I recently re-homed a 12 month old tri-color Cavvie, who is an absolute poppet (neutered male). However ------ he is completely mad!!  We have lurchers as well, and I think he thinks he's one of them!  He runs with them, chases anything that moves, and plays with us by growling madly, and trying to dis-embowel our arms!!  (he's not nasty, just playful)
I was of the opinion that cavvies are quiet, well behaved little dogs, but not this one.  Is this unusual, or is he just showing youthful high spirits.  If so, when is he likely to grow up?
By the way, all our dogs have always been (adult) rescues, so don't know too much about pups.
Thanks in advance

I've only just this minute been telling somebody that my 7 month old Cavalier is a horrible little git at times, as was his predecessor at the same age (who we lost in April at 15 years of age). :) Training classes will work wonders. I will always remember what I was told with my first one (have had 5 in all), that I should stop treating him like a toy dog and just treat him like a DOG. Rufus who we lost in April took the KC Good Citizen Gold test and absolutely adored training, and Monty already now (I've only had him a month) is running into the hall we train in loving it, so excited, and he's learning quickly. (Even if he did try to mate a huge DDB in class this week!!!) They can do so much -a friend of mine in Sweden had one that was an Obedience Champion! Many here in the UK compete in agility.So no, I would definitely not say they are quiet wellbehaved litlte dogs -not until they've been trained to. :)

We had a Cavalier that was a working gundog :-D She worked in tandem with an English Springer ;-) She never stopped working until she was about 12 years old, so don't know if this is what you wanted to hear :-)

My Cav ( now sadly gone) lived with 3 boxers and was definitely a high ranking member of 'the gang' What they did he did in fact his nick name was 'the red tornado' even though he had the most angelic dear face.  He didn't slow up until a few days before he died and is still sadly missed and still very loved

Ive had cavvies for the last 16 years and can always remember that once the first year was over I breathed a sigh of relief.  All of mine have been typical norty pups, little stroppy teenagers, gone through that "talk to the paw, cos I aint listening" stage. But that is the same as all pups tbh.  Ive taken mine to training classes every single week and by the time they are about 18months have become settled and calm. So dont worry its perfectly normal, Id go to some training classes asap, even if its just for socialisation and practising things they know already but with different surroundings and amongst other dogs.

Hi Mary I have a 14 month old Tri colour bitch puppy and she does the growling ,barking "I am going to kill you now" every single night at teatime. She has always done this,and we call it her mad half hour.She wants to play chase with the ball or tug with the tugger,or whatever she decides is the toy of the moment. She barks if we ignore her and races round the room if we react . Once  this period is over,(it lasts between half an hour to an hour),she reverts back to being the sweetest,gentlest,calmest little dog,and usually goes for a snooze,and that is her till  last walkies and bedtime. She just seems to need this little last bit of playtime. She does get walked and plays during the day,but seems to enjoy her teatime routine.I wish I had 2 of her. Enjoy yours
Cheers,
Jean

Thanks to everyone for your replies  -  it seems we don't actually have a reject after all!!  It's very nice to know we are not alone -  Jean, yours sounds very similar!  I may try the classes if he doesn't calm down soon
Thanks again
Mary

I always find they calm down at around 2 years old, but only with training!  With out you could have a manic little cavie for years to come, but in the nicest possible way.  I only have one elderly bitch now, but used to be heavily involved in the breed.  She calmed down around 18 months, she still has her fun and games, but at appropriate times.  And thats at age 10 with a grade 5 heart murmur.
Oh, and she spends every weekend at shows amongst 20-30 gundogs as I show my young girl.  The gundogs are a dominate breed, but she marched in and was, and still is instant top dog!  Never a curled lip or a growl, they just knew she demanded instant respect.  Did other owners a massive favour as a couple of stud dogs were aiming for that spot, but now just do as they're told!

Mine generally turn from Devils to Angels at around 12 months.

Never a push over and always full of fun, my un-contested top dog  ( both breeds) is a 7 year old blenheim female.

Training is very important in any breed - I know Henry, naughty as he was, would have been much worse without the classes we did. Ellie was a manic biter as a puppy, but once out of that habit was fine. They both are/were happy to snooze on the sofa much of the time, but were always ready to leap up if I put my shoes on. And when I take Ellie to obedience or rally training days, she can outlast the collies in energy and willingness to work another exercise. And the 4 week old puppy? She's a total monster when awake!! :-D