As someone who has personally experienced the joys and challenges of raising two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, I can definitely relate to the ups and downs of having two furry friends in the house.
Having multiple pets carries many benefits. But there are also some things to consider before adding another member to your family.
So whether you want to adopt a second puppy or are simply curious about the realities of owning two dogs of the same breed, rest assured that this article will be helpful.
Key points:
Two Cavaliers Benefits:
- Dogs are social animals
- Entertainment and exercise
- Training is easier
- Double love and fun
Two Cavaliers Disadvantages:
- Costs
- Care and maintenance
- Potential fighting or rivalry
Pros of Having Two Cavaliers
First, let’s talk about the benefits of owning two Cavaliers.
Cavaliers Are Social Pack Animals
Keeping two dogs has many advantages, and one of the most obvious is that dogs are naturally social creatures.
Cavaliers, like all dogs, are descended from wolves, which are known to live in packs – highly complex social units with a clear hierarchy.
However, besides being pack animals by nature, Cavaliers have an extra dose of friendliness and affection, making them even more social. Thus, adopting another dog as a companion to your existing one will result in more fulfilling lives for both dogs.
Dogs Keep Each Other Entertained and Exercised
One of the major benefits of having two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is that they can exercise each other during playtime. And you already know that playtime is important for a dog’s happiness and health in general.
So, if you’re a more laid-back type of person, two Cavaliers will benefit your lifestyle.
Two CKCS can tire each other out during their play sessions, which can involve games such as chasing, keep-away, wrestling, and tug-of-war. These games not only keep the dogs entertained but also provide a fun way to improve their physical fitness.
Given that the Cavaliers are prone to obesity, this is great about having dogs in pairs. By exercising together, they burn calories, maintain a healthy weight, and allow you to skip taking them for walks when you’re tired.
Furthermore, aside from the physical benefits, games and exercises also provide mental stimulation for your dogs. Through playtime, they learn to socialize, which can have a positive impact on their behavior with other dogs and humans.
Puppy Training Made Easier
Another good side of keeping two Cavaliers is that you can train them together. In fact, a newly arrived puppy will mirror the older dog’s behavior and pick up good habits faster.
From basic obedience commands and walking on the leash to socialization and interaction with other animals and people, a puppy will follow a big brother’s example and learn basic manners much faster.
So, if you already have a well-behaved dog, potty training will be much less stressful and require less effort for a new family member.
Double Love and Double Fun
I’m sure your pet provides you with funny and heartwarming moments. Now picture two dogs doing it.
Having two Cavies means you get twice the amount of cuddles, playtime, and happiness.
Aside from all that love, two pets also offer a daily dose of comedic moments. Watching them play and interact with each other is an endless source of amusement.
I remember catching my two dogs trying to fit into a single dog bed together. They were both squished in, looking incredibly uncomfortable but unwilling to leave each other’s side.
There are never-ending funny and cute moments that make any day instantly better.
One of my favorite things about my experience of having two dogs is how they greet you when you come home.
Happy faces. Both run up to you. Wagging tails… Such a heartwarming feeling.
Cons of Having Two Cavaliers
Now, let’s take a look at some of the downsides that come with having multiple dogs.
Insurance, Food, Vet Bills
One of the drawbacks of having a Cavalier duo is the additional expenses.
In addition to the standard expenses like food, toys, and grooming, there are insurance and veterinarian costs to take into account. Sadly, Cavaliers are not the healthiest breeds, and medical issues can be pricey.
So multiply your existing Cavvy costs by two to determine whether this is financially feasible.
Care and Maintenance Times Two
If you’re considering adding another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to your family, you should know the added responsibilities of caring for two dogs.
Grooming is another thing that takes more time and effort when you have two dogs. This includes bathing, brushing, and nail trimming.
Also, cleaning up after two pets can be a bit more time-consuming (and annoying).
Similarly, feeding two dogs can be a bit of a juggling act. Ensuring each dog eats enough and is not stealing from the other can be a potential downside of having two dogs.
It can be frustrating to constantly monitor mealtime and make sure that each dog is getting their fair share of food. Some dogs may be more aggressive or dominant when it comes to food, which can create tension and potential conflicts between them.
Possible Fighting or Rivalry Between the Dogs
Speaking of conflicts, having two Cavaliers may lead to fighting and competition, despite their docile nature. This can especially happen if their personalities or energy levels differ.
Cavalier King Charles can get possessive or jealous over things like toys, food, or your attention, which may manifest through aggression or other behavior problems.
In this situation, your role is of great importance. To avoid this, you should carefully manage interactions between the two dogs.
Provide adequate training and supervision to prevent conflicts or rivalry from the very beginning.
Is It Better to Have Two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for being a friendly and social breed, which makes them a good choice for living in pairs. In other words, Cavaliers will form close bonds with their canine companions just as they do with their owners.
However, whether it’s better to have one or two Cavaliers depends on your circumstances and your lifestyle.
So, for now, forget about the dogs, and ask yourself the following questions:
- Can I afford the extra expenses that come with keeping two dogs?
- Do I have the time and energy to take care of two dogs?
- Do I have enough space to accommodate two dogs?
- Will having two Cavaliers improve my way of life and give me more happiness and fulfillment?
If your answers are positive, then it’s time to look for a reliable Cavalier breeder.
This leads us to the next question.
What is the Best Time to Introduce a Second Cavalier?
Dog trainers suggest that the best time to introduce a second dog is when your first dog is fully mature. Therefore, it is preferable to get a second Cavalier once the first one is 18 months or older.
You should avoid getting two puppies of the same age for one simple reason: having two puppies is like having twin babies, which can be quite challenging.
Likewise, if you get a second dog before the first one is fully grown and trained, you may end up with two poorly trained dogs.
I don’t want to discourage you if you really want to have two Cavvies of similar age. It is possible to have two similarly aged dogs that are perfectly socialized and well-mannered, but you should be aware of this.
Now, you’re wondering whether you should get a second Cavalier of the same or opposite gender.
While it’s true that dogs of the same breed can form strong bonds with one another regardless of gender, it is safer to have two dogs of the opposite sex. (source)
In Summary
Being the owner of two Cavaliers can be a wonderful experience. But before you think about getting another puppy, it’s important to consider whether you have enough resources, space, and time to take care of both dogs.
As adorable as those viral Instagram reels of playful dog duos may be, taking care of two pets is a big responsibility.
In the end, if you decide to go for it, I wish you the best of luck in creating a happy and harmonious doggy household.
P.S. If you adopt another Cavvy, during the introduction phase, which may last for a few weeks, your homeground pooch will probably think something along these lines: “Well, this look-alike of mine is ok, but when is it leaving?” But once they “click,” they’ll be inseparable.
Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this post, you might be interested in the following: Best companion dogs for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.