written by on 28/06/2013
Even with all the warnings about the various health problems this breed can have, I'd hankered after a Cav for years and was over the moon when I got one two years ago for my 40th birthday. As I type this my darling girl is snuggled up right next to me, as close as she can get, in fact so close it amazes me that she can still manage to breath sometimes. She's nearly 6 years old and having got her from a breeder, who'd used her as a puppy breeding machine and was finished with her, in my wish to give Poppy a normal home life, I ignored every piece of advice about seeing heart and health checks before buying her, and jumped in knowing full well it could cost me dearly. However, two years on I'm so blessed that not only is she the absolute joy of my life, she's also, so far, fit as a flea. Yes Cavs can shake the rafters with the vibrations from their snoring and mine in particular has an uncanny ability of finding and rolling in the smelliest thing she can find on our walks, but she'll always come bounding back to me so full of pride and joy to tell me how great she smells, that I can't be annoyed with her for more than 2 seconds. In returrn for cuddles, feeding and regular rides in the car, (which she absolutely loves), every time she sees me she's beside herself with joy, (even if I've only been gone 5 minutes); when she knows she's going out for a walk she literally bounces and spins out the door with excitement; she seems to love me unconditionally; and having realised I like having my feet and ankles massaged at the end of the day, she does the next best thing she can and gives them a thorough wash instead. In short this dog breed is absolutely fabulous and I can't ever see myself getting anything other than Cavs
written by on 16/06/2013
My cavalier will be 10 year old this Christmas, and over the past few days we have noticed that he is breathing heavily. We took him for a walk today and he only got half way and couldn't walk anymore and was struggling for breath, we had to carry him home, he is usually bouncing when we take him over the park and loves checking out everything but now he doesn't want to do anything, not even getting up to greet us when we come home. He is off his food as well and seems to have lost weight in a matter of days. Does anyone have any answers for me, we are taking him to the vets tomorrow but are desperately worried because he has changed so much and it's so upsetting to see him not being his usual lively self.
Written on: 07/10/2013
Sorry to hear your dogs not well, but he might be having trouble with his heart. Cavaliers are prone to heart problems, and your dog is approaching the life span of this breed; 7 - 12. My Cavalier was put to sleep today age almost 13. He had a host of health problems, including diabetes. I am heartbroken
Written on: 02/09/2014
Hi there,
I have a 13yrs old Cavalier mixed maltese. She is more a cavalier by nature. In early August, I took Pearl for a walk and same as you, she sat down and couldn't walk, carried her home and took her to the Vet next day. Was given some medication. First few days, she refused to eat except a bit of water and her smacghos, massage her when ever I could. The next 2 to 3 weeks, she was looking better bouncing and greeting us when we come home, took her slow walk to the Park, looking her usual self. Sadly last Friday, 29th August she was coughing badly and looking weak. Next day I took her for my follow up appointment with the Vet, she looks so weak and her gum was white. Sadly I have to put her down as advised by the Vet. It is very very heartbreaking.
written by jessiegibson11 on 10/12/2012
My little Cavalier is a beautiful small lap dog he is the best dog anyone could wish for. They are the kind of dog that don't need a lot of walking and if you want to go on a 10 mile walk they will happily walk with you but if you want to sit in the house all day he will to. Brilliant with kid's.
written by on 13/06/2012
Was worried about the heart problems but at six years old our female tri colour has no health issues. Apart from injections she has only been to the vets twice, once to be spayed and once with a sore eye after scratching it on a stick. She is the most loving dog, very sociable with humans and other pets. great company, loves a cuddle on the sofa. Would get another one again without hesitation. She is very eager to please you and was easy to toilet train,.
written by nccookie231 on 24/01/2012
We purchased 2 CKCS a female who is now 9 years old and a male who is 7 years old. There are the most loving companions ever. Very easy to housebreak and very easy to train. I've had many dogs and there were without a doubt the best. Our Charlie died today at age 7 of lymph node cancer and we are struggling though this. Our Nell is doing well but is no where a near as active Charlie used to be, so we will see about her. I WOULD NOT HESITATE TO BUY ANOTHER MALE KCC. My charlie was my best best friend and he adored me with such loving eyes that I will nevery forget him. Rosemary Warner North Carolina
written by kirastar69 on 13/01/2012
she had a heart murmur ive been in and out of the vets for 2 months she first had bladder stones so she had a operation to remove them an she went in the vets on a drip cos she wasnt eating and had lost lots of weight she came home after 3 days an seemed ok she ate a little but then went back to not eating she had 2 blood tests a scan but they didnt now why she stopped eating then last thursday night she had 2 strokes and cudnt move she lost the use of one side of her body so i took her to the vets straightaway and they said there was nothing they could do and the kindest thing would be to put her to sleep and i just feel cheated cos she had just turned 7
written by on 30/04/2011
A wonderful, friendly and loyal companion. Our Cav is 5 years old and in perfect health, loves walks but also happy to curl up on the sofa. The easiest dog we have had and we will definately get another one.
written by on 14/03/2011
my cavalier 'woody' is only 5 years old and going rapidly downhill due to mitral heart valve disease, he can no longer go on long walks which he loved so much - it so sad to see. Although they are gorgeous, loving dogs their health problems are too many and too serious. I wouldn't get another because its so devastating to me and my family seeing him this way.
written by on 28/05/2010
I Have a 2.5 year old Cavalier King Charles who's just been diagnosed with a heart murmur. Although I know there are gonna be tough times ahead the love and affection he shows is more than worth it. He is the happiest little dog, his tail never stops wagging, and he's so clever and eager to please. He also had a luxating patella that was operated on about a year ago. Its so sad that he's had to go through so much because he really doesnt deserve it! I cant imagine my life without him around, and although he has health problems it definitely wouldnt stop me getting another Cavalier King Charles in the future!
written by emmamalakian on 29/04/2010
My boyfriend loves cavaliers however I wasnt a fan. Until we got charlie. He was over weight and had a heart problem but what a sweet kind dog. He has been our little foot warmer for over a year now and hes been great.
Great with kids, other pets and although he snores a great family pet.
written by on 23/03/2010
i have two cavalier king charles spaniels and i wouldnt change them for the world, they are considerate and just want to be loved by you constantly. my oldest has epilepsy but other than that have found no health problems as of yet, fingers crossed!
we obedience train them both and they are in gold and silver class with the kennel club good citizen scheme as well as winning obedience competitions! they are a good all round dog and live well with my 4 cats, and behave fantastically with my younger relatives. before you buy research the breed, and dont buy from a puppy farm because you think you are saving the pup your not.
written by on 07/02/2010
I haven't got one yet but i am going to get the Ruby colour one. I got exited about having one until i looked and learned about their health problems, i thought i can't have that breed then. So i then searched for a new breed, every breed i picked just didnt feel right, It's like i fell in love with the breed. I am now having one. I am prepared what to ask the breeder and i will hae pet insurance. I am a teenager writing this and i have always wanted a dog. I would reccommend, not just thinking about health problems, but thinking about their lovingness and cuteness. I went and found out what to ask the breeder and will keep in mind. Just go for it! Just like i am! xxThankyou for reading my reviewxx
Written on: 18/05/2011
please please please.get pet insurance, i own 2 faithfull loyay loving dogs,harley a male.bleigh heime and a tri coat gypsy rose harley is 11 years old and he has beeen on heart,liver kidney, and pepp up pills for the last 3 years.we bought him from a breeder. in balaklava sa.who we later realised was in it only for the money not the breed(prick)harley has cost us $125.00 every month for the last 3 years,plus all his pupy years removing socks undies and stockings .....surgicaly,,.i wish i could do it all again just to re ..live my time with my best freind and loving companion. (i dug his grave site the other day)its time to say good bye,,,how do i do that .he is sleeping between myself and my wife right now. hes tired, hes weak, hes loosing weight, i love him more than ever.
Written on: 23/07/2011
I have a six month old Ruby female, She is a charming, lovely,
affectionate girl. I also have a Blenheim female, also
wonderful, They are a lovely breed. Like to be with you
most of the tome though! They snore terrible also.
Pick a good breeder who health checks.
written by on 17/06/2009
At the beginning of this year we adopted 2 year old Charlie, a tri Cavalier King Charles as a companion for our 8 year old Golden Retriever. The two of them got on immediately and the new addition to the family has settled in nicely. He is extremely loving, very gentle with our 4 year daughter and proving to be a wonderful friend to our other dog. Don't believe he was very socialised with other dogs before we got him, we are now successfully working to introducing him to other dogs whist out on walks in the local woods.
written by oregonppl on 01/05/2009
Our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was stinky all the time and no matter how much we bathe him and emany groomed visits! His intelligence was not good. Let's just say he wasn't the sharpest crayon in the box. Highly unruly and disliked to have to obey comma
nds. Potty training was a nightmare and now that he is mostly trained still has accidents! And to add more his health is very poor. Heart murmur and teeth issues. He has become a money pit. I will never own another king charles again.
Written on: 31/07/2009
Sounds to me that you didnt keep on top of the training with your puppy. Its on going and hard work. I have a 12 week old Ckc and she is totally house trained in just 4 weeks! I think that you need to bath and groom these pups on a regular basis. Ckc's are lovely, gentle and very easy to train, a pleasure to have in our homes!
Written on: 28/07/2011
Have you tried cleaning his ears and wiping his eye down daily. I have 3 Cavaliers and love each one, I sure if you gave him to the CKCSC club they would be happy to help you find a new home for him. It saddens me that he wasn't a good match for your family.
Written on: 23/12/2009
Can I buy your dog? I love Cavalier King Charles Spaniels! I own four and my bitch is pregnant! What a shame you don't get the same love out of them that many of my friends and I seem to!
written by cez1 on 01/02/2009
we bought our ckcs for our son for his birthday its a fantasic loving dog does like to be centre of attention, i wouldnt have one of these dogs unless your home in the day as they like people. you must keep on top of grooming especially the ears, and they can have a lot of health problems but you could get health problems with any dogs. we took ours to puppy classes which was a great success.
written by parker1970 on 07/01/2009
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great dogs, fun to have, play with. For me its the big brown eyes looking at you. Honey my kings charles is a six years old, I must say that they have been the best years.
Honey has a very bad heart, and has been In and out of the vets since November (Dick White referrals), she is on tablets, but is on borrowed time. She will be missed ever so much. Breeders should try to stop this, its just heart breaking.
written by on 01/12/2008
the cavalier king is a wonderful dog, its mostly a inside dog, he enjoys playing with kids,
and is very nice, and a royal dog breed,
and plays very nice with other dogs
i have 1 cavalier king, she's a girl and she's 4 months old, her name is Lola. i love her, she's like a sister to me, and she isn't quite big, luckily she hasn't had any sickness.
written by jean hall on 23/11/2008
The very first cavalier I had was eight weeks old, he was a xmas present from my husband. He was a beautiful ruby and I called him Casper. Because it was the xmas and new year holiday I was unable to get him to the vets for his first injection until the first week in January 1998. When I did take him after the vet checked him over he then advised me that Casper had quite a bad heart murmur and recommended I took him back to the breeder, he advised me he needed to see a heart specialist a.s.a.p., so heart breaking it was I gave him back to the breeder. I then purchased another ruby cavalier the same year and i called him Chaz, then a few months later when Chazs mother gave birth again I had a blenheim one and called him Oliver. All was fine the dogs were happy and so the home was happy. Then in the year 2000 when Chaz was only 2 years old I lost him to congestive heart failure, I was heart broken. Oliver was not happy on his own, so I got another blenheim cavalier and called him harlie, the got on like a house on fire! 13 days ago I had to make the heart breaking decision to put Oliver to sleep I am now heart broken, I dont think I will ever get over losing him. Charlie has only just started to eat again and keeps us awake at night crying for him and to be fair I thought having another dog would help me get over it more quickly, but everyday seeing Charlie grieving for his soul mate its just a constant reminder that Oliver has gone. Cavalier King Charles are beautiful and faithful dogs but knowing what I know now, I would not consider having another one.
written by on 03/08/2008
We very sadly lost Molly King charles cavalier a month after her 7 bithday. We feel that we have been robbed of her short life but then would not be without the 7 beautiful years we had with her. She was dignosed with a heart Murmur age 4 and was fine on no medication just regular checks. Then in March this year I noticed her breatheing became more rapid so we took her to the vets and she was put on medication. Then two weeks ago I noticed her cough was becoming constant. Then everthing went downhill fast she upped her medication but had 4 clapsing epsoides and was rushed to the vets and was put in an oxgen tent. But without the oxgen tent her tounge was blue and gums pale the oxgen was keeping her alive. We was advised to put her down which after seeing for myself how she was and I did see her breathing deterating but still wagging tail that we had to put her to sleep. She was with the top cardologist. It has left the whole house heartbroken and I really don't know how we will go on.
written by leah0600 on 29/06/2008
My dog Toby died 6 days ago at the age of 15, with no health problems except a removed spleen a few years ago. He was part of the family and i can't remember not having him around (i was 4 when we first got him). He's always been a friendly, cheerful dog and will be sadly missed by all who met him for a long time to come. On the day he died, every member of the family was home (this is a rare occasion, as my dad lives in Spain, and my sister away from home). He came up to us at different points in the day, i imagine to say goodbye. I have no doubt in my mind that he knew he would pass away that day. He went outside (i think as not to cause stress to the family home) and died in his sleep. He was one of the most intelligent dogs i have ever known, and i'm so glad he came to say goodbye to me before he died.
Written on: 06/12/2008
So, so sorry to here of your sad loss. I lost my best friend last week too aged 13 1/2 yrs. Unbelievably the day after we decided to get another. Figaro will never be forgotten. Ruby will not replace him, but she has filed a hole in our lives and keep our 7 yr old Pablo company. No loving home should be without a Cavalier.
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Merle10's Comment
Written on: 20/08/2014
It really makes my heart smile to read all the love you have for your Cavalier. Your both so very lucky to have each other. Cavaliers are little Angels, they have a gift of healing hearts. They are balanced and happy and help to make feel like everything is going to be okay. Because of the gift I saw they had I funded a non profit called Sharing Puppy Love.
Joslinmichelle's Comment
Written on: 24/10/2016
I strongly recommend this breed. I have a King Charles myself. And I just love here. She actually is a miracle puppy. When she was 2 months old she had a heria that cause her lung to collapse. And survived the trauma from the surgery. And that she is back acting like a normal puppy when she is now 5 months and learning new tricks fast. She know how to sit and lay down.