It’s important to both you and your future pet to select a dog breed that suits you, your family, and your lifestyle. While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are excellent companions for many people, they are not necessarily for everyone.
Is a Cavalier the right dog for you?
Here are some things to consider:
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.
Since they were bred as lap 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 mischievous – 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 also pay for veterinarian care, pet food, housing (whether a pet bed, playpen, kennel or crate), and toys for your new best friend.
If you need the services of a pet sitter/walker or a 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 doorbell rings, but that’s about as much protection as you can expect from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Cavaliers are good companions for single people, seniors, and most families. Some caution is advisable for a family with very young 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 are 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 accidentally hurt your new puppy.
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.
Are you prepared to take a walk with 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 healthiest, 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 them 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.