| Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not cheap. On | | | | chase after rabbits and birds like bloodhounds. Be |
| average you can expect to pay $2,000-$3,000 | | | | aware of this now. Invest in obedience training |
| for one.However, if you've socked away your | | | | from the start. However, they're also terrific at |
| "puppy fund" and are considering buying a Cavalier | | | | alerting you to noises at night.4) I call the Cav |
| King Charles Spaniel, or "Cav" as enthusiasts call | | | | eyes "hypnotic eyes" because once they look at |
| them, there are five things you might not know. | | | | you, you reach in a trance for a morsel from |
| Before you fall under the spell of the big eyes and | | | | your plate or for the Beggin' Strips. Instead, |
| floppy ears, a few tips from a Cav owner...1) | | | | repeat this mantra after me: vet bills, vet bills, vet |
| While Cavs slow down as they age, don't take | | | | bills...5) Cavs are the most sensitive dog on the |
| this as an excuse not to walk the dog. They love | | | | planet. In bed with the flu? Just try and pry that |
| walks, even though they may seem to sleep | | | | dog away. Sad? Your Cav will lick your tears |
| most of the time when at home. As your Cav | | | | away. Feeling slightly blue or have the sniffles? |
| turns seven or eight, regular walks become more | | | | The dog will be right by your side. Priceless.Just |
| important, and the exercise will keep you moving | | | | refer to this pre-owner's manual and your Cav will |
| too.2) Cavs get knots in their fur more easily than | | | | be a loyal, delightful companion for years to |
| any breed I've ever known with the exception of | | | | come.Movie reviewer/screenwriter Kristin Johnson |
| the Maltese--I co-owned one with my | | | | is owned by two Cavaliers. She composes |
| grandmother and kept its coat short. Cav coats | | | | personalized poems, speeches, toasts, vows, and |
| are naturally short on top, long around the paws, | | | | family memories. Visit to order your personalized |
| tail, throat, ears, and belly, which is where the | | | | memories. She is also co-author of the Midwest |
| tangles appear. They also get leaves and grass | | | | Book Review "enthusiastically recommended" pick |
| stuck in their fur, especially in the long tail. | | | | Christmas Cookies Are For Giving: Stories, |
| However, a good rinse in the sink will take care of | | | | Recipes and Tips for Making Heartwarming Gifts |
| the grass and leaves. As for the tangles, a Love | | | | (ISBN: 0-9723473-9-9). A downloadablemedia kit is |
| Glove, available from pet stores, is gentler on the | | | | available at our Web site, or e-mail the publisher () |
| Cav's sensitive nerve endings than other dog | | | | to receive a printed media kit and sample copy of |
| brushes.3) Cavs are easily distractible and will | | | | the book. |