What are your thoughts on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

Hi there, It’s completely normal to have so many questions before welcoming a dog into your home, especially when you’re used to having cats. Dogs and cats have very different needs, and it’s important to give it some proper thought so that everyone stays happy and finds their rhythm. Plenty of people who have always been cat owners and finally took the plunge by adopting a dog have never looked back! When you're looking to adopt, the most important thing is choosing a dog that fits your lifestyle. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a lovely breed, but as you pointed out, there are some drawbacks, particularly their common health issues. A crossbreed could be a great alternative; they’re often less prone to these problems and a bit hardier. As for shedding, all dogs lose hair, but some breeds more than others. A good, regular brush can help keep things under control. Dogs generally bring a new dynamic to the house—often a bit more "active" than cats—and they do require more time and attention on a daily basis (walks, training, grooming...). If you’re ready for that and you pick the right dog, it’ll definitely be a brilliant experience! Your 14-year-old girl might be a bit put out at first, but with a slow introduction and separate spaces, it shouldn't be a problem! Have a lovely evening, Apolline

Hi everyone, I adopted a black and tan Cavalier King Charles (from a breeder in Switzerland) and she’s just pure joy! She’s 5 months old. Training is obviously ongoing, but she loves it, and we’re doing puppy classes with other dogs, which is brilliant. She’s quite submissive with all other dogs and never aggressive. She absolutely loves children, people, and even the neighbour’s cats. At the moment, I’m not having any issues with her coat. I think the black and tan colouring is easier to maintain. She was very expensive to buy, but I’ve got no regrets at all. As for potential health issues, we’ll see what the future holds, but I’m making the most of every moment with her – she’s just such a delight! She’s been sleeping on her own since the very first day and is mostly house-trained, though we still have the odd little accident. Having had cats before, who I adored, I have no regrets about switching to a dog. I’m lucky enough to work from home, so I’m always available for her. She’s a real "velcro dog", but it’s wonderful!! So there you go... over to you!

One of my favourite breeds! I’ve never come across an aggressive Cavalier; they’re usually so sweet, playful and affectionate. They can struggle a bit with being left alone, but otherwise they’re fairly docile and easy to train. Health-wise, they’re quite delicate, especially regarding their hearts.

Don’t get a Cavalier from France if you’re looking for a healthy dog. We got ours from Belgium and he’s doing brilliantly! He’s very active for a Cavalier; he actually walks a lot (3 hours a day and about 4 at the weekend). I even do some dog scootering with him. When we head to the mountains, he can easily manage 6 to 9 miles with a few breaks. You have to feed them slightly less than the recommended amount for the sake of their joints and heart. They need to stay lean, fit, and athletic. He’s a fantastic dog—obviously he’s no Malinois, but if you’re willing to put the work in, they make the perfect active companion!

Hi there! To me, the Cavalier King Charles is faultless. They’re adorable, gentle, calm, and cheerful, as well as being responsive and easy to train. They love kids and honestly haven't got a mean bone in their body—they just love everyone... I have one myself who, as well as having all those qualities, is great at being left alone for long periods during the day. Basically, they’re the perfect dog to get......

Hi there, I used to be a cat person and my first dog weighs around 7 stone—he's an unusual gundog, so a far cry from a Cavalier King Charles. But I’ve always liked Cavaliers... their cute little faces and their lovely coats. Whenever I see them, I’m not sure if it’s because their owners treat them like soft toys, but they often seem a bit timid and "static"... it puts me off a bit actually; whenever I come across one, it’s as if they’ve just frozen to the spot. As for the fur, they are long-haired, so it’s definitely noticeable, but it's much easier to clear up than short hair, believe me. Investing in a robot hoover is always a good shout... :-) Just a word of warning though: a dog, even a small one, isn’t a cat. They don't handle being left alone nearly as well; they need to be taken out to see their doggy friends every day, several times a day, and training also takes up a lot of your time and brainpower. It’s clearly much more time-consuming than having one or several cats.