While you are waiting for replies I would like to suggest you browse the Sticky Threads in the breeding section. Lots of food for thought in those threads.

Dog Breeding | Pet Forums Community

 

Unfortunately we lost our elderly CKC a few years ago. They are lovely sweet natured little dogs but prone to a host of health problems which has put us of getting another one. If I were to change my mind, and your UK based ,I would look to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel club who promote healthy breeding and have a puppy register.

 

Thank you for responding.

That's the main reason putting us off as this would be our first pet and I know it can be an absolute nightmare to experience.

We live in the Midlands and I will definitely have a look at the club register. How much should I be prepared to spend for a puppy with both parents heart and eye clear? We are prepared to up our budget.

The thought of never having a Cav because of the potential health problems is upsetting and they seem perfect for our living situation what with us being at home and living in an apartment

 

I'm sorry I haven't a clue of prices, we got Suzie aged 3 from a neighbours son who was moving away and couldn't keep her. He warned us she had a heart murmur, but she didn't start taking meds for it until she was 12. She also had dry eye, but apart from that I suppose looking back she was healthy for a Cavalier and lived to 15. She was a perfect pet, I still miss her so much, she loved to please and fitted in with whatever we wanted to do. They make wonderful companion dogs and she was also pretty active running around after our JRT. In fact that's probably what kept her healthy for so long. I better be careful or I'll talk myself into getting another one!!

 

On the off chance he will see this, member @Jamesgoeswalkies was knowledgeable about cavaliers. Unfortunately he hasn't posted in a long time, I hope he is ok.

 

Have you considered a rescue?

There are so many young Lockdown dogs being dumped in rescue now that the novelty has worn off.

 

Aww they do seem lovely and 15 is a great age to get to.

As much advice as possible is greatly appreciated from anyone.

We have strongly considered a rescue however what with it being our first dog, not many organisations are keen on first time owners as we are not familiar with the breed. Also us living in an apartment is a big no no in their eyes even though it is in a rural area.

 

Is there a breed specific rescue that might consider you. My mother had a cavalier and it was the perfect dog for her. Unfortunately the all too common heart problem reared its head so she only lived till she was about 10 which is very young for a small breed dog. They are lovely pets and would be perfect for a flat but it is big risk.

 

Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be the case even though we live in a rural area.

That's a shame about your little girl, were both parents heart tested if you know please? We're trying to do as much research as possible.

I really have got my heart set on a Cav, it was either this breed or a Beagle but I don't think they would be suitable for an apartmenta

 

Have you considered a Bichon Frise or a Cairn Terrier both lovely compact dogs that don't have the Cavalier issues, I have two Cavalier x Bichons and my eldest boy has recently been diagnosed with MMVD at the age of 7, he has just turned 8 and I think we have been lucky to get to this age with no issues, I adore cavaliers but with their health issues I really don't think I could. have another unless something really drastic happens within the breed and their health improves drastically. My boy favours the Cavalier side personality wise and my girl favours the Bichon, she is a little (well a lot more) clever than her brother and is a more busy inquisitive dog.

 

We have looked into other toy breeds however we would prefer a breed that isn't generally noisy which a Bichon Frise is? We've strongly considered a Shih Tzu but there's something about Cavaliers I've always loved that makes it hard to stay away. I understand that some breeders are trying to breed only within the healthiest dogs but you'll always get someone who doesn't care about the future of the breed and just wants the money. It's a minefield out there!

 

A quick update:

We, especially my other half, are now strongly considering a Maltese instead. Whilst a Cavalier is still my favourite the almost certain heart issue is still too scary to not consider other breeds. I also like French Bulldogs but my other half doesn't really like them.

 

French bulldogs can have terrible health issues too - not just from the flat face, short palate and closed nostrils but also spinal problems from the tail. So probably wise to stay clear unless you found a great breeder, but even then the insurance would be eye wateringly expensive.

 

Yes I am too aware of the health issues, my husband also doesn't like them at all meaning we'll probably end up with a Cav, however their health issues aren't great either, or a Maltese which are growing quite rapidly on me. From what I've researched they are generally a healthyish breed.

 

Maltese can have chiari malformations like cavaliers.

Are you able to say what characteristics you are attracted to? It might help people to make suggestions of healthier breeds that still tick the right boxes for you, if you want that?

 

Thank you for your advice!

Yes please if you don't mind!

Ahem. We are looking for a small healthy breed that is both loving and quiet (we live in an apartment) whilst being pretty cuddly too as I'm a snuggler! Moderate amount of exercise needed - we live in a rural area and are self employed so they would never be left alone for long periods.

Hope this helps!

 

Mini Schnauzer, mini poodle, show cocker, whippet, Italian Greyhound, Bichon, Bolognese - just a few off the top of my head.

 

Thank you for your suggestions! Do you know if the show cocker breed is generally a healthy one please? I'll make sure to do some research!

We've been looking at the Bichon and Bolognese along with Shih Tzu and Maltese with the Maltese being our favourite but I didn't know about their potential health issues either. Obviously I'm not expecting a guarantee/warranty but a generally healthy breed is definitely a priority.

 

Cockers are definitely heftier than the other breeds mentioned but not much bigger. Be very careful not to go for a working cocker though, they are very very active, never stop. Some breeders do not differentiate and there seem to be far more working cockers around than show cockers.

 

I think a cocker, even a show type is a far cry from a maltese or cavalier. I've yet to meet a sane cocker. They're great dogs, don't get me wrong, but not for someone looking for a more 'mellow' type of dog.
I'm also put off by the resource guarding and nerviness you see far too often now

@Mrs Monster since you're not entirely set on a breed I would put a rescue dog back on the list.
Some rescues really do a great job with temperament testing and fostering to get a really good idea of what personality you're looking at and how well it would suit you.
There are a lot of small non-breed dogs out there in rescue who would make lovely pets.

 

I think a cocker, even a show type is a far cry from a maltese or cavalier. I've yet to meet a sane cocker. They're great dogs, don't get me wrong, but not for someone looking for a more 'mellow' type of dog.
I'm also put off by the resource guarding and nerviness you see far too often now

@Mrs Monster since you're not entirely set on a breed I would put a rescue dog back on the list.
Some rescues really do a great job with temperament testing and fostering to get a really good idea of what personality you're looking at and how well it would suit you.
There are a lot of small non-breed dogs out there in rescue who would make lovely pets.

What are you insinuating about spaniels??? :Hilarious:Hilarious:Hilarious

The other thing with show cockers is their heavy coat, but if kept well it looks nice, and the other breeds you are interested in also need coat care.
I also think rescuing shouldn't be counted out. Of course if health is a big worry for you then that's one problem with rescuing as they will be unlikely to have come from health tested stock!

 

We would love a rescue however the fact we are in an apartment coupled with this being our first has resulted in several rejections in many parts of the country within a fair sized radius of us.

I've heard Cocker Spaniel can be a bit barmy and they also do seem to vary in size. The ones I see in my local village are all either the same size or smaller than a Beagle. The ones I Google however are closer to a Labrador in size, however maybe that's the working type even though I've been specifying show.

 

I think you must be looking at oversized springers. No cocker would be bigger than about beagle size but they are very different and much heavier than the other breeds you are looking at. The working cockers vary from miniature poodle size to large beagle size I would say

I see a lot of small quiet dogs round me and also a lot of cockers. The cockers are constantly on the go, it is rare to see a show cocker but a lot are a mixture and they literally never stop on walks, nose down and running non stop whereas the other breeds you are interested in will walk along side you and enjoy a walk of any length.

 

I think if you are in no great hurry then visit either crufts or discover dogs and then you can meet the breeds and the breeders, might help you narrow down your choices.

 

Thank you both!

We did see one the other day and he was definitely smaller than a Beagle but if they tend to be quite lively, I'm not sure an apartment would be suitable for him, he may feel stifled and need more space.

We're definitely going to head to Crufts this year to get a feel of which breed. We live in the Midlands so it's not too far from us.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

I have a show cocker and don't recognise him from the descriptions often given in this forum!

Yes, he does like to sniff and doesn't always walk the best on lead but I'm sure if I put in the effort he'd be ok.

At home he is very chilled and loves to snooze and snuggle. Or do some training (particularly scent work). He gets a morning or afternoon walk then an evening walk round the block. Day walks are a mix of on lead, off lead and group walk with dog walker. Probably about 1.5 hours total but could be 1 or 2 depending on weather. We do have a large garden that he gets out in often.

He's really good off lead and his recall is decent. He's happy to be home alone. He's excited when people come to the house or we go visit but settles down quickly.

I think the only "bad" things about him are down to my lack of training or mistakes I made (eg putting him to daycare). I'd like to work on these this year though.

He is 12kg but looks smaller than a lot of the ones we meet on walks.