Cavaliers are a very adaptable breed. They need regular exercise but they are happy to just walk around the house or go for a jog. Their adaptability towards levels of exercise is what makes them such a versatile dog for anyone. Cavaliers chase and it's important to keep them in a fenced yard or on a lead. They have a lot of spirit and love to be involved in everything the family does. They're great travelers and quickly learn to love the car. They will retrieve small balls and chew toys. They should not be encouraged to jump up or down off of furniture as it can lead to kneecap displacement and joint injuries as they age.
Cavaliers are a special breed and like other purebreds, they're suceptible to various health issues. Mitral-valve Disease (a heart murmur that ultimately leads to heart attack and Syringomyelia (an extremely serious condition in which fluid-filled cavities develop within the spinal cord near the brain) are two of the major conditions. As many as 50% of all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have MVD by age five. Syringomyelia clinical statistics show that about 45% of affected Cavaliers develop signs of SM before their first birthday; another 40% will show symptoms between ages one and four years.... hence our five year guarantee.
We're well versed in our lines and can go back six generations between ourselves and the breeders who bred our foundation dogs. I have have an excellent relationship with both of these women and have confirmed all dogs are still clear of MVD and SM under 10 years old. It's good news but it doesn't mean it can't happen. I enjoy maintaining a rapport with many of my buyers. I have never had a client inform me that their puppy or adult dog had MVD or SM in any of our breedings over 14 years.
For a more detailed list of health issues you can visit: (www.cavalierhealth.info)
We're well versed in our lines and can go back six generations between ourselves and the breeders who bred our foundation dogs. I have have an excellent relationship with both of these women and have confirmed all dogs are still clear of MVD and SM under 10 years old. It's good news but it doesn't mean it can't happen. I enjoy maintaining a rapport with many of my buyers. I have never had a client inform me that their puppy or adult dog had MVD or SM in any of our breedings over 14 years.
For a more detailed list of health issues you can visit: (www.cavalierhealth.info)
As an average shedder it's important to keep them well groomed on a regular basis.
Grooming can be easily done in a quick 5-10 minute a day or every other day session as needed with a stiff bristle brush and a grooming comb are all that is needed. They can tolerate regular bathing either full wet bathing or dry powder treatments, but try to avoid bathing too frequently in cold weather. We ALL use WEN Cleansing Conditioner... fantastic product!
It's important to carefully trim the long hair on the feet and especially between the pads. Use blunt edged grooming scissors and make sure that you have help to hold them, especially if they are new to the process. Keep nails neat and trimmed as well.
Always check ears for any sign of discharge in the outer ear area and wipe with cloth and warm water. Clean the area around the eyes with a damp cloth, use water only, and check for any signs of irritation - typically noted by tearing.
It's important to carefully trim the long hair on the feet and especially between the pads. Use blunt edged grooming scissors and make sure that you have help to hold them, especially if they are new to the process. Keep nails neat and trimmed as well.
Always check ears for any sign of discharge in the outer ear area and wipe with cloth and warm water. Clean the area around the eyes with a damp cloth, use water only, and check for any signs of irritation - typically noted by tearing.
Puppy shots are administered at: 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks of age.
Rabies vaccinations at 16 weeks of age.
Altering is reccomended at around 6 months of age for males and females.
Your baby needs an annual exam by the vet that includes vaccinations and meds.
Rabies vaccinations at 16 weeks of age.
Altering is reccomended at around 6 months of age for males and females.
Your baby needs an annual exam by the vet that includes vaccinations and meds.
Cavaliers are a very easy dog to train. Since they have been used as a companion dog throughout history they are naturally very responsive and well mannered, although like all dogs, they do need to be carefully, positively and consistently trained.
They can be challenging to housetrain since they are so tiny as puppies. Carefully monitoring them and taking them outdoors after eating, drinking, waking or playing will greatly help this process. They are naturally clean dogs and respond very well to crate training as a housetraining method.
Socialization is a key consideration in their development. Puppy obedience classes are a great way to combine both socialization as well as basic instructions. Positive reinforcement through praise and attention is usually all that is required to help the puppy understand what is acceptable and what is not.
They can be challenging to housetrain since they are so tiny as puppies. Carefully monitoring them and taking them outdoors after eating, drinking, waking or playing will greatly help this process. They are naturally clean dogs and respond very well to crate training as a housetraining method.
Socialization is a key consideration in their development. Puppy obedience classes are a great way to combine both socialization as well as basic instructions. Positive reinforcement through praise and attention is usually all that is required to help the puppy understand what is acceptable and what is not.
Plants, foods and other critters can be poisonous to your new baby. For a complete list please visit: http://dogs.about.com/od/dogandpuppyhealth/tp/toxins.htm or click on the poor guy to the right.
Dental hygiene is just as important to your dog's overall heath as things like nutrition, proper exercise and routine grooming. Plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar, or calculus. These areas grow bacteria and eat away at the teeth and gums. Halitosis, periodontal disease, oral pain and tooth loss can occur. However, the bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth but they can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart and kidneys. The most important thing to do is address dental disease as soon as it is detected, no matter how minor.
