king charles spaniel

[tinkerbell27]

Does anyone here have a king charles spaniel?

Were thinking about getting another dog and trying to decide between a king charles spaniel or a cocker spaniel.

We have a 4 yr old and a 2 1/2 yr old and a 5 lb yorkie, so we need something gentle!


Can anybody help??

 

[Saffron]

KaraKW has one, or maybe it's her mother? Hmm. They are adorable. I love Yorkies too.

 

[Disney Doll]

I don't have a King Charles, but I do have an English Springer Spaniel. They are all part of the same Spaniel family. The King Charles is a little smaller than a Springer, I think. Or am I thinking of the Cavalier King Charles???

Anyhow, my English Springer weighs about 50-55 lbs. He is a great dog, with a sunny, happy temperment, good with people, great with kids, very tolerant. He was quite "active" (some would say hyper )as a puppy, but has settled down as he has gotten older(he's 8 1/2 now).

Spaniels are hunting dog, they're job is to "flush" the prey out of the underbrush so the hunter can shoot it....consequently, they spend a lot of their time with their noses to the ground, and LOVE being in woods, tall grass etc. They are an active dog, need lots of exercise, room to run etc.

Biggest problems are usually with their ears...they have the long, hangy type of ears, so if you don't keep them clean, they are prone to ear infections. Also, they have a double coat, with a thick undercoat, so need a lot of brushing.They tend to mat, so you have to check them for mats fairly frequently, they have great hiding places for ticks, so you have to check them for ticks frequently. Their fur will roll up into little tumbleweeds which will roll out from under the couch when you have company, but at least there aren't a millions hairs all over the house like my friend gets with her Lab! In general, though, they tend to be a sturdy dog, not wimpy. Right now, it is about 20 degrees and windy outside and my kooky nut is sitting out there in the yard facing into the wind with his ears blowing back!!!!! The more vicious the weather, the better he likes it.

I have no regrets about owning a Spaniel, but they do involve some work.

 

[tinkerbell27]

bump

 

[stamper]

I had a Cocker growing up...he was my faithful companion and at many times seemed like my only friend. he lived to be about 13 and he was sweet. They do require a bit of grooming to keep that coat from matting.

 

[keesies]

Hi, I'm a new forum member, thanks to my brother (one_cat) who's a DIS addict. Anyway, I show and breed dogs and thought I'd take a stab at telling you some differences in the breeds, and also what to look out for when choosing one.

CKCS are of course smaller, very sweet, and very affectionate. They do not require as much grooming as a cocker, but do need some. They are a new breed in this country, and thus less popular, and a bit harder to find. Cavs suffer from patella (knee), eye, and also severe heart problems. A reputable breeder will have screened for these problems in the parents, and also generally screened puppies against heart problems. They also will guarantee your puppy.

Cockers, are really very overbred. It's easy to get a bad one, hard to get a good one. However, there are many reputable breeders out there breeding for temperament and health, it's just finding them. Cockers should also be screened against, eye (major problem), heart, knee, and hip problems. Again, a good breeder will show you documentation, and also guarantee the puppies.

If you visit www.akc.org you can find the links to the national breed clubs, which will send you literature on the breed and also a listing of reputable breeders in your area. They can help you decide which breed will be better. Most breeders are happy to have people come and meet their dogs, and see the breed in person. You will have to get onto a waiting list for a quality puppy.

Hope this helps you a little.

 

[KaraKW]

Are you talking about a CAVALIER King Charlies Spaniel or a King Charles Spaniel. There's a difference. My mom has a Cavalier, and we all absolutely adore him. Super breed!

 

[tinkerbell27]

I was asking about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, I didn't know that they were 2 different dogs!

I have read about Cocker Spaniels being overbred and that they can be aggressive because of that, thats what I am worried about.

I'm not sure what we'll do, I might end up getting a min. schnauzer, I had one that had to be put to sleep 3 yrs ago this month. He was fantastic with kids!

Thanks you guys!

 

[DocRafiki]

I would never get a Cocker (well, I would never pay a breeder for an animal regardless of the breed). More often than not, you will spend a fortune on dermatology bills IF you don't just decide to let the animal suffer with its problems like most owners of problem Cockers seem to do. If their only problems were their ears, I would still never get one. On top of that, you have other skin problems, eye problems, and disposition problems that are running rampant in the breed. It's such a shame.

I would go to a shelter and adopt someone whose life is at stake.

 

[DopeyRN]

Wow I have a cocker...and she has a heart problem, has injured a knee twice so far and has gunky smelly eyes despite a $300 surgery. She is hyper, jealous of my other dog and has been known to pick a fight with my other dog. Plus she is not too bright. Oh and she has an underbite too. Oh and she gets matted easily and smells. But I love her!

 

[ByTheSea]

We have a Brittany/Springer mix. (She's 3/4 Brittany, 1/4 Springer) about 45 pounds and wouldn't trade her for anything. She's 10 years old and never had any health or physical problems, the sweetest thing. When we travel, we use a pet sitting service, they pick her up and bring her to one of their sitter's homes. The last time we called the woman said we just made our sitter's day! They kept asking when our dog would be coming again!

 

[Nutsy]

I've got a Cavalier too.....................check out my siggy......................

They are so adorable & so affectionate & ours is even a good watch dog & they are not supposed to be watch dogs.

Our guy loves attention......the more the better, loves a cuddle, loves treats, loves people who will take the time to talk to him & loves his family. He is very protective of us...

They are an excellent family pet..great with kids & adults alike.

The King Charles have a smaller nose............not so long..

 

[PKK/MJK]

Hi--KaraKW's mother here!! I'm the person with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (a gift from KaraKW). We have a "ruby" colored CKCS--with a little bit of white on his nose so he's not "show" quality. This is not a problem for us--we just wanted a family pet--and he is wonderful for that. He's the most loving, and affectionate dog we've ever had. He ADORES everybody--so he is not a good watch dog. He gets along fine with our cats--even cuddles up with them. Cavs are wonderful dogs--I think you'd be very happy with one.
There definitely is a difference between a Cavalier KCS and a regular KCS. IMHO, the Cavliers are MUCH cuter. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Nutsy]

I'd have to agree with you on that one......Cavaliers are way cuter than the King Charles.

They have a nicer face

 

[Mermaid02]

My cousin has 2 of them.... I think they flew down from Canada and they cost more than my house!!

 

[jipsy]

My SIL's sister breeds Cavaliers. They are expensive and cute and the one my brother and SIL own has grown up with the kids since they were little. She was always very good with the kids.

Other than that, I don't know much about them but would be happy to put you in touch.

When she gave my SIL Chelsea, she was selling puppies for between $1200-$1500 and that was about 10 years ago. I am not sure what they sell for now.

 

[Tarheel Tink]

I'm a vet tech and the Cavaliers I've worked with have all been sooooo sweet- wonderful temperaments. I heard them described as "love sponges" and it appears to be accurate.
We do find heart problems in a high percentage of those we see.

 

[MissMinnie]

Hi. I would check out the local animal shelters first as suggested by another poster. My father in law adopted the sweetest purebred cocker spaniel from the pound over 10 years ago. She is the best dog with my kids and very loving. The poor dog was just a day away from being put down due to the length of time she was there. I adopted 2 dogs from the same place. One was a purebred English Foxhound and the other was a greyhound mix. Pound puppies often turn out to be the best pets. It seems like they know their fate and are grateful for a loving home. Talk to the people that work at the shelters and let them know what size and temperment you want in a dog and they can help you find the perfect one for your family. Shelters often get purebreds, not just "mutts", unfortunately soon after Christmas because the puppy given as a gift does not "work out".

 

[tinkerbell27]

Thanks you guys for all your help!!!

 

[WillyJ]

Just don't get a "Prince" Charles Spaniel. . . their ears stick out, their teeth are bad, and they are only attracted to older dogs. . .