Kingsley

Meet Kingsley. He is a 3 year old ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. His deep, rich caramel colour and naturally wavy fur make this guy a rare gem. Weighing in at around 28lbs, this hunk will need to continue to lose some weight in order to live his best life. His curious, fun loving, and cuddly nature (snorts included) will have you wanting this chill pup on your lap in no time.

Kingsley came to us from a puppy mill where he was no longer productive and was being discarded. From the moment he came into the house, he wanted all the attention, and to explore every inch he could access, showing no fear of humans. When Kinglsey first arrived he was unable to do stairs as he had never seen them or eat out of a bowl. After 6 days, and with the help of our forever dog and a lot of encouragement, Kingsley conquered the stairs and learned that the floor is not where he gets his food from any more. While he doesn’t love some loud noises in the home, like a chair sliding on the floor, he’s also very curious about appliances…he’ll sit in front of the dryer watching it go around in circles. Kingsley has slowly learned to love the simple luxuries of indoor living, like a comfy bed over the hardwood floors.

We feel Kingsley will do best in a detached home due to being vocal at points throughout the day and night. Kingsley did not like his crate at all when he first arrived and would bark for 15-30 minutes repeatedly throughout the night. Thankfully he has slowly learned to enjoy his quiet time and bedtime in his crate and will either settle immediately into snores or take 5 minutes before you hear him humming. Kingsley has taken well to the routine with his foster sister that includes a morning potty break first thing (even though he may not go), followed by breakfast, then a 30 minute walk, and quiet time on a mat, rug, bed if we are on the same floor and can monitor him. If we are on a different floor or leave the home, Kingsley is crated as we are still working on house training and not marking. We have seen a significant improvement since his neuter. A late afternoon or evening walk for 30 minutes is followed by dinner, play time, and then cuddles and snoozes in some corner, before one last pee break, and settling in his crate for the night. He is great on leash. He does love to sniff everything so some “lets go” are needed.  Kingsley has recently started to play with toys and loves to bring all of them to one area of the floor and then chew on one toy at a time. He loves to be adored and snorts in delight. He will follow you everywhere if you let him. When you don’t he will bark. We have been leaving him to bark and ignoring the behaviour so he gets used to being alone. He does not bark at people at the door or at dogs outside, or on walks. 

Kingsley has been great with our 2 yo collie mix Arlyn, and has been very well behaved with any dogs we see out on our walks. He does very well with meeting new people as well, in the home or out and about, he just wants to be everyone’s friend and be loved. We feel he would do well with kids, although he can get excited and will occasionally jump up to get more pets, so small toddlers might not be a good fit. Children over 4yrs of age that are kind with dogs will be fine.   He definitely gets excited at dinner time and will jump and dance for his dinner! Kingsley is not very treat motivated but when he takes them, he is very gentle.

Due to his longer, curly fur, he does need more frequent brushing to avoid getting matted. Kingsley also needs his eyes and ears cleaned regularly to prevent infection. Kingsley didn’t love the shower but was well behaved and put up with it. He is very quiet in the car, but should be crated or tethered as he will move around until settling in a spot.

Without any previous training, Kingsley is very slowly starting to learn how to be a dog. Patience will be needed as his previous life had him living on his own with no guidance or love. As mentioned, he’s not treat motivated but absolutely adores praise and positive encouragement so be ready to be a loud cheerleader. We are working on “sit” and “wait”. He is very good with “come” when called in the home. Kingsley will need to work on his threshold training as he loves to run out the door and is a flight risk. He will need ongoing training and structure.

Kingsley has been neutered and is up to date on all vaccines. He was great with the vet. The only thing he didn’t like was the big, scary scale…but who blames him? He is slightly overweight so proper monitoring of food, treats, as well as regular exercise will be needed to get Kingsley to a healthier weight, especially because his breed is prone to heart problems. He does have some minor gum disease but with proper food and chewing toys, plus regular check-ups, it shouldn’t get worse.  Any potential adopters of  Kingsley will need to be well informed of the health issues that Cavaliers face in their lives and be willing to do routine check-ups and ultrasounds to monitor their heart health.  We will only consider a home for Kingsley  with those experienced or very knowledgeable with the Cavalier breed and committed to the heart monitoring and general medical upkeep of this breed.  Cavaliers are bred to be extra sweet to make up for the many medical issues that their people need to be aware of and keep on top of to ensure their best life. 

Kingsley will be a great companion for whoever adopts him, whether a young family, a single person, or a retired couple. Nothing makes him happier than head scritches as he slowly pushes his head into your hand and falls over snorting. He also enjoys belly rubs and snuggles. He has shown himself to be ready to adapt to anything life throws his way as long as you’re there beside him! He is the perfect little couch potato!