Google

Five Fast Facts About the Cavalier King Charlies Spaniel


Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not cheap. On average you can expect to pay $2,000-$3,000 for one.

However, if you've socked away your "puppy fund" and are considering buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or "Cav" as enthusiasts call them, there are five things you might not know. Before you fall under the spell of the big eyes and floppy ears, a few tips from a Cav owner...

1) While Cavs slow down as they age, don't take this as an excuse not to walk the dog. They love walks, even though they may seem to sleep most of the time when at home. As your Cav turns seven or eight, regular walks become more important, and the exercise will keep you moving too.

2) Cavs get knots in their fur more easily than any breed I've ever known with the exception of the Maltese--I co-owned one with my grandmother and kept its coat short. Cav coats are naturally short on top, long around the paws, tail, throat, ears, and belly, which is where the tangles appear. They also get leaves and grass stuck in their fur, especially in the long tail. However, a good rinse in the sink will take care of the grass and leaves. As for the tangles, a Love Glove, available from pet stores, is gentler on the Cav's sensitive nerve endings than other dog brushes.

3) Cavs are easily distractible and will chase after rabbits and birds like bloodhounds. Be aware of this now. Invest in obedience training from the start. However, they're also terrific at alerting you to noises at night.

4) I call the Cav eyes "hypnotic eyes" because once they look at you, you reach in a trance for a morsel from your plate or for the Beggin' Strips. Instead, repeat this mantra after me: vet bills, vet bills, vet bills...

5) Cavs are the most sensitive dog on the planet. In bed with the flu? Just try and pry that dog away. Sad? Your Cav will lick your tears away. Feeling slightly blue or have the sniffles? The dog will be right by your side. Priceless.

Just refer to this pre-owner's manual and your Cav will be a loyal, delightful companion for years to come.

Movie reviewer/screenwriter Kristin Johnson is owned by two Cavaliers. She composes personalized poems, speeches, toasts, vows, and family memories. Visit http://www.poemsforyou.com to order your personalized memories. She is also co-author of the Midwest Book Review "enthusiastically recommended" pick Christmas Cookies Are For Giving: Stories, Recipes and Tips for Making Heartwarming Gifts (ISBN: 0-9723473-9-9). A downloadablemedia kit is available at our Web site, http://www.christmascookiesareforgiving.com, or e-mail the publisher (info@tyrpublishing.com) to receive a printed media kit and sample copy of the book. More articles available at http://www.bakingchristmascookies.com


MORE RESOURCES:

RELATED ARTICLES


How To Avoid Bad Doggy Behavior, And Teach Your Puppy Some Manners
A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend other people - or even make them feel threatened.Teaching your dog some manners is just common-sense.
A Dog Bit Me, Whom Can I Sue?
Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten or knocked down by an animal improperly or inadequately leashed or contained can sue for injuries or death caused by a bite or knock-down. You can sue the person who has or was responsible for the animal.
Choosing a Vet For Your Dog - A Dog Owners Checklist
Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship you have with your veterinarian is going to be a long one.
Lyme Disease in Dogs
It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme disease in animals including your own dog. The first sign of lyme disease in humans is a rash, well; animals do not develop this rash.
German Sheperds
People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why there are a lot of german sheperd breeders.The German Shepherd is sometimes called an Alsatian because that's where they originated in Germany.
House Rabbits are Fun and Cute Pets
House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless of whether they live on a farm or in an apartment. House rabbits are small, easy to take care of, and don't require any expensive supplies like some other pets do.
Biting & Nipping Behavior Can Kill Your Dog!
Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that we human suffer from as a result of contact with dogs. In the United States alone, there are between 1-2 million people bitten by dogs each year.
Tips for Overcoming Boredom and Routine Stress
There are many ways in which you can prepare for, and participate in, you dogs overall health. Providing the necessary shots, diet and exercise are but a few of the ways in which we may meet their daily health demands.
Cancer and Your Pet
Just say the word cancer and any of a host of undesirable thoughts will pop in your mind- and with good reason. Cancer is one of the most common of diseases among pets and increases as the pet ages.
Aquarium Supplies Part 2 -- My First Experience With Goldfish
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or are just starting out, I would like to stress again the importance of having some basic knowledge about aquariums and fish keeping in order to enjoy the hobby for a significant length of time and to avoid frustrations and disappointments.In the first article I illustrated this by sharing my own childhood experience with bettas, and now I shall share my experience with goldfish.
Health Concerns for Goldfish
Most of the diseases that threaten goldfish can be cured. But better still these diseases can be prevented.
17 Tips Thatll Safeguard You and Your Family From Dog Bites or Attack
Did you know that more than one million north americans will be bitten by dogs this year, and about one million dog bites will go unreported.Its sad but most of the victims will be children.
Preparing Your Home For a New Puppy
While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of the list when bringing home a new puppy for the first time, preparing for his arrival should rank highly on the list. Just as you would have to prepare a home when you have a toddler, pet owners also have to take certain precautions when "puppy-proofing.
Essential Oils and Our Pets
Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first should define what is an essential oil in the first place.An essential oil is a bioavailable nutritive liquid.
Hamsters; The Perfect Starter Pet
As a parent, you want to be able to give your kids everything that they want in life.Unfortunately, giving your child everything he or she wants is not always in your child's best interest and caving in at your child's every whim is almost certainly a bad idea.
Grieving Our Pets Death
Our pets give us so much. They entertain us, listen to our secrets, and give us unconditional love.
Greyhound Adoption - Great Dogs, Great Cause
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world, greyhounds are used as racing dogs to support gambling. In the United States alone, there are roughly 40 dog tracks and hundreds of puppy farms and training facilities around the country.
You Cant Fool A Horse
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men and women put their potential partners to a "dog test," whereby they introduce their date to their dog and see how the dog reacts to the stranger. If the dog reacts badly towards their date then a red flag is waved, whereas if the dog accepts the stranger instantly the opposite holds true.
Kittens Are Just The Cutest Things
Is there anything more cute and cuddly than tiny little kittens? They're small and light. Cats kittens, they're fragile yet so curious and inquisitive.
Animal Communicator
I have a business card burning a hole in my Rolodex. It's from an animal communicator.