Are you looking to buy a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and you are not sure if the dog is right for you? You are not alone!
In this article, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of having Cavalier King Charles Spaniels so you can decide whether you want them as your new companions.
is a Cavalier the right dog for you?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are excellent canine companions, but not necessarily for everyone. It’s important to select a dog breed that suits you, your family, and your lifestyle.
Cavaliers love family life, however, some caution is advisable for families with very small children. Watch and instruct small children to treat puppies gently so they don’t unintentionally hurt your new pet. Alternatively, consider adopting an adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a puppy of a larger breed.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are especially attached to their human owners and may experience separation anxiety when left alone.
In other words, if Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are left alone for a long time, they may become lonely, bored, and mischievous. If your family’s lifestyle is such that your pet will be home alone for long periods of time, leave your pet with toys and activities that will distract him.
If raising a puppy, it’s best to accustom your Cavalier by leaving him alone for only brief periods at first, gradually extending the time your pet will be alone over time. Arranging for a dog walker or friendly neighbor to stop by during the day when you’re gone is a terrific idea.
Have you considered the financial commitment of owning a dog? In addition to the fact that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are an expensive breed, you will also pay for veterinarian care, pet food, housing, and toys for your new best friend. You may opt for the services of a pet sitter/walker or boarding kennel. 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 doorbell rings, but that’s about as much protection as you can expect from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Do you already have other pets? Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are 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 others are larger and might hurt a new puppy accidentally.
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Do you have the time for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy? All puppies require a substantial amount of your time and attention when they are small. That’s particularly true with Cavalier Spaniel puppies.
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 to stay healthy. Be prepared to walk your new pet daily. 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.
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