Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the perfect dog!

If you agree, this page will please you. If you don’t agree, I’ll try to convince you about the matter! Ok, all dogs (at least almost all) are beautiful and have their charm and positive traits. But to me, the CKCS (very common abbrivation), is the most perfect dog companion. I’ll agree to the fact that the CKCS doesn’t fit everyones’ tastes and expectations. And, it is not very much of a working dog.

But it is a very good companion and reliable friend! Before acquiring my cavalier, I did a lot of research on the internet in order to find a type of dog that would suit me good. It is important to select a dog that fits one’s lifestyle and everyday life.

 

Things to consider when choosing a dog include, and how the Cavalier accomply with these things:

• the size of your home (apartement or large villa?). the Cavalier, being on average 36 cm high at shoulder, and ca 45 cm long, have lots of space in a small apartment. It is also easy to bring along on social calls, as it can curl up on your lap, and doesn’t frighten people with dog anxiety. Due to its mild temper and large eyes!
• urban or rural environment. The Cavalier fits both environments. It is happy with lots of playing and running about without the leash on, and also happy with the occasional play in the park.
• amount of time the dog has to be alone at home on a normal day. if trained from early age, the Cavalier can be alone for as much as eight hours. But most of he/she wants to be together with his/her family.
• family composition (i.e. kids or not, now and in the future). the Cavalier is an excellent family dog, and a good companion for single people.
• current level of activity. if you’re a couch potato wanting to get fit, it probably isn’t a very good idea to buy a dog that needs a lot of excercising, because failure to fullfill the dog’s excercising needs may make him/her destructive. All dogs need excercise, and one can train a dog’s physical condition as one can train the human. For instance, a healthy Cavalier can follow you on an hour of running, or several hours walking/hiking. But it is also satisified with a walk around the block. Especially if the weather is bad!
• Time needed to groom and cater for the dog’s fur.
• Travelling by airplane or car during one’s holiday. Some airplanes accepts smaller dogs carried into the cabin in special bags. Otherwise he/she must be placed in the luggage compartment in special cages. Travelling by car, one should think about the size of the car and the amount of luggage one usually bring along.
• amount of cuddling wanted. the cavalier is a cuddly dog, thriving when close to her/his owner. A large dog or one with a lot of/thick fur often find it too warm to be very close to her/his owner. The cavalier was at some point used as a feet warmer in bed with the higher society of England. My cavalier changes her sleeping position from under my covers to atop my covers. And, in the evening she stays put at my lap sleeping, while I read the paper, knit or crochet. Thus, all my knitting projects have small white hairs weaved into them
• dog sports. The cavalier can enjoy agility and other forms of sports. Anything done together with his/her family makes him/her happy!

This list is not conclusive!

 Cute? Me? Yes, I’m cute, and I know it, and when you talk to me, I listen very carefully and tilt my head to prove it!