Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: How to choose a dog with the right color
• Method 2 of 4: How to choose a dog with the right temperament
• Method 3 of 4: How to choose between a purebred dog and a mestizo
• Method 4 of 4: How to buy a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you are looking for one of the most adorable companions of the canine brethren, consider the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This is the largest breed from the category of small dogs (their height at the withers is 30-33 centimeters, and their weight is 6-9 kilograms). Due to the small size of these dogs, almost anyone can handle them. They are joyful, energetic and friendly dogs, so they are suitable for most families, singles and seniors. Mestizos can be bought quite cheaply, but purebred gentlemen are expensive - from 26 to 180 thousand Russian rubles.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: How to choose a dog with the right color

1. 1 Choose an animal of the correct color. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have beautiful coat, which comes in four colors: blenheim (bright chestnut spots on a pearl white background), black-brown, tricolor (bright chestnut, white, black), ruby ​​(deep brown-red). Dogs with long and slightly curly coats are most appreciated. Colors should be sharp. Ticking is undesirable (that is, a color in which colors alternate on each hair, forming rings). If the main color of the dog is black, it should not have ticking areas and small spots of a different color.
2. 2 Choose a dog with good coat. Pedigree dogs have a straight coat, but small waves are also acceptable. The coat of these dogs does not require strong and frequent grooming, but the animal should be brushed regularly - at least a couple of times a week. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are rarely cut and washed every few weeks.
   • These dogs are molting. When choosing an animal, pay attention to the coat. If there is a lot of loose hair on or near the dog, ask the owner how often the dog needs to be combed and cleaned in the house. Generally, hair loss is a result of the diet and environment in which the dog lives, which means that you can change these conditions.
3. 3 Choose a dog that looks healthy. Purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have many health problems due to the fact that they were crossed with relatives for many years to maintain the purity of the breed. Usually, the state of health can be determined by the type of coat, eyes and ears. Usually, most of the problems are associated with these organs, so you need to pay attention to them first.
   • Make sure there is no discharge in your eyes, nose, and ears. The coat must be clean and free of parasites. If the puppy has protruding ribs, but has a swollen belly, it is most likely that he has worms. You can get rid of worms, but this indicates that the animal was poorly looked after by the mother or owner.
4. 4 Show your puppy to the vet. Regardless of what the seller says, take your dog to the doctor. Ask to pay attention to the problems of this breed and examine the dog for ticks, fleas, other parasites and worms.
   • The health of the animal should be checked prior to purchase. A puppy's heart murmur can turn into serious problems in the future, including a heart attack. If you are taking an adult dog with you, you should also show it to your doctor prior to purchasing.The doctor will be able to identify problems typical for this breed and other diseases.

Method 2 of 4: How to choose a dog with the right temperament

1. 1 Find out if the dog is friendly. These dogs tend to get along with people. They prefer to sit on their knees and love to be stroked.
   • These animals are suitable for families with small children. Due to their small size, they are unlikely to harm a child, unlike large Labradors. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may bite and scratch, but overall they are not uncomfortable.
   • Some dogs are afraid of people. Perhaps in childhood they experienced mental trauma, which makes them afraid of people or even treat them with aggression. This behavior can be corrected, but be prepared for the fact that it will not be so easy. When you meet your dog, reach out your hand and let him smell your scent. Be friendly and don't invade the dog's space too quickly. Try petting her and playing with her. Observe the reaction of the animal. If your dog likes your attention, he is more likely to be outgoing.
2. 2 Pay attention to how your dog interacts with other animals. Many families have more than one dog or several other animals. If this is the case for you, watch the dog play with its siblings or with other dogs that are nearby. Is she showing aggression? Is it jammed into a corner? Does she aspire to be with everyone? By observing a dog, you will quickly understand what kind of character it has.
   • If you want to participate with a dog in exhibitions, the ability to communicate with animals will be necessary for her. You don't want the dog's behavior to distract the judges from his appearance.
3. 3 Choose an active dog. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are dogs that love to play outside. You will need to spend a lot of time outside the house with your dog so that it can run. If you play sports, over time, your dog will get used to long hikes and walks.
   • Sedentary and lazy Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are rare. Typically, this behavior indicates a behavior problem.
   • Don't confuse tiredness with lethargy. Puppies sleep more than adult dogs and this should not be considered a bad sign. Find out if your puppy is ready to play with you when he is awake. Offer to play with other animals. This will help you understand the character of the dog.

Method 3 of 4: How to choose between a purebred dog and a mestizo

1. 1 Consider all the pros and cons of a thoroughbred animal. Purebred dogs usually have distinct traits. Buying such a dog, you will get an energetic pet with a coat that is not the most difficult to care for. As a rule, these are carefree animals, so you should count on such a character.
2. 2 Check out all the cons. Non-purebred dogs may have the biological characteristics of other breeds. If the dog has been crossed with a hound, the puppies may develop hunting and barking tendencies. If a dog is a cross between a Shih Tzu, it can lose the energy that you have seen in this breed.
3. 3 Think about health problems. Purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniels lack gene diversity due to interbreeding with relatives or with a small number of other dogs. Such actions have not the most pleasant consequences. Purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are at high risk for heart failure, degenerative disc disease and neurological disease.
   • Heart failure. In the UK, 59% of these dogs over 4 years of age have a heart murmur, and this is a very high rate.
   • Arnold-Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. In this condition, the dog's skull is too small for its brain, and this causes severe pain. It is a fairly common condition, and the first symptoms appear between the ages of 5 months and 3 years.
   • Epilepsy.A dog can develop seizures at any time, but most often it occurs between 6 months and 6 years of age.
   • Degenerative disc disease. It is also a common problem, especially in old age. Most often, people notice signs of the disease only when the dog begins to walk unusually and, as if reluctantly, lower his head to a bowl of food or water.

Method 4 of 4: How to buy a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

1. 1 Find someone to pick up or buy your dog from. You can search the internet for a purebred or mixed breed. You can also view the advertisements in the newspaper. Everything will depend on where you live.
2. 2 Consider buying a dog from a kennel. Find a breeder who can provide you with information about the dog's parents and grandparents, including medical reports. It is not worth buying a puppy born as a result of inbreeding, so you will need to find out who the dog's ancestors were. If you want to buy a puppy from a private breeder, ask to show the pedigree and all accompanying documents.
3. 3 Contact the shelter. You can find a non-purebred dog at the shelter. Find out if you can provide proper care before picking her up. Some dogs are admitted to the shelter because their owners have not been able to care for them properly.
4. 4 Avoid large nurseries. Even if you happen to be there, ask to show you the puppy's mom. Kennel owners will also be required to provide a pedigree. There is a chance that the owners will do their best not to show you the dog's mother.