“Is this breed called “the ultimate snob dog?”
Yes, an article appeared in Town and Country Magazine a few years ago. The title referred to the attitude of the owners, not the Cavaliers. It was mentioned that Monarchs, Presidents, Captains of Industry and Movie Stars own Cavaliers. Prospective puppy buyers are often surprised by the “third-Degree” administered by breeders trying to determine their suitability to owning a Cavalier.
“What people do well with a Cavalier?”
The cavalier has the been companion of choice to high stress people for 400 years. every crowned head of England had one as a companion as a child, as did many in the Dutch court. More recent celebrities who own or have owned Cavaliers are Ronald and Nancy Reagan, William F Buckley, Ms Frank Sinatra, Candice Bergen, Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood and many others. The cavalier has a calming effect on many people. Stress reduction/relaxation can be noticeably felt when a Cavalier curls up peacefully on a lap.
“Are they good with Kids?”
The Cavalier is excellent with children. Their tendency to interact with their owners makes them an especially close friend and confidant for a child. They enjoy playtime and activity, Children, of course, need supervision to be certain that the child does not hurt the dog.
“Are they good with seniors?”
Retirees or “empty nesters”, find the companionship, temperament, small size and easy maintenance ideal. More than one woman has mentioned that a Cavalier resting on her lap or in the crook of her arm is almost as peaceful as holding a (Human) sleeping infant. More than one active senior with a Cavalier has experienced the receipt of two Invitations for a Party or Get together- one for the senior and one for the cavalier.
“Are they good guard Dogs?”
No .While the cavalier will alert his owner to an arrival of someone new, they seem to regard all strangers as friends they haven’t met yet. Although a noisy greeting may be enough to ward off a prowler, it would be difficult picturing anyone being scared off by a Cavalier.
“Do they travel well?”
People who travel often find it easy and pleasant to take the Cavaliers along. Their strong desire to be with their owners makes them willing travellers. Their size and personality contribute to their welcome at “dogs allowed” hotels, marinas and campgrounds.
“What medical problems do cavaliers have?”
For the most part Cavaliers are quite healthy dogs, there are a few problems which are known to appear in the breed: Heart Murmurs, Cataracts, and Subluxating Patellas. Mitral Valve Heart Disease is something to watch out for, This is why I have all my Cavaliers Heart tested, as it it hereditary,
“What kind of grooming is necessary for cavaliers?”
The cavalier does not require too much grooming, A great deal of time and effort is not necessary if the dog is brushed and combed thoroughly at least once a week. Cavaliers do shed, particularly in spring and the fall, but a little all the time. Nails should be clipped and the hair between the pads trimmed once a month. No other trimming is necessary, the ideal brushes to use are the softer slicker brushes or a pin brush and a metal comb, Knots and tangles are kept to a minimum if the Cavalier is free of parasites and is combed regularly, Always brush out all knots and tangles before bathing. Cavaliers are naturally clean dogs. Too much bathing dries out the skin and haircoat so certainly do not bathe more than once a week.
Bibliography
For more information about Cavaliers, Here are a list of Books I have myself.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Complete Pet Owners Manual) by D. Caroline Corle Ph.D
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Your Happy, Healthy Pet By Norma Moffat
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel In fact & Fancy By Barbara Garnett- Wilson.