Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue
Ranked #4,142 in Pets & Animals, #105,442 overall
Get Rescued By a Cavalier!
When I got my first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, I thought he was a funny Cocker Spaniel. He had been sold as a pure Cocker Spaniel, in truth he probably was a mix from a Cocker Spaniel mother and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel father. His personality was 100% Cavalier.
Sailor was a comfort package. Everybody wanted to cuddle with him because he gave good hugs. He mumbled sweet nothings to us as we enjoyed his soft fur. He comforted when spirits were low. He was smart and protected us from danger. I did not know how I could live without a dog like this ever again.
I would venture to say that everybody that has rescued a Cavalier from the Mid-Florida CKCS Rescue would say the same. Your life changes when a Cavalier gives his love.
Sailor was a comfort package. Everybody wanted to cuddle with him because he gave good hugs. He mumbled sweet nothings to us as we enjoyed his soft fur. He comforted when spirits were low. He was smart and protected us from danger. I did not know how I could live without a dog like this ever again.
I would venture to say that everybody that has rescued a Cavalier from the Mid-Florida CKCS Rescue would say the same. Your life changes when a Cavalier gives his love.
Sailor's Story
He had run away from an abusive and neglectful home and was scooped up from the middle of a busy intersection. His owners came to claim him but when faced with charges of abuse they left empty handed. When we met him, he was being called Freckles and the attraction was instant. We chose to give him a new name that would go with his new life. He became Sailor and spent weekends with us on our sailboat. This is where he really showed us what a fabulous breed Cavaliers are. Small, yet brave, friendly, yet protective. Sailor was well behaved and fit into the small tight spaces, he always gave us plenty of warning when a boat approached our anchorage at night. He even kept us from running into another boat during the night when the changing tide caused our anchor to slip. On rainy or cold weekends, he was so warm and soft to snuggle up to, my husband and I used to argue over whose turn it was to cuddle with him. Sailor was the best dog we had ever had, and it was so incredible to find out that the whole breed shared the characteristics we loved about him. About me
After Sailor left us for the Rainbow Bridge, I knew no other breed would fill his void. I tried to find a Cavalier to rehome through the Cavalier King Charles Club, USA . After a few years on the waiting list, I looked for a good breeder. I knew not to buy from a pet store because of puppy milling, but we bought Annie from a USDA breeder. These are commercial breeders that raise puppies as a commodity like cattle, not as companions in a home. This experience gave me a desire to protect future Cavaliers. I started by joining the Mid-Florida Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club
I learned about Hobby Breeders and their dedication to the health, characteristics and future of their chosen breed. Hobby Breeders use Confirmation showing and genetic health testing to qualify dogs for breeding purposes.
As popularity of Cavaliers has grown, so has the number of commercial breeders and the pets sold to people that don't know the needs of a Cavalier and the health issues they will run into with untested breeding. These pets get turned over to animal control, pounds and are given away to other unqualified homes. Out of this need grew a group dedicated to finding proper homes. VIsit the Mid-Florida CKCS Club Rescue webiste to learn more about helping a Cavalier that needs a home. Even if you can't have one yourself, you can sponsor a Cavalier that needs an operation, fostering or a ride to her new home. Be sure to sign the guest book.
I learned about Hobby Breeders and their dedication to the health, characteristics and future of their chosen breed. Hobby Breeders use Confirmation showing and genetic health testing to qualify dogs for breeding purposes.
As popularity of Cavaliers has grown, so has the number of commercial breeders and the pets sold to people that don't know the needs of a Cavalier and the health issues they will run into with untested breeding. These pets get turned over to animal control, pounds and are given away to other unqualified homes. Out of this need grew a group dedicated to finding proper homes. VIsit the Mid-Florida CKCS Club Rescue webiste to learn more about helping a Cavalier that needs a home. Even if you can't have one yourself, you can sponsor a Cavalier that needs an operation, fostering or a ride to her new home. Be sure to sign the guest book.
Are these characteristics problems?
Here are some possible solutions.
Of course, you have got to be able to accept the traits that are part of the breed. Shedding is a huge issue for some people. If you are one of them, this simply is not a dog to share your home with. Breeds were developed for the characteristics that we need and enjoy most. Careful research will help you find your best fit.
We love Cavaliers because...
Cavaliers are bred to be devoted to their people. Sometimes this is the very reason that Cavaliers show up in Rescue, the pet store or Internet site did not qualify the buyer to be sure they could meet the needs of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Their devotion is exactly what we love about them.We call Cavaliers "Comfort Packages" They are always right by their human's side to accompany whatever happens to be going on. And at the end of the day, they are always snoozing close by, usually touching. And those faces are so adorable.Common complaints: Shedding, Clingy, Hard to train, Demanding, Runs away
Shedding
How to control those wild hairs.
It is true, they do shed. If you can't tolerate fur on your clothes, rug, furniture and everywhere else, then this is definitely not the breed for you. People with allergies are not likely to be able to tolerate Cavaliers. But if you are undaunted by a bit of fur seasoning, then you will find these items to be a great help.
- Bissel Shed Away
- Bissel Shed Away the best attachment for your vacuum during shedding season. Not only will it comb out the loose fur and dander, it is vacuumed up at the same time.
Because the Shed Away tool is attached to the vacuum hose, your pet will not notice a difference from a regular brushing.
BEBE Loves Bubbles
Are they Clingy?
Devoted vs Needy
Cavaliers are not the type of dog everyone can appreciate. Some people like a dog that is more independent. Bred to be a comforting spaniel, the sweet devotion is what attracted King Charles II to these dogs. They had the stamina to follow a horse all day, at night they snuggle up next to you and they are so adorable with their puppy-like features. Cavaliers of today are known to give hugs, something I have never seen any other dog do. I think most people would agree, a Cavalier is love in a fur suit.
Needy or Devoted?
Devoted
JackieSonia says:
I'd say they're devoted and lovable. My son and his wife have 2 cavaliers with different dispositions and they're both very lovable and a joy to be around. I love them.
KittySmith says:
Devoted!
Needy
NanLT says:
I've never had a cavalier, but I knew a woman who did. He was the most adorable and friendliest dog I had ever seen.
Hard To Train
Lucy proves that Cavaliers are very trainable.
"Mypuppiepie" shares her talented Cavalier Lucy with us proving that they are quite trainable. Sometimes problems are best categorized as "operator error." If you have problems training, there is lots of help available.
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Demanding
Teaching manners with positive reenforcement.
Re-homed dogs often come with poor manners. Not necessarily their fault, but you do not have to live with bad behavior either. Cavaliers want to please, they are wired that way. Don't hesitate to use help from professionals to help your pet to acheive Model Citizen status. Training classes and books are available.
They Run Away
Cavaliers are spaniels and have an urge to follow their noses. Many love to hunt small creatures such as lizards, mice, squirrels, rabbits and birds. When their nose finds a scent it is very difficult to get their mind off it. Calling them back is nigh impossible. They can disappear into underbrush in the blink of an eye. Some Cavaliers are more prey driven than others and can never be trusted to stay with you when off lead.
It is highly recommended to have a fence around the Cavalier's play area. This way you will not worry about him slipping away. Fence design can be highly attractive and add a nice touch to your garden.This lens by illustrates this well. It is a wonderful of ideas for your own Cavalier safe zone .Electric fences fences are not recommended because they offer your dog no protection from theft or attack by wandering preditors and stray dogs.
It is highly recommended to have a fence around the Cavalier's play area. This way you will not worry about him slipping away. Fence design can be highly attractive and add a nice touch to your garden.This lens by illustrates this well. It is a wonderful of ideas for your own Cavalier safe zone .Electric fences fences are not recommended because they offer your dog no protection from theft or attack by wandering preditors and stray dogs.
If you live in the city or a condominium, you may not be able to have a fenced yard. Not to worry, Cavaliers do very well in most situations. You will just need to visit a dog park for recreation, play games of catch with toys inside or take walks. There are collars and harnesses of all varieties from simple to elaborate and you can find something that fits the personality of your and your Cavalier.
Halters Are Perfect For Walks
Designer Dog Collars
Find the one that projects your dog's personality.
Cute Flickr pics of this breed
Awesome books about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
"I'm ready to adopt, what's next?"
or, "I have to find my Cavalier a new home, what do I do?"
If you think that a cavalier is the right dog for you, you should contact a rescue to get onto their waiting list right away. You will need patience, it is not unlike adopting a human baby, you will have an interview, a home visit and a waiting period. They never know from where or when the next cavalier will come along. Some are seniors, some are puppies, most are young dogs and the housebreaking and initial training is often done. There can be behavior or health issues to deal with, but the rewards far outweigh any negative aspects.IF YOU OWN A CAVALIER AND CAN'T KEEP HIM, please contact a Cavalier Rescue right away. You can rest assured that your dog's needs will be the top priority. We screen adopters to be sure they know what a Cavalier needs in terms of care and attention. Rescue volunteers do home visits to make sure that anything that might pose a risk to their safety is addressed before a Cavalier lives there. If your Cavalier is in need of medical care you just can't afford, they get proper medical attention before adoption.
If you can't adopt a rescue, you can always help by making a donation to the organization of your choice. Many are 501c3 corporations and your donation is tax deductable. Procedes generated by this lens are donated to Mid-Florida CKCS Rescue.
Links to Cavalier Rescues:
Mid-Florida CKCS Rescue
Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue
CKCS Club USA Rescue
Reader Feedback
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JackieSonia
May 25, 2012 @ 8:49 pm | delete
- Awesome lens! I have a chihuahua but my son has 2 cavaliers who are friends with my little Zoe and they are very gentle with her. they are very lovable and sensitive dogs.
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KathrynDarden
May 23, 2012 @ 6:51 pm | delete
- Great lens. I am a papillon lover myself - the smallest Spaniel breed. I was owned by a sweet papillon girl for 17 years. (I did a lens about Miss Katy a couple of years ago) I intended to wait a while to get another after her death which was a really hard blow, but it took one photos of my new little boy to change my mind. Papillons have the same wonderful traits you list for their larger cousins. Jack is sleeping in my lap as I type. Wouldn't have it any other way....
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KittySmith
May 23, 2012 @ 7:18 pm | delete
- A close friend of mine has Papillons. We both show our dogs for futurity of the breed. THey wrap us around their little paws. Kisses for your baby.
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GRM
May 16, 2012 @ 11:29 am | delete
- Great lens. I am all for rescuing dogs of any breed!
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GRM
May 16, 2012 @ 11:29 am | delete
- Great lens. I am all for rescuing dogs of any breed!
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Kylyssa
May 5, 2012 @ 1:55 pm | delete
- Thank you for rescuing Sailor and for choosing to help protect this vulnerable and loving breed.
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mbgphoto Mar 28, 2012 @ 7:37 am | delete
- What beautiful dogs!
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- What beautiful dogs!
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TTMall
Mar 5, 2012 @ 4:31 pm | delete
- Beautiful and informative lens. Thanks for sharing.
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Photo Credits
- Going for a Car Ride-Copyright 2008 Kitty A Smith Photography
- Sailor-Copyright 1995 Kitty A Smith Photography
- Nap TIme-Copyright 2009 Kitty A Smith Photography
- Bebe Loves Bubbles-Copyright 2012 Kitty A Smith Photography
- Lucy the Cavalier Does Her Best Tricks-mypuppiepie on YouTube
- Flickr Slideshow-All photos by Kitty A Smith Photography
- Rescue Roundup-by Donna Miner
- Prissy Halter Dress- Classy Doggie Designs Couture by Linda Higgins
by KittySmith
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