π Beagle
Temperament
Friendly, curious, merry. Beagles are pack animals at heart β they generally love other dogs and need company; many do poorly as only dogs in homes that are empty all day. Gentle with kids, friendly with strangers.
Exercise
60 minutes a day plus scent work. Beagles need a long-line or secure garden β once they catch a scent, recall is unreliable. Sniffing walks are mentally tiring; combine with short fetch or training sessions.
Grooming
Smooth, short double coat. Weekly brush is enough (more during shedding). Long ears need weekly check and cleaning to prevent infection. Bathe every 8β12 weeks.
Health
Generally robust, often living to 14+. Watch for: epilepsy, intervertebral disc disease, ear infections (long ears trap moisture), hypothyroidism, and obesity (beagles will eat anything, anytime).
Full Beagle profile β
π Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Temperament
Affectionate, gentle, eager to please, sociable. Cavaliers form deep bonds with everyone in the household and tend to follow their humans from room to room. They're famously good with children, other dogs and cats.
Exercise
40β60 minutes of moderate daily exercise plus indoor play. Cavaliers retain some sporting-spaniel drive and enjoy retrieving and scent walks.
Grooming
Long, silky coat with feathering on ears, legs and tail. Brush 3β4Γ weekly. Bathe every 6β8 weeks. Ear hair needs trimming and ears need weekly cleaning. Eye discharge collects under the eyes β wipe daily.
Health
Mitral valve disease β by age 10, ~70% of Cavaliers have heart murmurs. Annual cardiology screening from age 5 strongly recommended. Syringomyelia (Chiari-like malformation). Hip dysplasia. Episodic falling syndrome. Always buy from a breeder doing MVD and SM screening.
Full Cavalier King Charles Spaniel profile β