Myths About Cavalier King Charles Spaniels ... Debunked!

Are Cavaliers good with other animal pets? Are they easy to train? Are they prone to disease? If you think you know the answers, listen to this long-time Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder bust some of the most common myths wide open.

[@fionaforward3358]

I just loved the pair of them watching TV whilst you were out.

[@pambeni5635]

I was fortunate enough to rehome a Cavalier King Charles after the breeder was done breeding her. My Saylor was in dog shows when she was a pup. The first week I had Saylor I watched the Westminster show on tv and she jumped off my lap to get a closer look. She watched the whole show with me! From then on we watched the dog shows together and it was priceless.

[@chaskat35]

Yes, they love dog shows! The name Saylor is familiar - who was the breeder?

[@pambeni5635]

@@chaskat35 Her name was Joanne Jarmasz. Unfortunately Saylor has passed away from cancer. Her litter mate also died of cancer. I did the whole chemo treatments etc. and Saylor died anyway in June of this year. I miss her so much.

[@chaskat35]

I didn't know Joanne at all - there was a breeder in Massachusetts, I believe, who had an outstanding Cavalier named Saylor. Or maybe Sailor?

[@Vexx_Line_]

Haha they really do love to watch TV & pay attention to shows. I record & watch the dog shows, animals planet & Dog Tails to watch & narrate. She loves when I tell her what's going on. She gives me the paw when she wants to know more! 😅 She's also crazy smart & is a Trick Dog, she's even made up some of her own tricks! Also is a natural retriever & loves tracking.❤

[@blake3445]

I’m so glad I came across this video. I was worried about having one and it developing separation anxiety with me being away during the day for work. Putting that stress on such a sweet breed would be horrible. Glad to put them back on my list for a potential new addition ☺️

[@furkids4ever]

I can attest to the fact they just need to learn you'll be back. Sis had a rehomed Beagle that is Velcroed to her. Real pain. Talk about stubborn! Cavi's are breed to be companions ... they are adaptable ... great therapy dogs!

[@norayou6496]

I have a cavalier and he literally just sleeps the whole’s time I’m away. Please take some time off when you first get them to gradually build up their alone time.

[@kelsie_adams]

Since my cav hates rain, on rainy days we play fetch in the hallway. It gets her exercise and entertains her.

[@rylanblack8571]

This is a good topic. I fell prey to all of these misconceptions when searching for my first Cavi. I expected a quiet and lazy pup that was attached at my hip. What I got was an extremely independent sporty dog that insists on constant activity. He reminds me more of working spaniels I’ve met in the past. Yes, he has classic Cavi traits (gentle nature, good with children, etc.) But he was in no way what I expected. And now that I’ve had multiple Cavis, I now realize they can vary greatly from dog to dog. But overall I would say the worst misconception is that they are sensitive and inactive. If socialized properly, they are brave little dogs that thrive on activity.

[@melblacke5726]

Having seen this video and read these comments, if the breeder doesn't have an English Cocker puppy due soon, then I will expand my search to include super well bred Cavaliers, too.

[@craigfinnegan8534]

Interesting to hear that Cavs vary between individual dogs. Because they all look so similar (especially the Blenheims) it's led me to think they behave equally alike.

[@jayboyes3806]

We think that is one of your best ever videos. Full of information and great to watch Apple and Bootsie. What about great aunt Tag!! checking out the TV when you're out. Got to watch those sneaky Cavaliers. Also, great to see the 'old' film of your agility dog - may I suggest that people would be very interested to see any of those 'vintage' films with the dogs that are no longer with us. Thnaks for all the work - really excellent. As my wife says: "Bootsie is beyong georgeous'.

[@chaskat35]

Thanks for the nice words. I will try to do more videos using old footage and photos. The next one may be out this weekend.

[@craigfinnegan8534]

​​@@chaskat35 I found this video really helpful also, especially the guard dog factor. For the 8 months I've had my Cavalier I've been looking at her as a loudmouth instead of a little protector. So this video helped me reframe her behavior in a more positive way. Part of the problem was my misinterpreting what breed descriptions meant by "quiet" when referring to Cavs, and my having unrealistic expectations based on that.

[@chrisc6798]

Bootsie is so chill. Cute. I have a tri color Cav. Since the day I got him as a puppy, I've been worried about Syringomyelia. I understand that there is no test for the condition and symptoms don't usually manifest until age five. It reads like a horrible, untreatable, painful malady. But I've known Cav owners whose dogs lived to 12 and 13 without any problem. Yesterday I met a woman in the park while walking my dog. She approached me because she had a beloved tri color who had passed. He lived to be 17. My beloved Cav is 5 now. Ok so far. We are looking forward to a good ten years or more to come. 🤞

[@alexisb659]

My first Charlie lived to be almost 13 years old. He died from mitral valve disease which progressed into Congestive Heart Failure, I have a second one which so far he has not been diagnosed with heart problems. He has been checked by two different vets, He'll be a year old on Nov 9th. He is the joy of my life.

[@traceygrimaldi3027]

Charles: you can leave them alone. Bootsie nuzzling hard into Charles's chest: daddy never ever leave me again.

[@PandemonicHypercube]

I'm surprised that there's a myth around Cavaliers being hard to train. My Cavvie is ridiculously easy to train. When I took him to training classes, he'd pick up the tricks so much faster than the other dogs. Like any Cavalier, he's so food motivated and has such a great connection with us, that it's an absolute breeze. Only time I had any difficulty was when we first got him and he had zero attention span, even then, my wife and I managed to teach him a few tricks

[@rylanblack8571]

Mine was near impossible to train 😅

[@donnawhitfield6820]

I loved how Apple jumped when you said no 5 mile hike

[@crlyhurley5360]

Thank you so much for your information....my cavalier is 1 1/2 yrs old & I'm still learning how to balance all of the different things you hear about them.

[@cjheadlee6994]

As a 1st time Cav mom,(Miss Daisy is now 4 yrs young ) I enjoy and learn from your site. I agree with ALL your debunked myths. I laughed at some of the examples you gave, they are SO M D! She and Apple could be twins or at least sisters. Daisy loves snoring away near me but she also loves zooming in our enclosed yard and walks. The only thing with our walks is, she constantly wants to stop and sniff everything.😊 Love your calm, happy advice, keep it up!

[@gazstaf]

We have a Daisy as well 👍🐶

[@susanjacobsen4567]

I love your channel and always look forward to a new one as they are always so informative. My husband and I have always had Labradors and Pomeranians who have lived long happy and healthy lives. We now, in our later years, have a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and she fits into our lifestyle perfectly. We absolutely adore her and her loving and fun personality. Thank you for all the wonderful information.

[@chrisstepleton4761]

I started laughing when you said that Cavies would lick an intruder to death. That is exactly how my 2 girls would have done. They loved everyone and everything . They loved their walks twice a day because they loved new smells and loved meeting everyone.

[@shirleymarsh693]

Thank you for sharing! ❤️❤️❤️

[@user-cx4lb4cn6h]

Love your advice and show!!!

[@furkids4ever]

Thank you for this great video! I especially appreciated the info on SM. I'd never heard of that till right after we brought home our 2 new Cavi's.

[@SheXyShellyMarie]

Bringing our new baby home next week. She’s a gorgeous Cav that I think will bring so much life to our home. Thank you for the information.

[@wendylambert6941]

Thanks a very interesting and informative video! Apple and Bootsie are adorable ☺️

[@annieschauffeur4797]

Thank you for posting. I'm seriously looking into a CKCS. I'm "older" and I just had to put my beagle down in June (23). Annie and I were involved in Rainbow Assistant Animal Therapy. We didn't go to hospitals, but we did go to visit children and adults in schools for developmentally disabled, seniors centers, speech therapist, and even libraries where the kids would read to the pups. We both enjoyed it very much. There was training involved and I really have this special bond with her, still. I believe that this is something that might just be up a CKCS's alley. Again, your clip is very informative.

[@chaskat35]

Cavaliers make excellent therapy dogs - sounds like it would be a good breed for you.

[@debbieturk8339]

Thank you. Very informative 😊

[@susiekeel6732]

Great info! Cavaliers are real dogs! I love seeing owners bring their Cavaliers to the beach near where I live. They retrieve a ball & have a blast!

[@beverlyfrazier4370]

Again thanks for your informative videos. Chester loves the dog park, a lot of days we will go twice. Once I'm the morning and once at night.

[@Ilovedogsmorethanpeople]

Thank you for this video.

[@ange2809]

Thank you for this very informative video, very much appreciated as one day I would love to own this gorgeous breed!

[@nashguy207]

I agree with everything you said. Our one year old Cavalier hates the wild Turkeys we have running around here. He lets us know when ever they are in our yard. lol

[@lynnemonteverde5920]

My Cav is now 10 and has a grade 4 heart murmur .He is on Vetmedin and doing very well He is the sweetest dog I have ever had. I currently have a fractured knee and he is determined to accompany me on the steps and limps down with me.

[@chaskat35]

A grade 4 murmur is not unusual, and Vetmedin is a very effective medication. Our Tag is 11 1/2, and she is doing very well on Vetmedin and a few other medications.

[@miniruby88]

I've had 3 in my life time and absolutely adore the breed.. Sadly my 9 month old has a luxating patella and will be going for surgery in on the 15th of January 2024... Both my girls are service dogs and the vet has said little Emma can return to service dog work after she is healed from surgery Because of Emma's knee, my dogs go to in the pool to exercise. Best breed ever in my opinion

[@Psalm1188]

Loved this thank we got a Chevalier surrounded to us. A puppy 4 months. Thank you

[@dollarbill683]

Have two Cavies. Love your videos.

[@kimberlydrake8654]

It is so nice to hear this from someone who has owned several Cavaliers over many years! I love all your videos and learn so much from you about the breed! I love your dogs all so sweet and beautiful❣️💕 Can’t wait to see Apple’s pups…going to be gorgeous!! I have a 7 month old girl and she watches KZbin with me🥰🫶🏻 Thank you for sharing 😊kim

[@bconse]

this video came in such a perfect timing! I'm trying to melt my husband's heart 😅

[@pilarmontesfrechina1032]

Muy muy interesante todo😘😘

[@joannakurnikowska294]

The cat on the armchair is as calm as cavaliers 😅

[@annemurphy9339]

He represents the stuffed animal community very well.

[@MeJaz723]

Love the video - our Cav never experienced an at the office working family routine, she was adopted during the pandemic. She still gets annoyed when we go out. She usually sits by the door (we installed a camera), ignores everything and gets excited every time there is a footstep or door sound in the building. This is not to contradict the video content, actually it supports it. Our dogs routine is that we rarely go outside and there is no pattern to it which makes our outings inconsistent with the pattern. It is still heartbreaking though, knowing she gets agitated. I wonder if there is anything we can do to avoid this...

[@chaskat35]

She apparently adapted to your COVID routine first. But Cavaliers always seem to be annoyed when you first leave them. We are retired, and also don't leave the dogs alone often. We established a routine of saying goodbye to them when we are going out, and giving them a treat as we go out the door. It helps.

[@gloriamargolis581]

Thank you for clarifying as I have studied the breed and history and I believe anyone who owns a pure breed dog or cat should do that . That way they get to know who they are in all ways possible ❤🐶🥰👍🏻🙏

[@noreenmacuga1866]

Cavaliers are so beautiful 🥰

[@VroodenTheGreat]

I'm watching this vid and my cavalier ripped the gnarliest fart... I think he knows you're talking about him. He is very sensitive. Maybe I just fed him too much...

[@olutosinogunkolade5519]

Facts!

[@ytfvr9705]

Thank you for the content! Very informative. Question(s): When looking to adopt a puppy, where would you recommend us look for a reputable breeder (like yourself) who tests the dogs prior to breeding? What are the preparation steps prior to adoption to ensure the best home for the puppy? There are many scam websites out there. Do you have a video on this topic already that we can refer to? Are you and your wife still breeding puppies or are you referring individuals to other reputable breeders? Thank you! P.S: Congrats to you and your wife on the book! That is exciting! I just ordered it on Amazon. Cheers!

[@chaskat35]

I've actually done videos that address your questions. You should watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHybnqWGmNGEmJY and kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJOzq6NtnriUidk. Let me know if you still have questions. As far as our breeding is concerned, we are considering breeding Apple in her next season, but that won't be until this winter, so we won't have any puppies before spring of 2024, and we already have several people who have been waiting.

[@karend4243]

@@chaskat35where can I get information on your adoption process and waitlist? Do you have a website or number you can share?

[@craigfinnegan8534]

I bought my Cav from an experienced veterinary technician who DNA tested all her dogs, immediately sent me photos of both parents when I requested them, and answered every question I had as thoroughly as if I were in a vet's office. She advertised the litter on the best known puppy website. I spent almost a full year looking at puppies of various breeds, and over that time it became clear to me which breeders were trustworthy and which ones to avoid. There are specific things to look for that are listed in articles, but in the end the most important thing is your gut feeling that "I'm making a smart choice with a smart breeder." Conversely, if you have any feeling that there's possibly something "not right" about a choice, the feeling is probably correct.

[@debirojecki]

What is your opinion on which flea and tick medication to use? All advise appreciated

[@chaskat35]

We don't generally use any medications, because they all have risks. When we find an outbreak, we treat the environment first, and of course we remove the parasites from the dog. If necessary, we will give a single dose of Nexgard - but only a single dose.

[@debirojecki]

Thank you

[@beverlyromeo6199]

Give me a good nummy and I'll stand on my head for you. They truly are wonderful dogs, and they do well with being rewarded with treats.

[@user-cx4lb4cn6h]

We have a 7 months old cavalier K C spaniel and we totally love her! Problem is, she’s extremely picky eater. What do you suggest? I’ve given in to cooking for her because she’s thin and have tried numerous dry and wet dog foods.

[@chaskat35]

Most Cavaliers will experience a drastic drop in nutritional need and appetite between 7 and 12 months of age. So first, cut her down to just one meal a day, with maybe a small treat at the other end of the day. Feed her in a crate, to focus her attention on the food. Give her 20 minutes; if she's not done, pick up the food, and give her NO MORE meals until regular mealtime the next day. She will not starve herself, and she should start eating well within two days. I've done this many times myself, and it works.

[@wendybauman4074]

Do you try to train your dogs to not bark at people outside (e.g. walking along the sidewalk while dog peers out window or sits on porch)? Or is this simply too instinctual and we owners just have to plug our ears? (😫😄). Thanks for this video!

[@chaskat35]

We've tried, and there are some pretty effective techniques that allowed us to make some progress, but in the end we like to have a canine alarm system - as annoying as it might be - so we live with it.

[@Pmjs]

Lady got on very well with my Rabbit's,Guinea Pigs,Gerbils,Hamsters&Mice. Skye&Prince got on well with my 2 Rabbit's.

[@melblacke5726]

spaniels are considered one of the smarter groups of dogs and i used to think of themas strictly couch potatoes. since then, i have reconsidered. i have seen several compete in agility and they could really scoot!

[@acdragonrider]

I always hear that they’re the best lap dogs around. It definitely seems like they are. Is this true?😊

[@chaskat35]

Yes - they LOVE to lie on your lap or right next to you. However, they also need exercise and like to be active, but just once a day or so is fine.

[@acdragonrider]

​@@chaskat35 I would be a first time dog owner and I am getting into the film industry so I often will have to be away from home all day so that's my concern. When I am with him/her I'll give it all the attention and exercise it needs but it would be in a working home. Unless I can find someone to take care of them and walk it half a day or so... How much is a cav puppy? I have also heard that they are on the expensive end especially if you put in the extra work of getting them medically checked before picking them up. Also regular checkups throughout their lifetime.

[@wbl5649]

Just wondering if you have had a dog with SM..

[@chaskat35]

In decades of breeding and scores of puppies, we had only one that showed up with SM symptoms, and it was a rare anomoly. He developed symptoms at the age of 9, which is extremely unusual for this disease - it normally develops early in life. We don't have any explanation of why this occurred, and we remain confident that our lines are free from congenital SM.

[@Count_Grishnackh]

how can i get my 2 Cavaliers hearts tested? (in Pennsylvania)

[@chaskat35]

Go to cavalierhealth.org, click on the Health Clinics link, and scroll down to the PA listings. I see there is one in Harrisburg next month. The clinics will allow you to see a cardiologist for far less than going to their office would cost.

[@Count_Grishnackh]

Thank you so much deeply appreciate it. Also another myth i have heard quite a bit; Male Cavaliers are more loving than females¿

[@chaskat35]

That's a big one, even among experienced breeders. My experience does not support it.

[@bcw88]

I LOVE your videos. But you have you get a better microphone please

[@chaskat35]

My wireless mike was acting up, but I got a new and better one, so the audio should be better in new videos.

[@furkids4ever]

❓️ do you think 15 months is too young for a first litter? I was a bit surprised that our pups mom was that young.

[@chaskat35]

As long as she (and the sire) was tested and cleared for hereditary diseases AFTER she turned 2 years old, it should be fine. We recommend clearances for at least heart disease (by a cardiologist), eye problems (by an ophthalmologist), hip dyplasia (by OFA or PennHip), and patella luxation (by a veterinarian).

[@furkids4ever]

@@chaskat35 Oye ... I wondered about that part. She's got a few months to go then ... Since they raise another breed (therapy dogs as well) I mistakenly did NOT think about the age and the testing. I never really thought much about an appropriate age / maturity a dog should be before having pups. (Shame on me.) I just knew I didn't want to add to the puppy mill problem which I understand is a big risk in our area. Thank you!

[@chaskat35]

You got it. I would not dream of breeding a dog without knowing if she is symptomatic for an inherited disease, and 15 months is really too early to determine that.

[@furkids4ever]

@chaskat35 thank you kindly ... 1 last question if you pls ... would you spend the $ on registration to be able to spend the $ on lineage showing bloodlines, Champs (if any) & health when your planning to NEVER have pups? Asking as limited $ if rather spend on toys & winter gear ...

[@lindaarcher9150]

How to find one? Are you a breeder?

[@chaskat35]

We are breeders, but we don't expect a litter until some time next year. You should watch my video on how to find a responsible breeder: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHybnqWGmNGEmJY

[@lindaarcher9150]

Thank you! @@chaskat35

[@craigfinnegan8534]

Cavaliers are the best spaniels. I've had several Cockers, spaniel mixes, and a Field Spaniel. Cavaliers show their love for their owners MUCH more than the others. They're also more emotionally sensitive and physically delicate. They tend to have more serious health issues later in life compared to other spaniels, but these days there's DNA testing available to breeders, so INSIST on that if you get a puppy (of any breed, but especially Cavs). Also note that Cavaliers have a reputation as quiet dogs, but mine is a LOUDMOUTH...so don't take breed standards as gospel (actually it's the guard dog aspect mentioned in this video). Lastly, they snore like idling motorcycles. I bought my Cav from an experienced veterinary technician who DNA tested all her dogs, immediately sent me photos of both parents when I requested them, and answered every question I had as thoroughly as if I were in a vet's office. She advertised the litter on the best known puppy website. I spent almost a full year looking at puppies of various breeds, and over that time it became clear to me which breeders were trustworthy and which ones to avoid. There are specific things to look for that are listed in articles, but in the end the most important thing is your gut feeling that "I'm making a smart choice with a smart breeder." Conversely, if you have any feeling that there's possibly something "not right" about a choice, the feeling is probably correct.

[@GameslordXY]

They are nightmare to train. Well ours is. Coockies? How many? till we go bankrupt and he becomes 20kg ultra obesse puppy from eating just cookies. We were so convinced we are very well prepared. What a mistake. I love him more than myself,but we have soo much problems. My mom is loosing killogram after kilogram from stress mostly. Maybe this time next year,we shall laugh looking back in blissful happiness. Or maybe mom and I will be more miserable than ever before, while doggy is in some other home.

[@chaskat35]

We use Cheerios cereal for treats. The dogs love them, the ingredients are good, and each one only has 1/3 of a calorie. No obese dogs here!