I just got a pm about pugs which has made me rethink my decision for the time being. However I remember when I did a thread asking people about breeds many people said cavalier king charles spaniel. I have loved the dog however I am not sure it is right for me, mainly considering being left alone again. Infact it is this issue which is making it hard for me to find the right breed.

So what I want to know is, generally are cavaliers dogs who need a lot of exercise - would a shortish (say up to half an hour) walk a day suit them along with a long weekend walk. And would they be ok left alone for periods of time if trained to become desensitized to me leaving.

If they cant and dont sound suitable, can anyone suggest low energy/exercise needs dogs that are small and are good alone for periods of time

Whippets!! They are a gorgeous breed. Fantastic temperament. And love to sleep - quite happy with two 20 min blasts of efxercise a day. Plus very healthy.

It depends how long are you talking about... Not a small dog, but a greyhound would fulfill low energy, low exercise dog that is happy to curl up on the sofa for long periods of time.

Having said that, no dog should be left alone for long periods of time on a regular basis.

i just read from several sources that they have high exercise requirments

I'll be entirely honest and upfront, and respectfully ask if you are sure ANY breed of dog is right for you?

It is one thing to do your research, it is entirely another to have such specific needs/wants that you find it hard to find ANY breed that will suit you.

A dog might cope with little exercise, but no breed will truly thrive without two walks a day. Walking a dog isn't just about physical exercise, it is about mental stimulaton aswell. I also don't thinkt hat any dog will thrive when left for long periods of time everyday or most days. Yes, they may cope, but my personal opinion is they do not thrive, especially a lone dog.

Whya dog, and not a cat or a rabbit?

I have 3 cats already so a rabbit would be a no no. Me and my mum have decided to rethink the situation when my granny is beter. Then we can together go through and look at dogs more together and find the right dog for us and also assess the situation again.

No
Sorry probably not the answer you wanted to hear, but Cavaliers are people dogs and need company

Mine only gets one walk a day. He's only a puppy (5 months) so I hope that's not too bad. I feel a bit guilty.

No Soph I think Jackson was referring to adult dogs, over-exercising pups is a no-no

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Defintiley not a cavlier

As most of the people have said, it is probably best to wait and really get the right dog. Every dog need to have someone home for most of the day and they need two walks or one depending on puppy or adult :P

What about a ferret, they would efend themselves against cats! Lol, my three took on two cats once!

If not then maybe something like a pekingnese