Frequently Asked Questions
ARE CAVALIERS GOOD WITH CHILDREN?
Cavaliers love to interact with their owners and enjoy activity and play, making them especially close friends and confidants for children. Cavaliers are excellent with children, but the age of the children is an important factor in choosing a puppy. Because Cavalier puppies are so small, many breeders will not sell young puppies to families with children under the age of five. An older puppy or adult dog will be more suitable for such families. All children of course, need supervision to ensure they do not hurt the dog.
ARE CAVALIERS GOOD WITH SENIORS?
Retirees and empty nesters find the companionship, temperament, small size, and easy maintenance of Cavaliers ideal. Women have mentioned that a Cavalier resting on her lap or in the crook of her arm is almost as holding a sleeping infant. And more than one senior citizen has received two invitations for a cocktail party or get-together, one addressed to the senior and the other to his or her Cavaliler.
ARE CAVALIERS GOOD GUARD DOGS?
No. While Cavaliers will alert their owners to the arrival of someone new, they seem to regard all strangers as friends they haven't met yet. Although a noisy greeting might be enough to ward off a prowler, it is difficult to picture anyone being scared off by a Cavallier.
HOW ARE CAVALIERS WITH OTHER PETS IN THE HOUSEHOLD?
Cavaliers are the ultimate groupies and are usually delighted to have the company of cats and dogs of any size. If you have a large dog, you will need to watch your Cavalier puppy carefully while it is small. Because Cavaliers are spaniels with a strong sporting instinct, they should be watched closely around birds and other small animals as well. Many Cavalier owners report that they have trained thier dogs to live happily with hamsters, gerbils, rabbits and the like. (In households where no one is home during the day, the companionship of another dog or a cat is highly recommended.)
CAN MY CAVALIER BE LEFT OUTDOORS WHILE I'M AT WORK EVERY DAY?
Cavaliers are indoor dogs. While they are sturdy and hardy and can thrive in both cold and hot climate, they are not dogs to be left outdoors. Leaving a Cavalier outdoors when no one is home would put the dog at great risk of being stolen. Your Cavalier should have a safe place in your house where it may be left during the day. The younger the Cavalier, the more restricted the area should be.
DO CAVALIERS TRAVEL WELL?
People who travel find it easy and pleasant to take their Cavaliers along. Their strong desire to be with their owners makes them willing travelers. Their size and personalilty contribute to their welcome at "dogs allowed" hotels, marinas, and campgrounds
HOW MUCH EXERCISE DO CAVALIERS REQUIRE?
Cavaliers need either a moderate size fenced-in yard in which to run, or a minimum of one good walk each day (in addition to potty walks). If their owners want walking companions, Cavaliers can build up over time to much longer walks. Regular exercise is very important for a Cavalier's heart. Even older Cavaliers should be encouraged to go up and down stairs.
