Author's product rating:
| Advantages: |
Loyal, friendly, quiet dogs . |
| Disadvantages: |
health problems |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
I write a review on this breed of dog with confidence, as we have had 4 King Charles Spaniels in our family since i was a baby, and each one has not failed to please.
Puppy behaviour
Out of the 4 King Charles we have owned within the family, i can remember 3 being puppies. As puppies, they are very playful, and love a good nibble on pretty much anything they can find - however, they are easily checked and soon learn whats acceptable and whats not. I have found with all the 3 puppies, that after about 30mins play, they get very sleepy and usually lay down for over an hour and sleep, then wake up to creat more puppy mischief!! As puppies, we have found all King Charles to be very loving, especially when they are tired, they pretty much beg to be on your knee and all of ours have snuggled in and slept like a baby! The King Charles puppy we have at the moment, Benji, is very sociable and loves to meet new people, especially children. He makes a lot of children and loves to interact through toys with them. i have found all puppies of this breed to be gentle with children, however, if the children do get excited and run about, the pup can get quite hyper too!! As puppies, we have found them all to be easily toilet trained! with a little persistance, all our puppies have learned where to go (to put it politely!!) within a week, obviously with a few forgetful moments now and again, but generally they have proved to be intelligent in this area.
Temperament
From being puppies right through to adults, the temperament of a King Charles is always spot on. We have never had any sign of aggression form these dogs. They are extremely loving and gentle with children, and when they get a little older they tend to be very mellow and prefer not to be bothered and fussed much. They are very lazy dogs when they pass the puppy stage (about 2 and a half years) and are so content when lying down or asleep!
The good thing about these dogs is that, they have shown not to be possessive over their toys, in fact after the puppy stage, they rarely play. Rosie, our last King Charles who sadly was put to sleep through ill health at only 8 used to love carrying her soft toy dog around, as though it was her own puppy! But she never played with anyting. The temperament of these dogs makes them an ideal choice for elderly people as well as homes with children, as they are extremely safe dogs to have around, and in my opinion as well as my families, they cant be beatenon temperament. As long as they are loved and acknowledged, the King Charles is a definate choice if you want a loyal friend.
Barking
As puppies, they tend to have the rare bark when playing and getting excited. However, when they grow out of the puppy stage, yo uwould be more suprised than not if you heard a king charles bark. they are not a yappy kind of dog, they are very friendly and quiet and barking is not an issue with these dogs.
Sociability with other dogs
Similar to all dogs, these dogs need early socialising with a range of dogs to get them used to dogs being around them. I have not found any of our dogs to be aggressive towards other dogs, but the earlier you get them accustomed to sociaslising with other dogs, the betetr they behave when older. Possibly a few lessons at a socialising class would do the trick, If you already have a dog, and want a king charles, i couldnt recommend as we have only ever had the one in the house at any one time. However, i do know a lady who has 2 kingcharles in her house, and she says they are no problem together at all. they occassionaly have a play together, but usually do their own thing and sleep. As with other breeds of dog, i am unable to give accurate advice, but from my opinion and guess, i shouldnt think there would be any problems socialsing them and living together, as long as they are both equally loved you should have no problems.
Colours
King charles spaniels are available in various colours. These include:
- Blenheim (ruby and White)
- Tri Colour (Black, ruby and white)
- Ruby ( all one colour)
- Brown and Black (these are quite rare)
Rubies and brown/black are the rarest colour, and are often hard to find. The ruby is a stunning colour, my granda bought my gran one as a gift for their ruby wedding, and he always was complimented when on walks.
Tri-Colours and Blenheims are usually quite common, but beautiful non the less.
Appearance
King Charles have a very striking appearance, they are medium sized dogs, and can often quite quite chubby!! Their hair often has a slight curl to it, especially on their longish ears. They are what i would refer to as a "smart" looking, kind of elegant dog, and they are super cute!
Price
The average price for a good quality, pedigree King Charles today would be between £400-£600, depending on the breeder and area. If you buy a pre-loved King Charles, tehy can be bought for a varied price, depending on the age and appearance.
Ease to Train
We have found King Charles to be extremely intelligent dogs, and are very obedient with firm, yet friendly training. Training doesnt usually take too long before the dog picks up the basics, such as sit, down, stay etc. However, as they are quite lazy when older, it is best to train them all the tricks as puppies, when they are more interested in communicating than sleeping, which is common after 4years! The king charles is a joy to train, and its very rare that you would have difficulties training this type of dog. They are intelligent and keen to learn at a young age, so recommended to train definately as puppies. Dont expect them to become a genius after the age of 4, as before mentioned they are lazy, and although still very obedient, most would prob not be interested in learning new tricks!
Health
Health wise, there are a few problems common to this breed. One of which, and probably the most common, is breathing difficulties. this breed of dog has a short wind pipe, and when old age approaches, the breathing can often turn to a wheezing sound. This isnt normally anything to worry about, until/if it turns to a cackling kind of sound, as though the dog is choking and coughing. If it gets to this stage, i would recommend a vets advice immediately, as our other king charles, which passed away a few years ago, seriously suffered with this type of coughing when he reached the age of 11.
Another common problem, which can be controlled, is their sensitive stomach. We have found all king charles to have tummy problems if not fed on the right types of food. They are the type of dog that you cant treat with a little remainder of biscuit and leftover meat, as often this will physic them and give them either toilet problems or make them sickly. If they are kept on a regular diet, where the meals dont change, you shouldnt have any problems, but do NOT feed them on human food as you may with other dogs, treating them only makes them suffer, as tehy really do have sensitive stomachs!
Grooming
Grooming a King Charles needs regular attention, as their coat often sheds and moults. They have a beautiful coat if maintained, and i would recommend washing them maybe once a month, especially if they have white on their coat, this is to keep them looking their best. Obviously, some people wash animals more often, others barely at all (my grandparents used to struggle bathing their last king charles, so they used dry foam shampoo, which refreshed their coat, until the mobile dog groomer came and washed him)
A regular coat trim is needed on average every 2 months, a stheir coats can grow quite long. Brushing is needed maybe 2-3tims per week if you want the coat to look in its best condition.
Walking/exercising
This type of dog need moderate exercising. I would advise on three small walks per day (no more than a mile), and the occasional longer walk. They do not need to be ran around often, but the occassional firld run if possible wouldnt do any harm. They are pretty low maintenance for walking, as they are so lazy they would rather sleep than exercise, but it is vital to ensure they recieve 3 small walks per day or 2 slightly longer walks per day to keep the weight off them.
Average lifetime of a king charles
On average, a king charles is expected to live no longe rthan 12 years. Out of our 4, one has died at 8, one at 9 and the other at 12. We currently have a young puppy who is thankfully still with us!!
The girls we have had died the youngest, Sindy and Rosie dying at 8 and 9 :( and the male we have died at 12.
Recommendation
If you are looking for a loyal, quiet, friendly and reliable dog, i couldnt advise you any better than this type of dog, for overall suitability. They are so friendly, and not aggressive in the slightest, making them more than suitable to be around children. They are sociable, lazy and love their food, so if your looking for a friend, look no further that the king charles spaniel.
| More Reviews |
Introducing... Izzie!!!!
Review of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel by
gingelou
Advantages: Extremely friendly and loyal dogs
Disadvantages: Health Problems
...my newest pet... Izzie The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!
I bought Izzie back in February at just 14 weeks old after wanting a Cavalier King Charles sine I was about 8 years old! I was never allowed one though as my mum doesn't like dog hairs... hence the reason we have 3 poodles and a yorkie (they don't moult!) So upon moving out of my mum's I decided it was about time I fulfilled a lifelong ambition... to own or rather be owned by a Cavalier King ... ...I have not met a Cavalier yet who hasn't wagged its tail and tried to give me a wash! They're tails never stop and they are always pleased to see people!
*Lifetime*
Izzie is still only 9 months old and hopefully according to my research I will have her for a good 12 to 15 years, which in my eyes is a good lifetime for a dog however not long enough for me as I want my dogs to live as long as I do!
*Health*
As with all breeds Cavaliers do have ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful |
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very helpful

20.09.2008
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A tragic tail, with a yappy ending NEW PICS + INFO
Review of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel by
mizz_behaves
Advantages: A breed fit for a King, or Queen
Disadvantages: Major heartache reading this
...whether you should buy a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (henceforth for the sake of Repetitive Strain Injury now known as a Cav). Mine is to introduce those interested into my little troup. It will be updated regularly as my tribe grow up.
**Why was it a Cav that did it for me?**
As anyone who knows me could tell you, I love animals more than most people. I don't have to be funny, I can be sarcastic, I don't have to listen, I can talk, and most ... ...is the appeal of the Cavalier King Charles.
Diamond is now able to walk as she has had her jabs, which only cost £25 for the first and £11 for the second, given two weeks apart . Booster is around £25 once a year. Once she stops feeding Goose we can frontline them all as we still have the odd flea join our family. Hopefully she can still be spayed soon, rather than risk more pups.
Rizla is now fighting Goose back, and it's hilarious to watch and ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful |
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very helpful

23.06.2005
(21.07.2005)
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Don't forget the Cavalier..........
Review of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel by
sunworld
Advantages: Wonderful temperament
Disadvantages: Expensive and sometimes highly bred
...breed they did, namely the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Money was not free flowing in our house at that time, so I am still slightly perplexed as to why they didn't just go to the local dog pound, rather than fork out for the offspring of a champion no less, but I am so glad they did, because no-one could want for a better pet.
So, Oliver came to our house and we loved him from the first moment - as a bouncy, bounding eight week old puppy, he ... ...facts on the breed of Cavalier King Charles:
**** They are NOT cheap! We bought Oliver for £100, twenty years ago! Having had a quick look at going prices these days, I see that they sell for at least £300. This price is dependant on whether you are buying a "pet" or a "show" dog. There are many breeders of show dogs, in fact Oliver's mum was a champion and Ollie had his own certificate of lineage. Also, Cavaliers do not have names such as "butch" ...
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very helpful

17.07.2004
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Canine Splendour.
Review of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel by
marmiladey
Advantages: wonderful temperment.
Disadvantages: Special needs .
The King Charles Cavalier is a marvellous breed of dog. I confess to never having owned one . I have, however had a great deal to do with my mothers dog " Toby " who was a superb example of the breed. Sadly Toby a Blenheim , ( rich chestnut colour on pearly white background, complete with lozenge of chestnut squarely planted between his ears .) died last September. He has been greatly missed. My experiance and knowledge of the breed is based on the ... ...like another King Charles Cavalier puppy. Not to replace "Toby" that could never be. More for the company and delight the breed offers. Since her quite monumental decision I have done some detective work! Highly recommended by Kennel clubs and breeders alike. I would suggest it is a must for anyone preparing to purchase a dog , irrespective of breed or cost. ( Starting price for the King Charles is currently around £500.00 )There is a wealth of information ...
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08.01.2005
(09.01.2005)
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A fantastic family dog
Review of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel by
Katieshaz
Advantages: Lovely dogs
Disadvantages: Prone to heart problems :-(
...of owning a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. He was the loveliest dog ever and a great representative of the breed.
Appearance: They are a small breed, commonly known as toy dogs. Average height is around 30cm and they fit comfortably onto one's lap! They have silky glossy fur although we used to clip Stanley to keep him cleaner and happier as he used to smell-especially when he went out in the rain! It is important to groom them as that fur coat ... ...off her plate and he just sat on her lap. Then he laid down on the floor and fell asleep for the last time. We had a lovely 10 years with Stanley and we are looking at getting a new Cavalier puppy even though it won't replace Stanley. ...
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very helpful

21.03.2007
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