Opinions - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breed

Added on Feb 16th, 2009
Rubi Sue is my first personal Cavalier, my best friend/old roommate got Stella Mae at 10 weeks and the two of us raised Stella together. When the two of them had to suddenly move out due to family health issues I was devistated! After doing research and calling a few breeders I got my own Cavalier (because after having one you'll never go back!). Rubi and I have been together for 8 months (she is 10 months old) and the breed lives up to its reputation. She is a Mommy's Girl and will do everything she can to get as close as possible to me at bedtime and follows me around the house. Rubi is, however, obsessed with shadows... meaning she chases every shadow (except her own) that she can. I believe its CCD (Canine Compulsive Disorder), but like they say, dogs resemble their owners! Rubi ADORES children, including my two very young nieces. The only problem is that she wants to kiss them so I have to keep her from jumping up on them and possibly knocking the small ones over! She gets along very well with all humans and all dogs (she does prefer pit bulls, german shepards, and australian shepards though!) and plays fetch like a big dog, bringing it back and everything!
   
Cavaliers are the most beautiful, eye catching, loyal, and lovable dogs. Its hard to say no to those beautiful eyes and that sweet little face! After having (basically) two Cavaliers... I'll never go back.

Added on Aug 25th, 2008
I have a Cavalier....my first of this breed. We got Tera in March and she was 11 months old then. According to the breeder she was too small to breed and so she wanted to sell her. She was one of 25 dogs with this breeder and so she had not been socialized....she didn't even know her name. Consequently she is a very shy dog. She ADORES me and loves my husband but is very timid around other people and other dogs as well. We lover so much! She is the most lovable and affectionate dog I have ever seen. I do wish she would be a little more friendly to my friends and family that she sees frequently. but so far no luck. Any suggestions?

Added on Jan 1st, 2008
I've had dogs all my life, of many different breeds, but if you want companionship & a dog who will truly adore you, you can't go past a Cavalier! In the 5 years I've had Gypsy I've heard her bark twice, she's fantastic with children (extremely tolerant) and if the coat maintenance deters you simply have them clipped regularly. Fantastic temperament and those eyes will melt your heart.

Added on Jan 1st, 2008
I don't understand why this website gives Cavalier King Charles Spaniels only two stars ("fair") for their temperament with children. We have a Cavalier, and she is absolutely the gentlest dog we have ever had. My husband and I also have a Pug and, between the two of us, have owned a Golden Retriever, Wired Hair Terrier, West Highland Terrier, Cairn Terrier and Dachshund. Although we have loved all of our dogs, none was as gentle as the Cavalier. The Cavalier is also extremely playful - she will play "fetch" with a ball all day, if you are willing to throw the ball that long. Our veterinarian thinks that Cavaliers are absolutely the best family dog that you can get, and told me that he has seen hundreds of them in his practice and has never seen one that was aggressive.