Ive been looking for a while a different breeds that will go with my Cavalier, and will live happily with my two children (14 and 7).  I was considering a rescue dog, (hence one of my previous posts concerning what would you call a dog with big ears) but that fell through for various reasons, one of which was that she was completely OTT around my Cavvie and was VERY strong on the lead.

What breed would you put with a cavvie - he is a very submissive dog, but is very happy and friendly around other dogs of all types and not food/toy possessive.  We love dog training and do it for fun, not competative or anything like that, just really enjoy going and would like to do mini agility and mini flyball in the spring.  Ive had Cavvies for the last ten years, and I will always love them, but I would love to be able to have a different breed for our next dog.  Its been difficult to know what sort of dog breed to choose as I know what I DONT want, due to our activity levels, lifestyle and what sort of people we are, so not a

GSD or Staffie types
Terriers - I used to have a small JRT type terrier, and although she was wonderful, too much for me at the moment.
Any working type breeds, ie collie or similar
I think a lab type might be too OTT for our Cavvie, as one play bounce and he could be squished.
I also am not sure about the 'look' of pugs (sorry)

We are quite a calm family, and there is lots of open set-aside fields near where we live so exercise isnt a problem, and it would be lovely for our Al to be able to have a playmate to run around with too.

What would you suggest.

Why dont you get another cavvie, make sure its parents have all had the tests done of this breed.

Papillon!!!!! It's the breed I switched to from Cavalier and in fact I know quite a few people that have done the same. Healthy breed, long lived, wonderful to work, such intelligent dogs, easy to train, great for obedience, mini agility etc. Hand on heart had my first dog been a Pap I would probably never have ended up with other breeds as the Papillon is so brilliant. And yes my one remaining Cavalier LOVES his two Papillon friends and get on so well with them. :)

Mmm lots of things to think about - but the more I read about Papillons the more I think they might be the right breed for us.  Small enough to sit on my lap/knees/toes the same as our Cavvie, gentle enough for the children and agile enough to have a go at mini agility (when he or she is 18months old ish).  Thank you Cd'ers - am off to find out a bit more...........

Marianne - if there is any specific advice you can give me about the combination of Cavaliers and Papillons then can you pm me. Ive been looking at your website and your Rufus looks EXACTLY the same as my elderly Cavvie Rosie I sadly lost in June to MVD.  She got to 9 before she developed a heart murmur. He looks such a sweetie.

Will pm you. :)

Toy or miniature poodle?

A Bichon?

Another cav

Shihtzu
Maltese
Bichon-very expensive though.
Papillon

Pretty much any toy/companion breed...

Cav's love other Cav's, I don't personally think you can do better than another Cav. :-) That would be my own personal first choice, even though you have had 10 years of them already. :-D

For mini agility a poodle or Pap as already said,

A Show Cocker would go well with a Cav.
                            Or
A Basset Fauve de Bretagne, I love these little dogs as they are just sooooo..... friendly, an old neighbour of mine had one and they are darling little dogs, they get along with any dog and are also great with children very like the Cav in that respect.  But early training is imperative especially with recall as they are from the hound family. ;-) but you say you like training so perhaps may be worth a thought.

Not a Pug!

My sister bought a Pug last year to give her CKCS company, the Pug has bullied Tinkie terribly.   They get on better now but the Cav is too soft for something as wilful and exuberant as a Pug.

Hi

I have a Hungarian Puli and a Springer Cross living with a Cav..........

Maxine

Lots of GSD people have Cavaliers We always had GSDs(plus my BCs)& over the years added Cavaliers, The GSDs were brilliant with the Cavaliers even the last one who died last year who was a rescue at 8 months, she adored her harem of cavalier boys

Can't beat another Cavalier!! :-D

Whippet? Italian Greyhound?

I would always say if your present dog ticks all the boxes then stick with that breed.  I can't see myself owning anythign but the breed I own now, having had 6 so far.

Having acquired my first papillon 7 months ago I would definitely recommend the breed if you want something ultra-clever,playful and entertaining.I did find her breeder on a recommendation from someone who has competed with them in agility though and she is certainly hours of fun and the easiest dog to train I have ever had.Having said that Cavaliers are such a lovely breed to have with children,I have groomed lots and never yet met one with the slightest amount of aggression in it.

I have a King Charles Cavalier Cross x Springer Spaniel Cross by the name of Beau who is nine years old. He is bigger than a Cavalier but smaller than a Springer and he was the best of friends with my German Shepherd Max up until Max passed away at 13 years old. There was never a cross word between them. They would share their toys together and Max my GSD would even allow Beau to take treats from him when he was eating and Max was more than double the size of Beau. We now have a wonderful female GSD of 9 months and again she is wonderful with my Cavalier and lets him get away with anything. For compatability I would definitely have a Cavalier and GSD together time after time because they really do get on so well together. They are both absolute angels.

Just to let you know that I put a deposit down today on a GORGEOUS papillon boy who is from one of the best performing papillon breeders, in the country so his background is just the best it can be.  Just got to wait another six weeks now before I can bring him home.....
Thankyou for all your help.

Ahh what colour is he?

He will be a red sable eventually - at the moment he looks mostly black and white but under neath the black hairs hes sable.  He also has the tiniest little nose you have ever seen.  To give you an idea of how small he was when he was born - he was 2ozs and his sister was 3ozs!

Ive just got to think of a name for him now.

My friend has 6 of them, loves them to bits, and the stories she tells are a scream

Copper, Caramel, Umber?

A friend has them with her Elkhounds and Buhunds, they do Agility.

They are a good all round dog, show obedence and agility also very good guard dogs

Great news!! :D :D :D

Ooh, sounds lovely - I was very tempted by a Pap, but my OH wanted an American cocker and I also loved the Cavs, so got one of them as being more of a similar size. :-)