Now that I have your attention..........
I've wanted to ask lately if others are seeing as many "Cavalier/Rat" crosses as I see these days. Seeing those photos of Flash's parents and seeing many other photos, especially listed with the rescue groups, makes me think there are more of this "type" in the general Cavalier population than in past years. I even see one of these "crosses" sleeping in my bed with me every night!
Let me describe what I mean - these are tiny, skinny, weedy Cavaliers with more domed heads, less coat, not enough bone, bulgy eyes, more pointy muzzles and little cushioning. I am seeing them more and more.
My own was found on the streets near my home last April. I told Holly (member here and local rescue rep) that I would hold her for TWO days but that Holly must pick her up upon her return from an out of town trip. The rest, as they say, is history. I presume that my girl is a puppy mill/pet store product, but of course I have no history.
Lissie is 2-3 years old and weighs 8 lbs., plus 8-10 ounces. She is smaller than my cat. When I first saw her, I presumed she either had a liver shunt or juvenile renal dysplasia or had been starved or had some other very serious disease. She was as thin as those photos of Flash's sire. Took her to my vet who ran full blood chemistry profile, full exam, etc. Vet and tests say she is fine; my vet says it is just her "body type." Vet actually is not at all worried and says ultra-thin is more healthy, esp. as she has grade 1 luxated patella.
Eight months have gone by - Lissie eats a high quality, high calorie dog food. She eats more than twice as much as my 17 lb. Cavalier (plus a different food, much higher calorie). She was spayed in July. She has gained just a few ounces and still weighs under 9 lbs. Her coat is sleek, and she looks great (for a rat). She is a super high energy dog - she plays constantly with my cat and as much as she can with the other three dogs (older and much lower energy) plus runs around the house and yard constantly playing. Everyone tells me that she is "adorable" but I still think she looks like a cross between a Cavalier and a rat! I am embarrassed for anyone to think that I believe she is a typical Cavalier, and I always point to her "brother," a drop-dead gorgeous retired (UK bred) show dog, as my "real" Cavalier. Lissie is my 12th Cavalier in 20 plus years, and, as I said, I've never had such a high-energy Cavalier. She does make me laugh, and she is probably the smartest Cavalier I've ever owned. She won me over within days, and I do love her dearly, but I would never have sought her out as having a desirable appearance.
How about others on both sides of the pond - are you seeing this type more often these days? Is this the result of disreputable breeders purposefully breeding for "teacup" size Cavaliers?
Pat
I've wanted to ask lately if others are seeing as many "Cavalier/Rat" crosses as I see these days. Seeing those photos of Flash's parents and seeing many other photos, especially listed with the rescue groups, makes me think there are more of this "type" in the general Cavalier population than in past years. I even see one of these "crosses" sleeping in my bed with me every night!
Let me describe what I mean - these are tiny, skinny, weedy Cavaliers with more domed heads, less coat, not enough bone, bulgy eyes, more pointy muzzles and little cushioning. I am seeing them more and more.
My own was found on the streets near my home last April. I told Holly (member here and local rescue rep) that I would hold her for TWO days but that Holly must pick her up upon her return from an out of town trip. The rest, as they say, is history. I presume that my girl is a puppy mill/pet store product, but of course I have no history.
Lissie is 2-3 years old and weighs 8 lbs., plus 8-10 ounces. She is smaller than my cat. When I first saw her, I presumed she either had a liver shunt or juvenile renal dysplasia or had been starved or had some other very serious disease. She was as thin as those photos of Flash's sire. Took her to my vet who ran full blood chemistry profile, full exam, etc. Vet and tests say she is fine; my vet says it is just her "body type." Vet actually is not at all worried and says ultra-thin is more healthy, esp. as she has grade 1 luxated patella.
Eight months have gone by - Lissie eats a high quality, high calorie dog food. She eats more than twice as much as my 17 lb. Cavalier (plus a different food, much higher calorie). She was spayed in July. She has gained just a few ounces and still weighs under 9 lbs. Her coat is sleek, and she looks great (for a rat). She is a super high energy dog - she plays constantly with my cat and as much as she can with the other three dogs (older and much lower energy) plus runs around the house and yard constantly playing. Everyone tells me that she is "adorable" but I still think she looks like a cross between a Cavalier and a rat! I am embarrassed for anyone to think that I believe she is a typical Cavalier, and I always point to her "brother," a drop-dead gorgeous retired (UK bred) show dog, as my "real" Cavalier. Lissie is my 12th Cavalier in 20 plus years, and, as I said, I've never had such a high-energy Cavalier. She does make me laugh, and she is probably the smartest Cavalier I've ever owned. She won me over within days, and I do love her dearly, but I would never have sought her out as having a desirable appearance.
How about others on both sides of the pond - are you seeing this type more often these days? Is this the result of disreputable breeders purposefully breeding for "teacup" size Cavaliers?
Pat
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