Cavalier King Charles Spaniel….the Bird Dogs of the past?
Oh wow! I came upon the most amazing posting at a site called Euro Puppy Blog Someone asked them a question that has been bugging me for some time, and finally I have an answer for it. Have you ever considered why a Cavalier King charles Spaniel is not a Bird Dog? Or is it? If it is, why is it no longer used as a Bird Dog? Did nature ever intend it to be one?
Well according to Euro Puppy, – and I quote them….( hope they won’t mind; I am just so excited to finally get an aswer for this puzzle…)
“The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an interesting breed since it is first and foremost a companion dog. Even the FCI registers it in the 9th group, which is designated for companion dogs. All the other spaniels belong to 8th group as designated by the FCI. This group is for the spaniels that are more hunting / bird dogs. A Cavalier, however is in its element if it is around people and family members. Therefore it is a companion dog. However, like all Spaniels, the Cavalier also has a genetic background of being a hunting dog?or a gun dog /bird dog since it was used to retrieve birds and game.
Of all the Spaniel breeds, the original Cavalier is the only one that developed into a lap dog and therefore its hunting instincts have quite drastically been hindered. The other Spaniels, like the Springer Spaniel or an American Cocker Spaniel are also great family dogs, but their hunting, bird dog instincts are far greater, since they are still today used for such activities. Cavaliers, however have been known to catch small birds in mid-flight that fly too close to the ground. Such behavior is a result of their earlier use as a hunting dog, and as such, they can develop habits that predispose them to chase small animals such as chipmunks, squirrels, etc. Because of this, it is recommended that care should be taken when walking a Cavalier off-leash, as they can single-mindedly chase a butterfly or squirrel onto a busy road or other dangerous situations without regard for their own safety if not properly trained.
The energy of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes from its hunting genes and latent hunting instinct. Although it is a perfect companion dog, because of this very same energy and drive, it needs to be exercised just like other Spaniels.
…a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may be able to learn how to be a bird dog, due to its latent hunting instincts. However, it is a companion dog first and foremost. Other Spaniels and hunting breeds, like Vizslas and Pointers make perfect bird dogs. Therefore it is advisable to rather keep the Cavalier as a companion dog, and if you are keen to have a bird dog, then choose a bird dog, that is really a bird dog in spirit, in habit and in genetic make-up as well.”
Well….I think that answers my question pretty well!!
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Omigosh!
My Cavalier, Oliver, is absolutely CRAZY about birds!! He will go nuts to try and chase one, if he hears or see one!
I had an English Springer Spaniel for 12 years, and my little Cavalier acts just like a ‘big ole’ hunting dog’ when he even smells a bird–it’s a hoot!
I never, never never let Oliver off leash when he’s outside, for as smart as he is, reliable recall is JUST not in Oliver’s list of learned behaviors, unfortunately.
He’s sometimes acts like a tiny ‘hunting dog’!
All your pictures are lovely. I have a cute black and tan boy called Charlie who is only 7 months. He goes to puppy training classes and he is great.
My 18 month old Cavalier King Charles black and tan is a mad seagull chaser and is never happier than running at great speed looking up at seagulls above or paddling through the waves to try to catch a sitting gull. He has just learnt to swim, but willl not naturally chase in water deeper than his shoulders. He has no sense of danger and is lost to us when he chases. But at last he is beginning to come when called. He was not able to do this when we had him at 9 months!!
Has anyone got any idea why he is better at visual commands than verbal? He comes really well when you cross your hands in front of you at thigh level, but not if you call!!