Is a Cavalier Spaniel

the right dog for you?

• Do you have the time for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy? All puppies required a substantial amount of your time and attention when they are small.  That's particularly true with Cavalier Spaniel puppies.
  

Since they were bred as log dogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are especially attached to their human owners and experience serious separation anxiety when left alone. Dogs left alone can become bored and mischevious - chewing and getting into things they shouldn't. If your family's lifestyle is such that your pet will be home alone for long periods of time, then please consider a more independent breed.

• Have you considered the financial commitment of owning a dog? In addition to the fact that Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies are generally quite expensive to purchase in the first place (anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500), you will pay for veterinarian care, pet food, housing (whether a pet bed, playpen, kennel or crate), and toys for your new best friend. If you will need the services of a pet sitter/walker or boarding kennel, plan ahead for that too. Owning a dog is a joy, but not an inexpensive pleasure!

• Are you looking for a guard dog? If so, the Cavalier Spaniel breed is not for you. Cavaliers are bred to be affectionate people-lovers. They might bark when the door bell rings, but that's about as much protection as you can expect from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

• Cavaliers are good companions for single petlovers, seniors and most families. Some caution is adviseable for a family with very small children. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies are excellent companions for children, but it is important to watch children under the age of five so they don't unintentionally hurt a new puppy. Families with very young children may want to consider buying an adult Cavalier Spaniel or a puppy of a larger breed.

• Do you already have other pets? Cavalier King Charles Spaniels very social animals and are generally happy to be around other cats and  dogs.  Introduce your new Cavalier Spaniel to your other pets gradually, and again, be watchful if your other pets are larger and might hurt your new puppy accidentally.

• How will you exercise your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? Though they are a toy breed, Cavalier Spaniels need a moderate amount of exercise every day stay healthy. Are you prepared to take walk your new pet every day?  Even if you have a fenced yard, you will probably find that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel won't enjoy running around the yard by himself. To give your Cavalier Spaniel a real workout, you'll have to come outside and play with him.
  

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require regular grooming to look their healthy best, but this doesn't need to be a full time job. Grooming your pet three times a week to remove snarls and tangles is more than enough for most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Cavalier Spaniels will shed a bit in the spring and fall, so you may find it helpful to groom daily at that time. Nail clipping can be a quick job performed no more often than once a month. To prevent drying out his coat, you won't want to bathe your Cavalier Spaniel any more often than once a week. Judge for yourself, but many owners don't feel the need to wash their Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for one or two months at a time.