Cavaliers, plusses and minuses?

lrynwnab

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#1
Hello, I am thinking about getting a Cavalier K.C.S. and thought I would come to people who know. What are the good and bad things about this breed? Thank you.
 

Zoom

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#2
Just from my experiences with them (I don't own one)

Cons:
-prevalent health issues, especially concerning heart disease
-can be difficult to housetrain
-some dogs tend to matt up quickly

Pros:
-very loving, adorable personalities
-generally not prone to "barkiness"
-I think they're the ideal "small dog" size...sturdier than the toys, but still apartment sized.

Do lots and LOTS of research about the health issues this breed posesses and pick a reputable breeder accordingly. If you just want a Cav to love and cuddle, please consider rescue.
 

FoxyWench

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#3
find a good breeder, watch for the eye, heart and knee problems. health testing on all breeding stock is 100% MUST.
the only real cons other than health would be keep those ears clean and regular grooming.
there very sweet dogs in general, usualy a stable temperment and like all spaniles eager to please and nice to train there very inteligent.
there a great size for a small place without being "breakable tiny"

honsetly if you can find a very good breeder, theres not all that many cons to the breed, there awsome little dogs and fit most situations!
 
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#4
They are beautiful little dogs (check out the Robert Downey Jr. film Restoration) but they have one of the worst hereditary health issues I've ever seen in purebred dogs.

"Heart mitral valve disease (MVD) is the leading cause of death of Cavaliers throughout the world. It is a polygenetic disease which afflicts over half of all Cavalier King Charles spaniels by age 5 years and nearly all Cavaliers by age 10 years, should they survive that long."

http://www.cavalierhealth.org/mitral_valve_disease.htm

Finding a breeder who follows the MVD breeder's protocal (aimed at reducing the heart problems) is apparently crucial.

http://www.cavalierhealth.org/mvdprotocal.htm
 

lrynwnab

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#5
Thanks so much for the responses. It is sad to think it might only live to be less than 10 years old! I will carefully consider this. There are several rescue puppies in my area but they all have heart murmers.
 

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