Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I have been greenlighted by my landlord for a small dog. Someone suggested a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

1. I am single with no children and work during the day.

2. I have two cats.

3. I like to camp and hike. (Lots of trails and dog parks near my home.)

4. I live in an apartment. (Can a Cavalier be taught to use a wee wee pad so they don't have to hold it?)

5. I'm looking for a dog, rescue, needs a new home or show prospect that didn't work out, between 1 and 5 years old.

6. I've owned dogs before. Grew up with hounds, poodles and herding dogs.

Do you think the Cavalier would be a good choice?

Thank you,

A Cav could very well be a good choice for you. They do get along pretty well with dogs and other non-canine pets. I'm sure they could be trained for wee pads but an adult dog may possibly be able to hold it until you arrive home. They are extremely intelligent dogs and will catch on quickly.

They were originally bred and are descended from hunting dogs so the camping and hiking should be no problem. They really are a quite hardy dog. However, they do have strong chasing instincts and therefore should not be let off leash. An enclosed backyard or park would be great for them to run around in.

Since you have already been familiar with poodles have you ruled out a miniature or toy poodle? Also my breed the Shiba Inu might also be a consideration though they could be cat aggressive. I do know there are many Shibas in need of rescue but they also require a lot of research.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I was originally looking at a smaller toy like a Chihuahua or Toy Fox Terrier but they seem too delicate for my lifestyle. The dog that lands with me will need to be able to snuggle in a tent. The only reason I am not looking at a Poodle is the coat. It takes a lot of work. Mom had toy, miniatures and we had one standard that was also a gun dog. She was always doing one dog or another. My neighbor owns Cockers and he said that the Cavalier was probably a dog I would appreciate. I will admit they are very beautiful. Balanced and not bred into a funny shape. Useful looking. I'll start looking in the rescues.

The cavaliers are perfect for what you describe. The coat will require a bit of grooming as it can get matted, but it's not extensive.

Some thing to consider is the breed can get a bit short nosed and suffer some breathing problems like that of a pug or bull dog. When picking one from a rescue look for the longer nosed ones. The trend with some breeders has been to get the nose a bit too short. I don't follow the evolution of this breed over time so I don't know what the true "type" should be at this point, but ask around and I'm sure you will get a good idea.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

>>I was originally looking at a smaller toy like a Chihuahua or Toy Fox Terrier but they seem too delicate for my lifestyle. The dog that lands with me will need to be able to snuggle in a tent. The only reason I am not looking at a Poodle is the coat. It takes a lot of work. Mom had toy, miniatures and we had one standard that was also a gun dog. She was always doing one dog or another. My neighbor owns Cockers and he said that the Cavalier was probably a dog I would appreciate. I will admit they are very beautiful. Balanced and not bred into a funny shape. Useful looking. I'll start looking in the rescues.

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Toy Fox Terrier would be hardier and sturdier and more energetic than a Cavalier. With the shortened face, big eyes, long coat and heart defect genetic issues, it's not a breed I would choose for an active lifestyle. As far as indoor bathroom facilities, I am convinced that they lead to lifelong housetraining accidents if continued beyond the first few months of life.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Speaking as an acctual Cavalier owner I would have to agree with diamond and say find another breed. First off your chances of finding a rescue is silm to none. The main reason why i would tell you to kept looking is that you say you like to go hiking. Cavaliers were NOT designed for the woods, they were designed to be compainons for the king and his court. The coat atracts any and every weed, twig, thorn, foxtail and whatever else not so nice things you could think of. I have to check my cav's ears, legs, feet, tail, and butt every time he comes back inside because something is usually stuck in his coat. The shorter nasal cavaity also dosent do well on hikes, or really long walks for that matter. Even if you get a cav ith the longest nose you can find, you'll still have problems with the nasal cavity being too short. Cavaliers were desgined to be house dogs, living the easy life, and thats what they do best. I would recomend you find a short coated dog with a natural nasal cavity, not pushed in like a Cavalier's.