SuShine Shelties and Cavaliers  Frequently Asked Questions

SuShine perm reg'd           Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Frequently Asked Questions  about Cavaliers

Things to consider before bringing a Cavalier into your life:

* They are the most gentle and loving of all dogs.
* They are the ultimate companion.
* They shed.
* They need to be brushed at least once a week, to keep out the mats.
* Crate training is a benefit, it gives the Cavalier a real place to call his own, it is not a   punishment.
* They must be a house pet and kept inside with the family.
* They do not tolerate extreme heat or cold.


We are asked many questions about  our Dogs. Hopefully you will find the answers below. If you think I should have included some more- just let me know.

Question:  Are they a good family dog?

Answer:  Yes,  the Cavalier is a wonderful family companion. The Cavalier does not require a lot of exercise but they do enjoy a good walk or game of ball. They do get along with all types of animals and all ages of people. When bred responsibly, they are very smart, agile will alert when strangers are present. As with any breed, only those of stable, healthy mind and body should be bred. Sometimes this is not always the way, so be very selective when choosing a breeder, even if you must wait a lengthy time. Cavaliers are a Sporting toy dog, so chasing butterflies can be a happy pastime. They do love agility providing they are in healthy fit condition. Fenced yard are best for security.

Question:  Are they good with children?

Answer:  Yes, I feel Cavaliers are  very good with children.  Having said that I also feel strongly that children should NOT be left unattended with ANY BREED of dog.  Think about it, neither your child, nor your dog has the capacity to take care of himself or herself, why would you think they can take care of each other? Cavaliers will sometimes  remove themselves when toddlers are playing or chasing them especially if they are not accustomed to young children.

Questions:  Do they shed a lot, and are they easy to keep care of?

Answer:  A complete brushing once a week will keep your dog looking his best. Regular brushing also keeps bathing to a minimum and a bath once every 1-2 months is more than ample. Like all dogs with this type of hair they do shed. Tools for grooming are: slicker, pin brush with no knobs, comb and nail trimmers to keep your dog looking his best. Ears should be checked regularly and cleaned about once a week or so. Nails should be trimmed about once a month. Teeth should also be brushed daily or at least weekly with special paste, and appropriate brush, or terry cloth.  Starting these tasks when the puppy is small, and in a relaxed atmosphere, can make for happy grooming, the puppy’s lifetime.  Once a week, you should go over your dog from nose to tail, including between the toes, to make sure nothing is unusual. 

Question:  What size and what colour? Male or female?

Answer:  Cavaliers are supposed to be between 12-13 inches measured at the shoulder. Weight is supposed to be between 12-18 lbs, again depending on their height often some can weigh around 22 pounds.

 Basic colours are: Blenheim- white with chestnut patches. Tri- white with black patches and tan points. Ruby- Irish setter red all over. Black and tan is a totally black body with tan points.

  

 For a detailed overview of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Cavalier) refer to the Canadian Standard http://www.sushine.com/cavstd.htm   

This is a personal opinion about the difference between which sex makes the best companion, although many others share my opinion. I find males are very affectionate and love to work for me and do anything I ask very quickly. Females are a bit aloof and do it when they have to on their own terms and not quite as affectionate. Of course every dog is different and a lot depends on how they are raised.

Question:  How active are they?

Answer:  The Cavaliers nickname is the "comforter spaniel". During the first year they go through many active stages. They love to be part of the family and ready to go for a drive, a hike or even camping or boating. Being a toy dog they are small enough to take anywhere and love to be nestled close to humans or together with other pets. They are active enough to compete in agility, smart enough to do Obedience trials or Freestyle dance or quiet and sociable enough to help out with Senior visitations.

Question:  What about traveling in the vehicle?

Answer:  Cavaliers are usually  great travellers. Occasionally one may drool from too much stress. A seatbelt is a good way to keep them contained from jumping around while traveling or a crate.

Question: How much do they cost?

Answer: Prices start at $1500 and can range all the way up to $2500 even for a companion puppy. Show/breeding prices start around $2500 and up. Sometimes it depends where you live. Conscientious breeders do all the health tests and are there to answer all your questions for the life of your dog. Backyard breeders may do some health tests but are simply breeding to sell the puppies.

Question:  So you recommend crating a dog?

Answer:  Yes, I highly recommend the use of a crate. Present your crate as a happy, relaxed place for your puppy. Dogs have a den instinct, and if introduced in a positive way, will love their crate, door open, or closed.  Some of the advantages of a crate are when you are housebreaking a puppy, they do not want to soil their bed, and this can avoid accidents when you have to leave the room.  If you have people in your home, and it would be best if the dog were placed away for a while, this is a happy place for them.  Sometimes dogs just need a break from children, and their crate is their haven or when they need time to themselves.  If you travel with your dog, they are often more accepted into a home or hotel, when they are trained to a crate to sleep, or periods when you cannot be with them.  

Question:  Can I just train my dog at home, or should I attend obedience classes?

Answer:  I highly recommend you find an experienced instructor, and attend obedience classes, starting with Puppy Kindergarten, where puppies will get to interact with other puppies, and develop canine social skills.  Continue on, until your dog in confident in basic commends.  Sit,  down, come and stay.  This would include being able to call your dog when he is distracted, and training him to DOWN from a distance, and while on the move.  These simple commands could save his life.  I have found positive reinforcement training works well with them.  Proper socialization is important when bringing up any puppy. Guiding him through many positive experiences will find you rewarded with an outgoing companion.

Question:  What is their life span?

Answer: Cavaliers life span is 10-15 years.

Question:  What health problems are Cavaliers prone to?

Answer:  A reputable breeder will check their breeding stock for eye problems, heart , knees and the hips. Arthritis is a concern of recent years as the dog gets older and if he has been injured at some time. Being overweight causes many problems along with broken down feet. A yearly check up with the Vet will keep the owner informed. MVD-Mitral valve disease and syringomyelia (SM) are two more problems. Read more on this link. www.cavalierhealth.info  All breeds have certain health concerns that a responsible breeder will speak to you about, and test for.  Mixed breeds have them too, we just don’t hear about them as much.  More info here.

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