Getting a dog?

Question

Im' thinking of getting a king charles cavalier spaniel. im a teacher so was thinking of getting of at the start of the summer holidays so i would have six weeks to spend gettting it settled in and used to me. When i had to go back to work i was thinking of have a dog walker to come in and take it for walks every other day, would this breed adapt to this life style or would another breed be more suitable?

Answer 1

I know someone with King Charles Spaniels - also known as English Toy Spaniels. They have slightly shorter faces than the Cavaliers but have the same silky coats, that come in the same range of colours.

They're affectionate, people lovers - though they often prefer one special person above all others. As they have been bred over the years as lap dogs, they don't require as much exercise as a Cavalier. Equally happy to stay at home on a cold, wet windy day with you by the fire - satisfied by a quick turn around the garden.

They've solid, warm, cuddly, chunky bodies. I've walked one on a lead being used to much bigger dogs I thought that I'd find it odd having a little one - however, he felt just like a big dog & oddly enough, I felt really protected when walking with him. Along with the cuddles & affection he gave me later, I really took quite a shine to him & to the breed as a whole.

They've loveable, characterful faces, with deep shining eyes & a mouth that seems to smile.

Anyway, I'll stop gushing now. Just wanted to put them forward as a suggestion to a breed that won't necessarily mind if you don't take it out for a walk each day, that's loving & wonderfully solid to cuddle.

Photos:
http://www.pgaa.com/canine/general/images/englishtoy.jpg
http://www.pup4u.com/Image20.jpg

Answer 2

Everyone says go to a shelter, I say see if your area has a KCSS rescue group. In my part of the country, most shelters turn pure breeds or even mixed breeds with distinct characteristics over to rescue groups. The only thing in local shelters are pit bull and lab mixes. Everything else goes through a rescue group.

The rescue groups will answer all your questions and will help you with getting everything together. But, I appreciate your waiting until school's out to get the dog. We just had a teacher return a beautiful cocker spaniel because she didn't have time during the school year to acclimate the dog to her house.

Answer 3

Talk to a King Charles Cavalier rescue group near you and see if they can match you with an adult. I think an adult dog would do just fine.

Find a rescue group through:
www.petfinder.com

or through the breed club:
in the us-- http://www.ckcsc.org/

I'm guessing that as a teacher you are not gone 10 hours a day or something like that???

Answer 4

Yes. Any kind of Spaniel are great dogs for this kind of life style. I would recomment a traing crate while you are gone. This will teach help you train the dog. If you leave a dog in the house when you are not their, after it is use to you being there, then you are in for a.... well.... mess. Training crates are very good to start out with unless you have a fenced in back yard, or a cable for the dog to run on with suitable shelter.

Have fun, getting a dog is a big responsability, but it is one of the funnest!

Answer 5

i dont know about the breed, but i have 3 dogs and i go to school, and they seem to be fine...and i dont even have a dog walker !I figure they keep each other company, and i would for sure get one from a shelter. I got a golden retiever-german shepard mix at the shelter, and she is awesome. I have a chihuahua, and a yorkshire terrier i rescued. PLease consider rescuing a dog. Those dogs needs a home and so much love, and they give it back to you in return. I just buys my dogs toys, treats, chewables, and ileave the radio and tv on for their entertainment. Once i get homeits all about them, i walk them, and do everything with them. On the weekend i take them on car rides, and to my parents for visits. You will love it. Dont listen to people who say no because youre not home, i mean seriiously who has a life great enough to be home with a dog your whole day. Yu have to work, and they are happy to have a home.

Answer 6

Why not go to your local sheler, and save the life of an unwanted dog. I tend to find that they are very grateful for their lives. And since they have been through so much, you'll know that this dog will adapt to your lifestyle. Also a puppy wouldn't be the best choise. A puppy will need to be potty trained, and they will go through a chewing stage. Why not adopt a mature dog, that is past these stages in life. Check out www.petfinder.com They are the best!

Answer 7

My neighbour's have one,whom we care for when they are away.Heisa sweet little dog,but even so he needs a lot of attention and walking. His owners give him very little exercise or stimulation, and consequently he is getting bad tempered and bored. This breed do not like being left alone for very long, so I would think about another breed if you work. They need company.Otherwise, they are very amenable,even tempered and biddable. Great family dogs, but not for working owners.

Answer 8

Spaniels tend to be very energetic dogs, more so than other breeds, I definately wouldn't get one of these or a border collie or any of the smarter breeds of dogs as they won't take to being locked in all day so well. If you get a small dog avoid jack russels (Smart, energetic). Thats about all the advice I have.

Answer 9

i think getting a puppy at the start of the holidays is a great idea as you can both bond and train your puppy. i would go for a shih tzu myself, just because of their temperament and ability to get on with it when left alone. they are terrific pets and companions... but saying this i think any breed if your getting it from a puppy and as long as it knows its loved it will be happy, and get used to it.

Answer 10

I love KCS.... They are very adaptable....Make sure that he gets to know the dog walker before just letting her pick him up for walks ..then no worries!!! Good choice in dog!