Should I buy one? I'll have a big yard and a medium-sized house, but I hear they have SERIOUS health issues, and they bark, dig, and bite. Is that true (I really doubt it)? What are they like?
2006-07-07 07:27:21 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
I KNOW I should have put this in "Pets>Dogs", but no one looks there. I decided to put it where people would see it!
2006-07-07 07:28:16 · update #1
How much EXACTLY do they cost?
2006-07-07 07:36:14 · update #2
Let me address several issues that you raise:
Big yard: Cavaliers don't need a big yard--they don't need any yard. What's unique about this breed is that they are true lap dogs; they're happiest on your lap or at the very least at your feet. My guess is that if you put your Cavalier in a fenced-in yard, they'll stay by the gate until you retrieve them.
Serious health issues: The major issues have to be addressed while your Cavalier is a puppy--and those are mitral valve disease (heart) and hip dysplasia. You need to be assured that these hereditary diseases are not within your puppy's family history. The other one I know of personally (I have two Cavaliers and, regretfully, one of them has this) is dry eye syndrome (medical term is abbreviated as KCS). For that, I give my one dog some eye ointment every day. Apart from that, I don't believe Cavaliers have any more health issues than any other dog.
They bark, dig, and bite: Are you sure you're talking about Cavaliers?!!! Mine only bark when scared (and rarely when a stranger comes to the door)--mostly when they hear a noise or smell something that's not familiar to them (like the fireworks that we all heard recently). They never dig--and don't even come close to biting. I think you've got them mixed up with another breed!
They are very sweet dogs, extremely loving, and attentive. I've always said about the breed (and I was raised with dogs--so I have experience with quite a few breeds), they may not always do the right thing, but they WANT to do the right thing. They have a strong desire to please.
Lastly, be ready to spend $800+ for a dog. I bought mine as "pet quality" and paid $800 each. I was very fortunate--you might find the same, but the normal going rate is $1200+.
Let me know if I can help in any other way. Good luck!
2006-07-07 09:56:15 · answer #1 · answered by annabellewillman 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This is a pretty expensive breed. Expect to pay between $300-$1500 to a reputable breeder. Make sure it is AKC registered, and ask about any health or behavioral problems the parents of the puppy you are interested in might have had. Seeing one or both of the parents in person would be a definite plus. If the breeder cannot get you this information, find a different breeder!
King Charles Spaniels were bred for one purpose only; to be human companions. They will be absolutely miserable (and will probably start barking, digging, or other destructive behaviors) if you cannot be with them most of the day. This is NOT a good breed for someone who has to leave the dog home alone for several hours at a time during work, school, etc.
They can be a wonderful, loving pet, but only if you get one from a reputable source, and they fit into your lifestyle. Do your homework about the breed and any breeders you are considering before buying one.
2006-07-07 14:51:02 · answer #2 · answered by wabbitqueen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aren't they the most adorable little creatures you've ever seen!??? I wanted one with all my heart, but yes, it is true, they have SERIOUS health issues. Their life expectancy is about 7 years old if you have a big wallet. The most common health issue is their heart. There are plenty of Cavaliers who never live to see the age of 5 actually. Breeders around the world are trying to correct this by selective breeding, and rectifying the inbreeding--and bad breeding-- of Cavaliers in the past. They are the cutest freakin' animal I've ever seen. But in the end, they'll break your heart-- and your bank.
2006-07-07 14:34:45 · answer #3 · answered by chickingirl19 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A very nervous breed that you cannot leave alone. When they say it is a lap dog, that is exactly how to describe it - the trouble is you will never get it off your lap. Many of them suffer from breathing problems. I don't think they are diggers or biters. They yap rather than bark, especially when you leave them alone. With a big yard, a short haired Jack Russell terrier would be ideal......... read up on them, fantastic animals and good watch dogs........
2006-07-07 14:38:10 · answer #4 · answered by thomasrobinsonantonio 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i am not sure about their health, but they are very cute. they are also expense, but i think they are worth it.
2006-07-07 14:34:13 · answer #5 · answered by nicole l 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋