king charles spaniels

[evedawn]

Been thinking about getting a dog for a long, long time. I like a KING CHARLES SPANIEL but would like to know the following:

I work (but it is very local and I come home for two hours in the middle of each day) - will this breed be very lonely whilst I am at work?

We don't have a huge garden ( but I could walk the dog whilst am on my lunch break) ... would the dog be miserable (and howl) if left inside till I get home?

do dogs need a companion, (ie another dog to keep it company)


When we lived overseas we had a staffordshire terrior (yes, I know their reputaion but he was the most placid, even tempered hound ever - a real gem) but we had a huge, huge garden so excercise was never an issue and also therte was almost always someone at home so company for him was fine too...now that i want another dog I just worry about getting the right breed.

[amsterdammer]

Stick to the staffy, despite their reputation they are a lovely dog, and will accept being left on there own far easier than the King Charles, who tend to need company far more.
I have had both breeds in the past, and this is just my personal observation, other people may have other Ideas.

[corgidogz]

Hi, a few years back I was in the same trouble as you concerning what breed to get because I worked. I bought a book and studied all the dog breeds and it came down to the Pembroke Corgi. Although he is a herding dog, he doesn't require much exercise, can live in small areas, doesn't require much grooming and is intelligent. So I got a Pembroke Corgi from a breeder. He was everything the book said he would be. He was great with kids and other dogs. Sometimes he would be left for 6 hours by himself and we never had any complaints from neighbours about barking etc.
Keep in mind any dog left by himself will require toys and things to entertain him while you are away. If you start training as a pup he will soon get used to being by himself.
I hope this helps you because it is very important to get a breed that will suit your lifestyle.

[fredpuli47]

Corgidogz is right (and I'm a poodle and cocker spaniel man!). A corgi is a tough little thing and really no trouble. My inlaws had them for many years.The only 'vice' one of theirs had was she hadn't forgotten she was a cattle dog. Cattle dogs drive cattle by giving the cows an occasional nip at the heels. This bitch would hide under the settee and, seeing the ankles of a visitor passing at a tempting height at nose level, would sometimes mischievously dart out and nip at their shoes then dash back under the settee again !

Sorry,but all dogs are capable of biting. You have to consider whether you want one which has strong jaws, and is of a breed originally bred for biting and fighting, in your house when there might be children about.Think of the consequences.There ain't no such thing as a killer King Charles or poodle or corgi (of either kind)

As to barking, the dog has to be gradually adjusted to the idea of being left.Then it won't get a sense of anxiety and so bark (though some breeds are always vociferous , regardless e.g Keeshonds ).Having an older companion dog, known not to bark when left, can help but you may equally end up with two barking all the time !. Make sure the dog has something to amuse it, toys etc. (I have left the TV or radio on low for mine in the past,since they learned that that meant I must be coming back: it is, after all turned off at bedtimes and when we go out together, but that may be going too far! )

[kita1]

Lots of information on the King Charles spaniel (including a list of breeders and rescue) here:

http://www.thecavalierclub.co.uk/start.html

Why not visit a few dog shows and breeders and have a chat with them?

Make sure if you buy a pup that the parents have had all the health tests for the breed.

[gelda]

Don't forget if you get a young pup it will need feeding 4 times a day and also will need to poo and wee a lot more than an older dog so will need to get house trained so it's a thing to think about if you're out a fair bit of the day. Gelda.

[evedawn]

thanks for all the aswers - haven't been on here for a few days - hence late thanks you's X

[lankeela]

Been away so just catching up.

First of all, there are two different breeds - the King Charles Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Cavalier is the more popular breed, and the one most people know. The King Charles is in fact a vulnerable breed (less than 300 registered each year at the Kennel Club). They are slightly smaller and have a more pushed in face.

Cavaliers suffer greatly from heart problems, and you should only buy one from a reputable breeder who heart tests the adults. This does not prevent the condition altogether but it a much better bet than buying one from a puppy farmer. (Don't be fobbed off by a breeder who says their dogs don't have heart problems - most do and the breeders would not know for certain).

Most Cavs are quite happy to have a couple of short walks a day, provided they have access to a garden several times a day.
What I would be most worried about would be leaving any breed of puppy alone for several hours. If you could arrange to get one during a holiday period so you can be there for feeding and letting out for the first few weeks then you might get away with it, but time lost in house training can sometimes never be got back.

I would suggest getting a puppy pen or cage; crate training is a must and makes life a lot easier.

Why not consider a slightly older dog, maybe a rescue or one from a kennel that has had a litter and the breeder wants to find a good home for.

Have you considered a retired greyhound? They are used to lying about most of the day, will be quite happy with a couple of short walks a day and have the most loving placid temperament. They often retire at 3 or 4 years and would fit straight in.

As for some of the other suggestions, I have been involved with training dogs for over 40 years and the breed I have been bitten by most is CORGIS! My breed stems from a Corgi

[lankeela]

Sorry - got cut off -

Corgi cross (Lancashire Heelers) and they can revert to nipping the heels which is what they were bred for.

To be totally honest, I would steer clear of a Staff in the current anti dog climate, and I think one of those would be far more difficult to leave alone. There are so many being bred by unscrupulous people that they now outnumber greyhounds in most rescue homes. They might have lovely temperaments with people but given a chance of a scrap they will take it and finish it.

Hope you find something that suits you.