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 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 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 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 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.
written by robertgr on 05/04/2008
Our dog Charlie is the most wonderful pet we have had the pleasure to own.
His loving, sweet welcome when I come home from work and affectionate, playful nature make him a joy to own.
If you have a big loving heart, the Cavalier will return your love ten fold.
A magnificent breed. More than Deserving of the title "The Ultimate Cute dog"
written by loopey on 17/12/2007
My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is fantastic! She's like one of my babies, and so well behaved and gentle. She's more obedient off the lead than my old border collie; basically because she won't leave my side. She does beg for food, but would never steal any. A real lap dog. Not a dog for someone who works because they love companionship. Sadly, today she was diagnosed with a heart murmur. However, we love her so much we are prepared for the costly vet bills. Perfect with children!
written by emmaleefox on 12/06/2007
I have had my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Georgie for a year and a half. I had him a month after my daughter was born and they have grown up to be the best of friends. He is such a loyal adoring dog and has quickly made friends with my border collie!
He does recognize other ckc's and gets very excited!!
Only problem is you have to be careful to groom every week at least as i found out! -Georgie's ears became a tangly mess!
eyes also get gunky!
He loves to have a bath!
Lovely adoring, family dog.
written by Brightness on 21/07/2006
I have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and they really are the loves of my life. They are excellent with all the family, and they will greet any visitors like they are a long lost friend.
My two will accept any other doggy visitors into the house without batting an eyelid. In fact, they think it's party time when they meet another dog. Cavaliers will always recognise their own breed too, and they get really excited when they meet another CKCS.
If you want a dog and you are at home for a large portion of the day, then I would recommend a Cavalier. They can not be left alone for long periods, as they pine for company - they are real people dogs :~)
They love children, but can get pulled around by small children as they are so soppy. Gentle children over the age of six or seven are ideal, as then they will become firm friends for life.
They can be fussy eaters and have a tendency to pile on weight, so a good quality food such as Burns or James Wellbeloved is ideal. However, whist dog food is sometimes off-putting to a Cavalier. Anything they find in a bin or on the floor whilst out walking is not! We call our two the Scav-aliers as they will eat any old rubbish!
If you do decide on a Cavalier then please make sure you get one from a responsible breeder who has clear heart and eye certificates, and also scans her dogs and bitches for Syringomyelia. Ask to see these certificates, as some will say that they don't 'need' to scan or have health checks. Believe me - they do! Do a search for all of the conditions listed, and then if you still want a Cavalier, go for it!
You will also need a good pet insurance, and really, I would go for a 'whole of life' policy. It will be worth it in the long run, especially if like one of mine, yours develops health problems in later life.
I have never, unlike another reviewer, had any problems with housebreaking my dogs, and one was a very traumatised rescue when he came to us. I have also fostered other Cavaliers over the years, and even with all the health problems that come with the breed, I don't think that my husband or I would ever have any other breed of dog. They are so wonderful!
written by trixybird on 22/02/2006
I had a Blenheim Cavalier for 11 years (male) he was our first dog. We chose this breed as we had young children and safety was paramount. He was gentle, loving and very loyal. We never experienced large vet bills, and although his excercise was limited as he got older, generally they are happy for a little walk, without going for mile hikes!
They do not eat the home like some breeds, and are never destructive.
Our boy developed a heart murmor in his last year, which slowed him down, as it would any old age dog. We miss him so much we have decided to get another cavalier puppy......
Written on: 18/03/2007
Did your dog mind being left alone for quite long periods of time because we are looking to get one but I work 9 to 5 and my son is at secondary school. We don't know if it would be cruel to the dog.
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<br/>please reply
Written on: 23/09/2008
http://board.cavaliertalk.com/index.php
<br/>
<br/>Is a very good cavalier website, with everything you need to know from selecting a reputable breeder, caring, feeding, grooming etc.
Written on: 21/09/2008
Oh . <br/>Thankyou for your help <br/>We have found a solution in my family.<br/>i did not realise but my friend can look after the dog for up to four hours, 2 days a week<br/>My friend will look after the cavelier from 8 - 12 and then i will be back from work by 3.00. <br/>Then on the other days in the week, i have another friend who can take the dog to work for the whole day.<br/>Then on the weekends i would spend all of my time with the dog. <br/>Also every day i would walk the dog before work and after.<br/>Does this sound like a better solution to the problem?<br/>Also.. what would be the best way of getting a Cavelier do you think?<br/><br/>Please reply and thankyou for your help already
Written on: 18/09/2008
I would advise against leaving a cavalier for long periods at a time, as they crave human/canine company - this would make the dog miserable and may encourage behaviour problems.
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<br/>I appreciate this does happen, but best not as a regular occurrence.
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Written on: 11/09/2008
i really want to get a cavalier King Charles Spaniel. <br/>It seems like the perfect dog for me. <br/>Everything except for being left on its own..<br/>The dog may be left for up to 6 hours on their own. <br/>Is this unfair on the dog or could it be ok?<br/>i met a woman who had a cavalier the other day and she said that she left her dog for a 6 hour day on its own all day and that it was fine. <br/>But all of the websites say that you shouldn't leave a Cavalier on its own?<br/>i really would love to have this dog and would give it a loving home.
Written on: 19/03/2007
Hi, My first cavalier unfortunately had no option as I worked at the time. This was not full time initially, when he was a puppy, but he was often left for 4-5 max. My daughter would be home with her sitter around 3pm, or my husband used to pop in during the day. The older he got the longer he slept, but I would not advise leaving a puppy all day.
<br/>I now have two 15 month old male cavaliers who are great company for each other, so if left alone for a few hours entertain each other, without any problems.
<br/>If they are left alone I would suggest leaving plenty of entertaining and stimulating toys, such as kongs filled with treats, puzzle balls and cubes.
<br/>I wish you all the very best, you will never be disappointed with the love and affection you receive from this breed.
written by lionheadbunnies on 04/02/2006
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have superb personalities, although bitches can be more protective. I'm not sure why the other reviewer would say you can't let them off the lead. If your dog is trained correctly then there is no problem. They are a wonderful breed and get on with anyone or any animal, although we have found rabbits are on the 'lets eat it' menu. You can try to avoid health problem by going to an experienced breeder.
written by kilothomas on 20/09/2005
Personally I disagree with some of the points in the previous reviews. My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sadly passed away last month at the age of 8 1/2 yrs due to a heart murmur which she had all her life she was by far the best dog I have ever had - greatly missed. The whole family cried for ages when she passed, she was a big part of the family.
These dogs are amazing little animals, you will never find a more loyal dog, she would be there at the front door waiting to greet the family and warn those off who were not family. Feeling sad and blue? then it will be your cavvy that will know and come and comfort you. Trying to read the paper in front of the fire? then it will be you cavvy that will sit on it and look at you head tilted and doughy eyed asking for fuss.
Not once did my dog have toilet issues even when she was left in the house (very rarely) for most of the day.
If these dogs are too have bad points then I would put down: Big doughy eyes - they use these when you are carving the chicken, trust me you can't refuse them you WILL end up chucking them a piece. Due to this I will say my cavvy got quite large.
I would totally recommend a cavvy to anyone.
Written on: 27/09/2013
I completely agree on all counts!! My Maggie turned 1 yrs old August 12. Best decision we ever made. We have a pug which she loves & before that a Shepherd which was the best dog ever! I highly recommend this breed! But you must have time to look after them & buy from a reputable breeder!
written by Maxim321 on 23/12/2004
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The best dog for all the good points I wrote. They are such loving dogs. If you want a loyal happy dog then the cavalier is for you.
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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.