red and white), Black and Tan, Tricolor (chestnut red, white and black) and Ruby (solid chestnut red). Their coats benefit from regular brushing to distribute the oils in their coats and keep them tangle free. However, Cavaliers traditionally never have their coats trimmed and they generally only require bathing every several weeks or so.
 * 3) Determine your ability and commitment to spending time with your dog. Cavalier Spaniels are indoor dogs that were traditionally bred as lap dogs. They become quite attached to their "people companions" and do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods of time well. If your pet will be alone often, particularly as a puppy, consider choosing a breed that has less separation anxiety than a Cavalier.
 * 4) Be warned that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not make good guard dogs. Individuals looking for a dog to provide protection should select another breed.
 * 5) Prepare to provide your pet with regular exercise. Cavaliers are small dogs that will not require perhaps as much room to run as a large breed such as a Golden Retriever. However, they are energetic spaniels who love to play and explore the out-of-doors. Individuals considering this breed should be prepared to provide regular exercise to keep their Cavalier healthy. For athletic owners, Cavaliers can gradually be trained and developed to be great outdoor companions, and can accompany you on long walks/hikes with proper care.
 * 6) Plan to put forth a reasonable effort to locate and interview a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder to ensure that you will adopt a healthy puppy with a suitable disposition. Never consider buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from a pet store or an Internet broker. Make appropriate inquiries about hereditary weaknesses that have evidenced themselves in this breed, including mitral valve disease, syringomyleia, patellar luxation, retinal dysplasia, among others. A reputable breeder will be able to give you the history of the puppy's parents and grandparents, including written health test results, and explain what medical examinations he has obtained to demonstrate that his dogs are healthy.The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel must be brushed weekly to prevent mats and tangles. Special attention must be given to the hair behind the ears. The Cavalier has a tendency to develop heart abnormalities early in life. It is extremely important to have regular veterinary examinations. They are also prone to allergies, deafness, cataracts, and diabetes.
 * 7) Be prepared for the financial commitment of owning a dog and in particular a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Though prices obviously vary around the world, expect to spend $500 to $3,500 for a purebred Cavalier puppy. You should also allow for the cost of outfitting your dog with items such as a crate/kennel/bed, collar and leash, toys, pet food and veterinary care. Though most owners find the unconditional love they get from their Cavaliers far outweighs the monetary cost, it is wise to know what to expect before making your decision to own a Cavalier Spaniel.

Tips

 * Cavaliers often suffer separation anxiety from their owners, particularly when they are puppies. Make sure that you are a patient person if you are considering one of these animals. They do not respond well to negative punishment; it actually increases their anxiety.

Warnings

 * The breed suffers from a number of severe genetic defects, including mitral valve heart disease, syringomyelia, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye disorders such as retinal dysplasia and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye).

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Buy a Purebred Puppy
 * How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs
 * How to Choose Healthy Dog Food
 * How to Give a Small Dog a Bath

Sources and Citations

 * To further research Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, consider visiting the following websites:
 * http://www.ackcsc.org
 * http://www.ckcsc.org
 * http://www.thecavalierclub.co.uk
 * http://www.ckcscsc.com
 * Is a Cavalier the right dog for you?