are cavalier king charles spaniels good with children?

Question

thinking of getting a cavalier king charles spaniel but i have got three children, 6, 4 and 2. want to know if they would be a good breed of dog to have around kids

Answer 1

We just got a 12 week old Cavalier. I have an 11, 6 and 2 year old. This puppy is the sweetest, most laid back puppy I have ever seen. I can't believe how wonderful he is with the kids, and how easy he has been to train so far. He just jump or nip at us, and has had only one accident in the house! I will not consider any other breed from now on. I did A LOT of research before deciding which breed would be best for our family. I am most pleased that I chose this one.

I would recommend checking out the breeders in your area. Ask many questions and when the time comes to choose the right puppy, take the kids and have them help you make the choice. Some puppies are more laid back - it will depend on the breeder and on the puppies parents. If you do your research and make a good decision, then you will not regret this wonderful breed!

Answer 2

I own two CKCS's and they are very sweet, even tempered dogs. If your children are high energy, it may be too much for a Cavalier puppy. Cavaliers are bred to be sweet, affectionate lap dogs. Cavaliers REQUIRE company and do not like being left alone every day. If you work and your children are in school, then it is not a good breed for your family. If you are at home and your children are not high energy and have good animal manners, it could be a great match for your family.

Please only use a reputable breeder. Cavaliers are expensive and many backyard breeders and puppy mills breed these dogs because they can bring in a lot of money. Cavaliers have a serious health issue with Mitral Valve Disease. MVD has been plaguing this breed for many years and it is slowly being bred out of Cavaliers by reputable breeders. Most Cavaliers by age 10 will have some degree of MVD, so you must be prepared to have your dog watched closely by a vet. Do not use a breeder that does not have the mother and father on site. Make sure you have information on the family history and talk to others that have used your breeder and check on the health of their dogs. Make sure your breeder is giving you a "limited" registration and that you are required to spay or neuter your dog. A good breeder will charge approximately $1,800.00 to $2,500.00 for their dog. Cavaliers do not come cheap. If your breeder is charging you less, be wary. A good breeder will tell you that if you are unable to keep your dog for any reason, they will take them back and rehome them.

Please do your homework before you consider a Cavalier. They are a wonderful family member with special requirements.

Good luck in your search!

Answer 3

Cavaliers are normally excellent family dogs. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club will be able to give you expert and independent advise on owning this breed - the secretary is Mrs Jones (01490 430554)

Answer 4

My mum breeds Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and they are a lovely brred. I would say that you need to contact the Kennel club to find a list of breeders and call the breeders. Cavaliers tend to be one of the breeds that puppy farms choose and it is never a good idea to get one from them as they really don't care about the dogs or their behaviour.
If you contact a breeder they will answer any of your questions and point you in the right direction, as to whether it would be suitable for your family or not. Puppies from decent breeders tend to be available in the spring summer time.
Hope this helps
Monkley_girl

Answer 5

I think you should wait. Small dogs sometimes are abused by children and your 2 and 4 year olds will not understand how to play with a puppy. Plus you have enough work with the children right now so please don't go begging for a puppy you will have to train and keep cleaning up after.

You might consider getting an older dog who has been with a family and needs a family. Older dogs are already house trained and generally very good with kids. You can get one at the Humane Society.

I got my little love when he was 2 years old. He is 11 now and my constant companion but getting a dog is like getting a member of the family; so please don't bite off more than you and you family can chew. It is an expensive commitment to raise a pet nowadays.

Answer 6

My friend had one and the dog was really good with their children. One thing to be aware of more is will your children will be good with the dog/puppy and able to interact appropriately with the new pup/dog. In many cases, it's usually children, who need to learn proper conduct with an animal in order to ensure a safe exisitence for both the children and the dog. Children, especially toddlers, can be notorious for pulling ears, hair, and often being too rough with a dog, which can sometimes result in a bite. The thing here is that it is the parents responsibility to always monitor their children and dogs together to ensure each is being treated properly. They should never be left unattended.

Answer 7

I have 2 cavaliers and they are fantastic with children. I have a 2 and 8 year old and they do not jump up at them or get over excited......especially aorund the 2 year old, its like they know she is a baby so are very gentle around her.
Cavs are very loyal and loving

Answer 8

any breed of spaniels can be good with children if they grow up together and basically are able to train the dog around children ---however,bringing a mature spaniel into a new environment with small children is not adviced -

Answer 9

Absolutely - we used to have a little black and brown one called Toby who was just the lovliest, most affectionate, dopey, sweet dog ever. My mum's best friend had his brother who was also so sweet natured. We were all young kids when we got him and he was great.

The only problem can be their health - they can become quite inbred in that breed which can cause problems with their bones and blood, but apart from that they are adorable.

I want another one!!

Answer 10

They are great with kids-however the males have higher levels of testosterone than any other breed of dog so they can tend to be VERY randy-if you get a boy have him neutered but then watch his weight! also they can be very prone to heart problems so research your breeder.