Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Oliver's first true love was a Yellow Lab, who was about 9 years old at the time. She wasn't that keen on Oliver's affections but she was "tolerant". That's funny that Felix is also drawn to the larger, older lady.

[FELIX, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel]

A quick update:

Felix is SO much more comfortable with other dogs! We have continued with obedience classes at our local humane society, as well as puppy playgroup once a week. In addition, we are now at the dog park about 4 or 5 out of 7 days in the week and the extra time simply hanging out around other dogs seems to have made a HUGE difference. Felix is still really shy, however, he now will approach other dogs (usually he wants to be chased-- he LOVES to run) and he has even played a few times (back and forth play with paws and whatnot) without turning over on his back or cowering! He still mostly sniffs and is shy but we are very proud of his progress and hope he continues to feel comfortable meeting new people and dogs. He is such a little sweetheart and we are glad he seems very happy -- even the trainer at his obedience classes/playgroup commented how much happier he seems at playgroup!

[FELIX, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel]

Oh, and he is now 16.5 lbs and the vet said last week he is a healthy little guy, most likely full grown (he is almost 11 months). Did most other people's Cavaliers stop growing around 1 year of age? (I hope that isn't a stupid question.... I'm just curious if Felix will get taller or only wider )

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

I am so pleased to read about Felix's progress. He is doing very well. As far as height is concerned, Felix is probably almost as tall as he will be fully grown. He will continue to fill out a little. 16.5 pounds is a good weight for 11 months.

Henry is going to be a year old next Saturday and I've noticed that he is almost as tall as Oliver. Obviously he is not nearly as "filled out" as Oliver, nor do I wish him to ever be, as Oliver has weight issues now, but that is due to his medication.

Kudos to you and Felix! He sounds absolutely, perfectly "normal", happy and healthy!

[FELIX, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel]

Happy Almost-Birthday Henry!!!!

Henry looks absolutely adorable in his photos!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

[Maddii]

Hi.. I am new to the forum. Some great advice on here. I have a 5 year old Cav already whom I love to bits. We recently lost her best friend in the world our Cat and she is pining for him. My question is I have been offered a gorgeous 10 week old Cav but he has a small umbilical hernia. His parents, grand parents and other litter mates are completely free of hernias. I may decide to breed from him in the future but I am worried that maybe it could be hereditary. Any advice would be gratefully acccepted. Thanks.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Maddii...Welcome to the Daily Puppy. Cavaliers are wonderful dogs and very loving. I must be very frank with you and express that if you are unaware of the ramifications, or lack thereof, of a wee umbilical hernia, you ought not to be considering breeding at this time. I would think that if you are considering breeding, than you must also be considering the show ring.

Most well bred Cavaliers are sold with or without a breeding contract, and if they aren't being sold that way, they are born under suspicious circumstances. Both Oliver and Henry were born with those and they are both fine. They also came from reputable breeders. Depending on the size of the hernia, and whether or not it is a health concern to the pup, will depend on whether or not to repair it with surgery. I had Oliver's repaired when he was neutered, but left Henry's alone when he was also neutered.

Lastly, I do not believe that these Hernia's are hereditary. I believe it has everything to do with what occurs in the womb and being born. However, I do not know that for a fact and I may well be wrong. We have other members on here that know more than I do when it comes to such things, so hopefully one of them will let us know.

While your Cavalier may enjoy a new playmate, please consider the source of any new pup and the reason for acquiring one. Oliver was 5 last summer when we brought Henry home. They are now best friends, but I don't think Oliver would have minded being an "only dog". Good luck to you, and I'm very sorry for the loss of your cat.

[Maddii]

Thanks for your reply and the welcome . The pups hernia is very small and the owners vet has said that it does not require surgery. He is a very healthy. happy little boy and it doesn't affect him at all. He comes from a reputable breeder with 20 years experience. I am still trying to decide what to do but he is such a sweet little dog. I have to think with my head and not with my heart though.

[princelover]

Hernias are not heriditary but are something that develops during birth and are quite easily repaired. Prince was born with a hernia which we had repaired at the time he was neutered. Many do not require surgery and never cause any future problem.
I agree with O&H's mum regarding breeding and would think very long and hard before making this decision, especially with the CKCS breed, as they do seem to have several issues that I feel are best left to breeder who are extremely knowlegable of the breed.

We all tend to think we would like to have a puppy from our dogs but this is an area where it is best to allow the head to rule over the heart. If you do choose not to breed, be sure to neuter at some time, as an unneutered animal does have an increased risk of developing cancer. This in males as well as females.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Maddii, best of luck you in your decision making. I am pleased to hear that the pup being offered is from a reputable breeder. If you are seriously interested in becoming a breeder, perhaps you should talk to several of them and start attending dog shows to obtain a feel for what it's really all about.

Do let us know if you decide to bring home a new puppy. We would love to see pictures and hear all about both of your dogs.

[Maddii]

Hi, once again thanks for the info. Jasper has clear heart/ eye tests and so I think I'm going to go for it. Whether I decide to breed in the future is a bridge I will cross when the time comes but he is only 11 weeks old at the moment so we are just going to enjoy him . I will take your advice on board regarding going to shows etc though so I can prepare myself with as much info as possible. I will post some pics up of him as soon as we bring him home. In the meantime this is my baby 'Shan'.and her best friend who she is pining for to the extreem.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Shan is beautiful!!! I like your avatar as well...very sweet indeed.

Obviously I adore Cavaliers. Since you are contemplating breeding, perhaps you should read a thread I started in here about Oliver and his health issues. I think Health issues are the most important thing when perpetuating a breed. The confirmation and colour must also be there, but if the dogs are unhealthy, there is no point.

I realize the thread is very long, but the first few pages will give you an idea of what I've discovered about Cavaliers.

Also, we would love it if you started a thread of your own in the Introductions Section so others can meet you and see your beautiful Cavalier.

Here's the link to the Syringomyelia/Chiari Malformation Thread:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1867

[Maddii]

That's a very interesting read.. thanks!

I bit the bullet and went ahead with his purchase. He's been here a couple of days and is a little whiney but that's only to be expected as he's prob missing his litter mates. Here's a pic



He's a sweet little thing although my girl isn't taking to him at the moment and is quite snappy which isn't her usual nature. I'm giving her extra cuddles and treats to try and help her. Fingers crossed she'll be ok in a few weeks.

[princelover]

Ohhhhh! He is georgous! I have such a hard time restraining myself whenever I see a baby Cavi. He is just perfect. I can just taste that puppy breath through the computer. Lucky you! Congratulations!