im going to buying a puppy in about a months time, i specifically want a blenheim (brown and white) king charles cavalier bitch.

Will cost around £700 inc injections and worming, but i havent had a dog before and wondered if anyone has any tips about the breed ?

its this kind



The last one i bought for my nan who trained it not very well, if you left the front door open it would bolt and never come back, took 3 hours to find it last time!!! And she never gave it any excersise being immobile. it went deaf and then died of a brain tumor.

I know they have hip problems is there anything I can do from it being 12 weeks old to counter this ?

Also whats the best diet for it ? It will come with me on walks and runs every day so hopefully have a good heart

ty

 

What ever you do, DONT exercise it too much as a puppy! This can contribute to unecessary wear on their hips, as they arent fully developed, and also can lead to a heart issue.

From day one you have to let him know who is boss! You can still pour tonnes of affection on him, but you must also lay down the rules!

As for help preventing the hip issues, Cod Liver oil in his food every day from the age of 1. But no more than a teaspoon, as you will quickly find it soon starts sending food out the other end rather rapidly!

If you have the time, puppy classes are FANTASTIC! As not only does it help you make a start on basic training for your dog, but it also gives the puppy a chance to interact with other puppies!

This is one of the BEST doggie books i have ever read:



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Its-Me-Dog-H...5075928&sr=1-1

Its just full of common sense!

Ultimately, your dog will be your best friend, and give you complete unconditional love! So make sure you love it back!

 

http://www.aboutcavalierhealth.com/syringomylia.htm

lovely dogs, good luck

 

me and the missis have two cavaliers,a blenheim and a tri colour,both bitches,blenheim is 12 this year and the tri colour is 7 this year.apart from joint probs they suffer from a heart murmur and ear problems.ear problems are spotted by dog shaking head alot.

smashing dogs such great companions,good luck
btw heres a pic of ours

 

They are lovely dogs, I would just add to get them used to things early like traffic, noises etc as much harder later.
Our dog Lhasa Ahpso, had never been in a car and been neglected to, so was fun the first time he went in it, now he tries to go all the time, he'd also in two years it seems never been for a walk, not had jabs etc.
Get PET INSURANCE, a must as vets know how to charge, a simple course of tablets and consultation for a slight injury just cost me over £200, just below limit for claiming!!
Milo hurt himself launching onto the setee and pulled a muscle.
I don't know why dogs run off, but we always have our back door open to a closed garden so he goes out as he likes, even when front door is open, he just wanders over to see the kids he knows on the pavement but doesn't cross the road.
I think as said pet classes are a great idea, but our breed is trouble from a dominance point of view.
tabetha

 

My folks have 2 at the moment (1 black n tan and 1 ruby) they did used to have 4 and have had 2 litters of puppies over the years and even did the whole show thing for a while going to crufts 2 years running.

Hip problems are very common as already been stressed dont walk them 2 much in the first year! Heart problems and skin conditions are also very common so make sure you buy from a reptutale breeder and if possible see the parents.

My parents would have been lost without their cage for the night times, sounds cruel but the dogs dont really mind it and even now if they want a bit of peace they head there on their own accord.
Puppy classes are essential lets you and your puppy get used to other dogs and some helpful hints and tips.

They truly are a wonderful breed so and loving and loyal, brilliant with children, they really are a happy wee doggie.

Good luck

 

Thankyou all

 

Well, i would say get pet insurance, the wifes chihuahua broke its leg and cost us over £1k when all done :O


We have 4 dogs, and all small size, deffo go to puppy classes, dont let him/her chew things, just common sence stuff tbh.

And because they are quite small dogs, get some cotton wool pads, and every evening just dip one in some water and wipe your dogs eyes.

I do this to my dogs, you would be suprised with the dust etc that comes out sometimes.

and if you dont want the dog sleeping in the bed, then dont let it in when its a pup.

I have to share my bed with my wife and 4 dogs

 

dont over feed it like my mum does....shes had them for the last 25 years and still feeds them too much crap it winds me up as they all have died of heart or legs probs probs.

 

steer clear of giving the dog chocolate, make sure it's ears are kept clean to prevent infection.

I don't know if this applies to other dogs but our ridgeback can't have bread due to ear ache.

Read the small print on pet insurance online, expext to pay approx 5quid per calender for a basic insurance upto 50pcm but the latter extreme cases age etc.

Try this site www.champdogs.co.uk for some info, breeders etc. If they are on this site then they more than likley know their stuff.

 

Awwww youve got a ridgeback?? they are FAB dogs!! Pics!!!!

 

she even has a facebook page



She sulks when she has her pic taken

She has one of the nicest temprements of a dog ever, old girl now at nearly 10 but still likes her 2 mile a day walk.

 

Thats a fab age for a ridge! Its a testament to how well she has been looked after!

Shes gorgeous!

I once saw a ridgeback that was cross with a bullmastiff. She had a ridge head, and height, and of course the notorius ridge down her back, but was as wide as a bully!! Ive never seen anything like it she was HUGE!

 

I can only imagine the stance lol

They can get to a fair size, ours is only 30kg, soft as a brush. My sisters friend is lucky enough to have 4 of them, she loves them a couple are crufts winners.

Will post a pic later of Brook 4 yo, perfect ridge, stance etc.