Creature feature | PETS
http://www.facebook.com/petsmagazine August 83
decided to revive the breed, resulting in the
popular Cavvie that many Australians now
know and love.
This companion dog is very much used
to a life of luxury, which is perhaps what
makes it such a popular lap dog today. The
Cavvie enjoys spending time with its owner,
whether sitting by their side watching
television, following them around the house
or accompanying them on a walk. “Wherever
I am, they are under my feet,” Michelle Jones,
from Chelsshadow Cavalier King Charles
Spaniels, says. “If I tell them to get off me,
they’ll sit on the lounge beside me or on
the other one opposite me.”
The Cavvie has a sweet and placid nature,
although it can be quite stubborn. It responds
well to rewards-based training and can excel
in the show ring, or even in sports such as
agility. “They’re usually quite good to train,
but you do get some that are just stubborn,”
Michelle says.
This positive nature makes them an ideal
dog for families, although young children
should be monitored around them as much
for the Cavvie’s sake as the child. “They’re
the best dogs you can have with children,”
Michelle says, adding that they are gentle
and don’t tend to bite.
Cavvies are also popular as therapy dogs
and dogs for the elderly, with many visiting
those in special care to help lift spirits.CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is classed
as a toy dog by the Australian National
Kennel Council and doesn’t have the drive
of a working dog or hound. Having said that,
it still needs stimulation and exercise. PETS
recommends a daily walk to keep your pet
physically fit and some training or games
to keep its mind active and prevent it from
becoming bored. This is not a breed you can
just leave in your backyard and forget — it
needs to be in the home with you.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is easily
recognisable by its striking coat, coming in
four colours: ruby, Blenheim, tricolour, and
black and tan. Unfortunately, when it comesto grooming, the Cavvie’s coat does take some
work. “They do knot up quickly, particularly in
the feathering around the ears,” Michelle says.
“Grooming five to 10 minutes a day usually
keeps the knots down.”
This breed can moult quite a bit and so isn’t
an ideal choice for those looking to keep their
house hair-free.
Of course, Cavvie owners should provide
their pet with fresh water and food daily, flea
and worming treatments as required, and
vaccinations and annual vet visits to ensure
your pet is kept in top shape.HEALTH CHECK
When it comes to health, the Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel can be prone to certain
conditions. Mitral valve disease is a heart
problem that can affect your spaniel; luxating
patella can also be an issue, resulting in one
or several of your dog’s kneecaps slipping
out of place. The breed can also be prone
to certain eye conditions, such as cataracts
and dry eye.
To minimise the risk of your dog developing
any of these conditions, it’s recommended
that you acquire your Cavvie from a registered
breeder and ask questions about the health
of the parents prior to taking your new
pet home.Grooming:
Exercise:
Size: Small
Lifespan: 9–14 yearsAt a Glance
For more information on the Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel or to contact a local breed
club, visit your state canine council website
via ankc.org.au New Zealand readers can
visit nzkc.org.nz for information.PLF070_pg082-083_Cavvie.indd 83PLF070_pg082-083_Cavvie.indd 83 6/21/2017 11:18:07 AM6/21/2017 11:18:07 AM