Is a Cavalier the right dog for me?

It's important to both you and your future pet to select a dog breed that suits you, your family
and your lifestyle. While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are excellent companions for
many people, they are not necessarily for everyone.

Here are some things to consider:

Do you have the time for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy? All puppies required a substantial amount of your time and attention when they
are small.

Cavies are essentially known as lap dogs and they are known to be especially attached to their human owners.

Any dog can develop separation anxiety when they are left alone so it is important that if you are looking to bring adopt a Cavalier puppy, you need to have the
time to give them the attention they need to help
them become well-adjusted family pets.

Dogs left alone can become bored and mischevious - chewing and getting into things they shouldn't.
If your family's lifestyle is such that your pet will be home alone for long periods of time,
then please consider a more independent breed.

Financial commitment

Have you considered the financial commitment of owning a dog? In addition to the fact that
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies are generally quite expensive to purchase in the first place, you will
also have to pay for veterinarian care, pet food, housing (whether a pet bed, playpen, kennel or crate),
and toys for your new best friend. If you will need the services of a pet sitter/walker or boarding kennel,
plan ahead for that too. Owning a dog is a joy, but not an inexpensive pleasure!

Are you looking for a guard dog?

If so, the Cavalier Spaniel breed is NOT for you. Cavaliers are bred to be affectionate people-lovers.
They might bark when the doorbell rings, but that's about as much protection as
you can expect from a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

How are Cavaliers with children?

Cavaliers are good companions for single
people, seniors and most families.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies
are excellent companions for children, but
it is important to watch children under the age
of five so they don't unintentionally hurt
a new puppy.

How are Cavaliers with other pets?

Do you already have other pets? Cavalier King
Charles Spaniels very social animals and are
generally happy to be around other cats,
dogs, birds, turtles etc.

Introduce your new Cavalier Spaniel to your other
pets gradually, and again, be watchful if your
other pets are larger and might hurt your
new puppy accidentally.

Exercising a Cavalier

How will you exercise your Cavalier
King Charles Spaniel?

Though they are a toy breed, Cavalier Spaniels
need a moderate amount of exercise every day
stay healthy. Are you prepared to take walk
your new pet every day?

Even if you have a fenced yard, you will probably
find that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel won't
enjoy running around the yard by himself. To give
your Cavalier Spaniel a real workout, you will
have to come outside and play with him.

Grooming

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require regular grooming to look their healthy best, but this
doesn't need to be a full time job.

Grooming your pet three times a week to remove
snarls and tangles is more than enough for most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Cavalier Spaniels
will shed a bit in the spring and fall, so you may
find it helpful to groom daily at that time.

Nail clipping can be a quick job performed
no more often than once a month.

To prevent drying out his coat, you won't want to bathe your Cavalier Spaniel any more often than once a week. Judge for yourself, but many owners don't feel the need to wash their Cavalier King
Charles Spaniels for one or two months at a time.

Part of above article from: http://www.i-love-cavaliers.com/