cavaleir king charles

[ilovemarkb]

Does anybody have this breed, if so are they good with children. I.ve just had to sell my 18 week old springer spaniel and am terriefied of choosing the wrong breed for my family (again).He was very excitable and although he never bit my children(8 and 11yrs) he scratched them on numerous occasions, causing my 8yr old to cry. we,ve decided that a smaller quieter dog (preferbly cute with long floppy ears) one that likes to sit on your lap for lots of TLC would suit.

[starry3]

they are fantastic with children and great all round dogs but remember all pups are playful and exciteable so maybe consider getting one from about 6 months

[kita1]

Why not visit a rescue centre? A good one, like the Blue Cross will help and advise you on your choice and you will be able to see the dog. Puppies are cute but they take a lot of work and training.

A good rescue to look at is www.freewebs.com/manytearsrescue they have lots of breeds available.

There are lots of dogs needing good homes and you would find them easier to look after than a pup (especially at this time of year).

Never buy a pup at Christmas - a good breeder would not sell you one anyhow.

Even King Charles spaniels sometimes nip and scratch - all dogs do. Are you really sure you want a dog?

[lankeela]

Hope you give the next one more than a week. Its hardly time for a dog to settle in a strange home is it? Please think carefully if you have the time to devote to training and caring for a dog, and giving it enough exercise and attention.

As kita says, all young dogs can nip and scratch when playing.

Even 'lap dogs' like Cavaliers and Chihuahuas need lots of attention and exercise. If you want a dog to just sit on your lap, maybe you should consider a stuffed one.

Also if you are only willing to pay �150 be very careful, as Cavaliers can suffer from heart problems, so only get one from a reputable breeder (although you will have trouble finding a decent one for that sort of money).

[ilovemarkb]

thanks lankeela and kita for your advice. think maybe i need to think long and hard. i certainly dont want to make the same mistake twice. i.ve wanted a dog for a long time and certainly didnt rush into things. It took me a long time to get over the death of my last dog (she died in 1995). myself my partner and kids have a lot of love and time to give a dog. we,re still a bit numb from parting with our springer. maybes rehoming or saving up for longer could be the anwser. i definately dont want a stuffed toy!!!

[lankeela]

Why not try getting in touch with some rescue homes and offer to 'dog walk' at weekends and you may get to know one of the dogs well enough to give it a home, if not you will be doing them a favour by taking them out and helping the rescue people.

Some breeders may be willing to let an older puppy go more cheaply or maybe a bitch that has had a litter, they will have had all the health checks but a lot of breeders cannot keep everything they have bred and sometimes run on a couple from a litter to decide which to keep. Also all breeds have their own rescues, get in touch with the Kennel Club who keep a list of all breed rescue co-ordinators.

[ilovemarkb]

many thanks for your super advice!!!

[mydogsandme]

if I might add- dachshunds makes great pets and companions. We have a long-haired one- more placid than shorts which was our first dog and fantastic company- brilliant guard dogs- loyal, love to sit on your lap and don't need a huge amount of walking. Ideal if you like a smaller dog that you can pick up without being too "pocket-sized" and easy to tread on!

[kita1]

The link I gave should have been www.freewebs.com/manytearsrescue/dogslookingforhomes.htm they have some good advice and have lots of dogs which they rehome all over the country. All breeds and ages available, with a history of each dog.

Glad you are giving it more thought.

[ilovemarkb]

thanks kita the 1st link you gave me was correct as ive already had a look. it is a fab site with good info but as we live in north east its too far to travel. thanks for info regarding dachshunds they look very cute and ideal for us. i.m definately not going to rush into anything. THIS WEB SITE IS AMAZING!!! THANK YOU

[drchasuble]

Personally I'd highly recommend against dachshunds for a family with children that are unused to dogs.

Although from the hound family Dachshunds are more like terriers in temperament and admittedly they are very loving and love a good cuddle but they are also very lively and excitable and I wouldn't dream of letting mine play with children.

And they need just as much exercise as any terrier as they are very energetic and are hunting dogs and like to spend lots of time outdoors tracking smells and digging etc.

[meltoadhall]

all puppies will jump and will be excitable around children, you didnt give this poor baby much time to get used to you and your children really did you.
i have to say i agree with lankeela, try getting a cat if all you want is something to sit on your knee for lots of cuddles.