Why own a Cavalier?

Any dog should be matched with it's owner.

You have to consider these things:

• Activity level
• Intelligence level
• Character traits
• Breed traits

Activity Level

If you run 10 km every night, you need to find a dog that will match you. A fit Cavalier will keep up with you, and win the fight on the couch for the best spot after you come home and probably be fast asleep before your runners come off...... but will be waiting at the door 10 minutes before the regular departure time the next day.

If you are a couch potato, and only get up to change the channel because you can't find the remote, a Cavalier will endure this, and be happy with you, but like you, the inactivity will probably shorten his life.

Cavaliers look at Obedience, Agility, RallyO, tracking, flyball and musical freestyle as a chance to show off their hair feet, long ears and wonderful tails, as well as their wonderful beauty. They love to run fast, climb over, run through, jump and do other fun thing ...... they never look at a task as work, it's all fun to them.

Intelligence Level

Cavaliers are smart. And the more you show them, the smarter they are. Start young, but make sure you show your Cavalier that you are the pack leader and like it, or this brave dog will assume that role and will not want to give it up.

Cavaliers love to learn, so show them tricks and games, play with them and introduce them to many things.

Character traits

An offshoot of their intelligence though is stubbornness. Cavaliers can be extremely stubborn, convinced their way is the best way and will fight you on every point if you let them. Early show of leadership usually minimizes future discussions.

Cavaliers are affectionate and gentle. Babies and toddlers can pull on their ears and poke at them, and they will not complain, but might keep their distance the next time. They love adults too, and take every opportunity to let the adults show the affection and adulation they deserve. They love to cuddle but will take more room than a Great Dane on the bed.

Cavaliers have different points of view on birds, squirrels, cats and skunks. Some love to chase birds and squirrels, some could care less. Some live with cats, and others terrorize them. I have a female tricolour who loves skunks; I looked out one day and found her nose to nose with a skunk....both tails were wagging and they were probably wondering why the other one didn't look like a Cavaleir/skunk. Luckily, before the situation changed, I called her in and she listened. But every time she smells a skunk, she wants to go out.

Cavaliers love treats. As for food, Cavaliers fall into 2 categories.

When presented with a dish of food, your Cavalier will say
• "Is this all I am going to get???????!!!"
or
• "You expect me to eat this!!!!?"

Breed traits

Like most purebred dogs, they tend to develop certain conditions; you can minimize your chances for some, but many are in the genes and you just have to wait and cope.

Weight: Cavaliers love treats, and this can lead to weight issues. It's best to keep your Cavalier at it's ideal weight to minimize heart stress.

Heart: MVD, or Mitral Valve Disease, is a heart condition every Cavalier owner will see at least once in their lives if they own more than 1 Cavalier. Some Cavaliers die of it before their 2nd birthday, others live to the age of 13 with no sign of it. Most Cavaliers will show some signs by the age of 5 years if they will be getting it; but you have to keep your eyes open and make sure your vet checks the heart every time you see him.

Knees: Cavaliers can develop patella luxation, or a movable knee cap, which can be very painful and lead to other problems.

Syringomyelia: This horrible condition affects more Cavaliers than any other breed, and perhaps more than all the other breeds together. We have a DVD that is available for viewing or loan out to your vet.

Episodic falling: While symptoms usually arise by five months of age, first notable symptoms can occur at any age. EF can occur in all colors and both sexes. Go to this website to watch some videos of afflicted Cavaliers, and to see the signs and symptoms.