My first dog- help snoring

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cavalier123

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I've just taken on loan my first dog. She has come from breeder as she wanted to retire her from breeding. She is perfect apart from she snores so loud every time she sleeps. It is so bad I can hear her in my bedroom when she is downstairs, theough two closed doors. I've spoken to breeder but she says she is fine...
Done a bit of research and seems her breed are known for snoring a bit but this seems excessive?!? Oh, she is a king Charles cavalier. Would you say this is excessive and probably a problem or perfectly ok/normal? Thanks in advance for any opinions as I have no experience at all!!
 
It's the sort of thing that under normal circumstances, I would have said 'let the vet have a look at her' but currently I would just keep an eye on her and only worry if she is having breathing difficulties when she is awake and active.

Fwiw, my bedroom is directly above my Rottweiler's bed, she sometimes snores enough for me to hear her and she certainly doesn't have a flat face/nose. Sometimes dogs can be sensitive to pollen just like us, so maybe your dog's problem is seasonal, mine can get runny eyes if she gets too near the hay.
 
Snoring every time they sleep isn’t normal for most dogs. CKCS are a brachycephalic breed meaning they have restricted airways. The sound you hear when they are snoring is likely due to malformation of a part of the upper respiratory system or increased respirator, a trait which has been bred into her to make her more aesthetically pleasing.

However if a CKCS is your chosen breed of dog I think you may struggle to find one that does not snore unless it has a longer snout (less breed correct, more life correct!). If you are worried about health conditions this is the wrong breed. KCCS are predisposed to a ton of problems most commonly heart disease. Many spend their life on expensive heart medication and their life span is significantly shortened by this. Eye disorders, heart murmurs, ear disorders, seizures etc off the top of my head are also problems.

If you get this dog insure her with a reputable company, on a high claim policy that covers lifetime conditions. And get her health checked before you get her - any problems walk away as she won’t be covered on insurance.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
It's the sort of thing that under normal circumstances, I would have said 'let the vet have a look at her' but currently I would just keep an eye on her and only worry if she is having breathing difficulties when she is awake and active.

Fwiw, my bedroom is directly above my Rottweiler's bed, she sometimes snores enough for me to hear her and she certainly doesn't have a flat face/nose. Sometimes dogs can be sensitive to pollen just like us, so maybe your dog's problem is seasonal, mine can get runny eyes if she gets too near the hay.
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Hi, thanks for your reply. Yes if she was mine I would definitely get vet to look at her asap, but shes on loan and also as you say cant do much at moment anyway.

She does make some noise when awake, kind of grunting snuffling noises occasionally,not all the time, but I think that may be related to excitement, like feed time, not sure yet.

Ah, I hadn't thought of pollen, I will see how she is at stables as she is coming with me.

I'm not sure what to do about her, as she has come on loan and she is adorable, I would love to keep her, but I'm not sure I can cope with very very loud snoring EVERY single time she sleeps, I have to turn TV up and put headphones on? And she sleeps all day!!
 
I’ve lived with CKCS all my life, my mum is one of the top judges/exhibitors in the country.
A lot of what SOS has said is simply not true if you get your dog from a reputable breeder not a puppy farm or unscrupulous breeder.

Yes some of them do snore.... and a lot of them don’t ? my terrier George snores all the time.... my greyhounds snore sometimes but not others, I’d hardly call them brachycephalic ?..... it isn’t something to worry about in my experience
 
I would suggest to the breeder that you will be responsible for her day-to-day care in your home environment but that the breeder should be responsible for vet bills, as she would be if the dog stayed with her. That way the dog gets the benefit of a family home, the breeder saves the cost of the day-to-day expenses and you do not have the responsibility of the age-related vet bills that will be inevitable.
 
saddle over sofa said:
Snoring every time they sleep isn’t normal for most dogs. CKCS are a brachycephalic breed meaning they have restricted airways. The sound you hear when they are snoring is likely due to malformation of a part of the upper respiratory system or increased respirator, a trait which has been bred into her to make her more aesthetically pleasing.

However if a CKCS is your chosen breed of dog I think you may struggle to find one that does not snore unless it has a longer snout (less breed correct, more life correct!). If you are worried about health conditions this is the wrong breed. KCCS are predisposed to a ton of problems most commonly heart disease. Many spend their life on expensive heart medication and their life span is significantly shortened by this. Eye disorders, heart murmurs, ear disorders, seizures etc off the top of my head are also problems.

If you get this dog insure her with a reputable company, on a high claim policy that covers lifetime conditions. And get her health checked before you get her - any problems walk away as she won’t be covered on insurance.
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Hi, thanks for your reply. I think it must be a restriction it is so so bad, poor girl.
I haven't really chosen the breed it was just a conversation with a breeder I met, I'm struggling being alone and have wanted a dog for ages, but not having owned one before I really wanted an adult on loan, to be sure it was right decision, before fully committing. It's such a shame because she is perfect for me, apart from the snoring. So easy to look after and I haven't stopped laughing since she arrived. Feeling a bit sad now though as I'm not sure I can tolerate it ? if she was mine I would do everything to fix it if possible, but breeder doesn't seem fussed and I dont want to push it with her.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
I would suggest to the breeder that you will be responsible for her day-to-day care in your home environment but that the breeder should be responsible for vet bills, as she would be if the dog stayed with her. That way the dog gets the benefit of a family home, the breeder saves the cost of the day-to-day expenses and you do not have the responsibility of the age-related vet bills that will be inevitable.
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That's a very good idea. I'm just not sure it can work though, I'm not tolerant enough I dont think - shes next to me on sofa now and oh my God, its annoying ? feel like a dreadful person right now
 
I agree with SOS the breed are known for their health issues, snoring loudly a lot of the time when sleeping, snuffling and grunting when awake/excited indicates a restricted airways problem and often expensive surgery that insurance rarely covers is the only answer.
If the airway is obstructed then surgery is in my eyes essential to allow the dog to live a happy active life without the stress of struggling to breathe when trying to live a normal existence.
I agree not all breeders are cut from the same cloth Lev but the breed as a whole are not known for their good health.
OP I think you ether take the dog on vet bills and all or you return her to the breeder, the breeder in my experience is not likely to pay to correct the issue as a good breeder would not have been breeding from a bitch with these issues to start with. They are known to be hereditary.
 
Levrier said:
A lot of what SOS has said is simply not true if you get your dog from a reputable breeder not a puppy farm or unscrupulous breeder.
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Well if this is a reputable breeder then they could release the dogs veterinary history to the OP including any cardiology examinations for mitral valve disease which is now strongly promoted by the KC. Who themselves recognise heart disease is a real problem in the breed and that by their statistics around 20% of CKCS will die of a form of heart disease.

I’m not denying they are sweet dogs but you cannot say they will have no health conditions if from a good breeder. This is a breed which has a strong history of health problems.
 
cavalier123 said:
Hi, thanks for your reply. I think it must be a restriction it is so so bad, poor girl.
I haven't really chosen the breed it was just a conversation with a breeder I met, I'm struggling being alone and have wanted a dog for ages, but not having owned one before I really wanted an adult on loan, to be sure it was right decision, before fully committing. It's such a shame because she is perfect for me, apart from the snoring. So easy to look after and I haven't stopped laughing since she arrived. Feeling a bit sad now though as I'm not sure I can tolerate it ? if she was mine I would do everything to fix it if possible, but breeder doesn't seem fussed and I dont want to push it with her.
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Get her vet checked, however as I said if anything is found that’s pre existing the insurance is unlikely to cover it. Also get the breeder to release her veterinary history including checks prior to breeding to yours vets - if she’s had no problems that shouldn’t be an issue although if she’s never been checked thoroughly she shouldn’t of been used for breeding anyway and I would be cautious.

If you can’t deal with a constantly snoring dog that’s okay, you have done the right thing not jumping into it and ‘trying’ a dog out.
Also have a good think about the financial and emotional implications if she is found to have health issues and you do still take her on.
 
twiggy2 said:
I agree with SOS the breed are known for their health issues, snoring loudly a lot of the time when sleeping, snuffling and grunting when awake/excited indicates a restricted airways problem and often expensive surgery that insurance rarely covers is the only answer.
If the airway is obstructed then surgery is in my eyes essential to allow the dog to live a happy active life without the stress of struggling to breathe when trying to live a normal existence.
I agree not all breeders are cut from the same cloth Lev but the breed as a whole are not known for their good health.
OP I think you ether take the dog on vet bills and all or you return her to the breeder, the breeder in my experience is not likely to pay to correct the issue as a good breeder would not have been breeding from a bitch with these issues to start with. They are known to be hereditary.
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Thanks for your thoughts. I think you must be right, it feels like this to me. I'm quite upset that breeder didnt make me aware, as I will be sad to return her, but I dont feel comfortable keeping her either with this problem. I gues I would maybe be willing to pay for surgery if it was safe and recommended, she is 6 years old though, so not sure it would be recommended? Would also depend how expensive it was too, although her health would come before cost and I have no money, but I would do it. Although doesn't sound like breeder would be on board with that. I have been quite clear that it doesn't seem normal, but she's insisted she is fine ?
 
cavalier123 said:
Thanks for your thoughts. I think you must be right, it feels like this to me. I'm quite upset that breeder didnt make me aware, as I will be sad to return her, but I dont feel comfortable keeping her either with this problem. I gues I would maybe be willing to pay for surgery if it was safe and recommended, she is 6 years old though, so not sure it would be recommended? Would also depend how expensive it was too, although her health would come before cost and I have no money, but I would do it. Although doesn't sound like breeder would be on board with that. I have been quite clear that it doesn't seem normal, but she's insisted she is fine ?
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The surgery would most likely be recommended at her age as long as she had no other serious heath issues.
Look up BOAS surgery as that the most likely course of action, 18 months ago the cheapest place in the south East was 2.2k referral centers were 4-6k, it's not cheap but it is life changing.
Most insurance companies don't cover it especially in the breed as it is s commonly needed.
 
saddle over sofa said:
Well if this is a reputable breeder then they could release the dogs veterinary history to the OP including any cardiology examinations for mitral valve disease which is now strongly promoted by the KC. Who themselves recognise heart disease is a real problem in the breed and that by their statistics around 20% of CKCS will die of a form of heart disease.

I’m not denying they are sweet dogs but you cannot say they will have no health conditions if from a good breeder. This is a breed which has a strong history of health problems.
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This clearly isn’t a reputable breeder simply from the information given by the OP. ?

I’ve had close involvement with the breed for 40 years now...so yes, I can and do say that. How can I evidence it? By the puppies my mum used to breed from health tested parents, which did not have the issues you describe.

As for the KC strongly promoting any health tests, that is simply not true - the breed clubs are the ones who have done the majority of the work in this area, particularly the parent club, who have been very engaged with programmes of eye testing, heart testing and MRI scanning over the years
 
Levrier said:
This clearly isn’t a reputable breeder simply from the information given by the OP. ?

I’ve had close involvement with the breed for 40 years now....do yes, I can and do say that. How can I evidence it? By the puppies my mum used to breed from health tested parents, which did not have the issues you describe.
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Then why in your first post did you say it’s nothing to worry about? If you felt the OP had described a non reputable breeder.

I’m not going to get into an argument, the studies are out there on the breed and the veterinary profession and KC recognise it’s a breed with many health issues. For what it’s worth many don’t develop heart problems until later in life and even for the MVD testing I believe they recommend it’s done in bitches over 2, so whilst nothing may be picked up in puppies I’d be really interested to know the health conditions that develop over their life time.
 
Both of mine snore loudly enough to wake me up, do a lot of snuffling and grunting and so have previous dogs, they're German Shepherds, hardly a breed known for having a restricted airway. We've got other threads where people are enthusing about Pug crosses, everone and their uncle seems to have a Frenchie now that snorts with every breath and thinks it's endearing, most of the Cavs I've known have been robust/long lived and the dog doesn't appear to have any other problems?
It wouldn't bother me, especially if I wanted a dog for company in the current climate, but each to their own.
I usually say 'if in doubt, leave it out' but if you're a first time dog owner and the only vice a rehomed dog has, is snoring, then I'd say you'd be very fortunate.
 
Levrier said:
Because a dog snoring is not something to worry about IMO - the op clearly had decided before they posted that it wasn’t something they could live with, the bitch will be returned to the breeder, end of.

Out of curiosity, I’m guessing you are a vet from your responses? ah yes - quick check of previous posts explains it all ? 40 years breed experience? Pah that means nothing, I’m a vet and I know everything.... ?

and she knows whether the puppies go on to develop health conditions later in life because - as a responsible breeder - she stays in touch with owners. And people have returned to her time after time because they won’t consider buying a pup from anyone else, even when they have lost their old one at 14 or 15 years old (which is a very common age for them to live to)
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Just to be clear, I had not and have not decided that the dog will be returned to breeder!! I am trying to work out what to do by trying to find out from people with some experience what might be going on.
Thanks for your reply.
 
CorvusCorax said:
Both of mine snore loudly enough to wake me up, do a lot of snuffling and grunting and so have previous dogs, they're German Shepherds, hardly a breed known for having a restricted airway. We've got other threads where people are enthusing about Pug crosses, everone and their uncle seems to have a Frenchie now that snorts with every breath and thinks it's endearing, most of the Cavs I've known have been robust/long lived and the dog doesn't appear to have any other problems?
It wouldn't bother me, especially if I wanted a dog for company in the current climate, but each to their own.
I usually say 'if in doubt, leave it out' but if you're a first time dog owner and the only vice a rehomed dog has, is snoring, then I'd say you'd be very fortunate.
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Thanks for your reply. I guess I may not be tolerant enough to have a dog, which is why I have taken my time and taken a dog on loan rather than just rushing out and buying one. She doesn't have any other issues, she is adorable and very easy. I do feel lucky, but also upset that I'm struggling with the noise.
 
cavalier123 said:
Just to be clear, I had not and have not decided that the dog will be returned to breeder!! I am trying to work out what to do by trying to find out from people with some experience what might be going on.
Thanks for your reply.
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The question is can you give this dog a good home? Are you willing to put the dog's needs before your own - not to the point of bankrupting yourself, that would be silly but on a day-to-day basis? If not, you are not the right person to take on this dog, or any other tbh. There are ways round the noise problem, if you like the dog and think that otherwise she fits into your lifestyle.
 
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Honestly, there are very few perfect dogs out there. Both of my dogs have annoying traits, but you get used to them, a bit like people ;) and don't forget we're all a bit hypersensitive right now.
 
cavalier123 said:
Just to be clear, I had not and have not decided that the dog will be returned to breeder!! I am trying to work out what to do by trying to find out from people with some experience what might be going on.
Thanks for your reply.
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Forgive me, I had drawn that conclusion from your repeated comments on the thread that you found the noise intolerable, I do apologise
 
Pearlsasinger said:
The question is can you give this dog a good home? Are you willing to put the dog's needs before your own - not to the point of bankrupting yourself, that would be silly but on a day-to-day basis? If not, you are not the right person to take on this dog, or any other tbh. There are ways round the noise problem, if you like the dog and think that otherwise she fits into your lifestyle.
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Of course, that's why I haven't rushed into things, I want to be sure, as whatever animal I have will come first even if things dont work out as expected. As do my two ponies. I dont know what solutions there are to the noise issue though,apart from operate maybe..
 
Levrier said:
Forgive me, I had drawn that conclusion from your repeated comments on the thread that you found the noise intolerable, I do apologise
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That's ok, I am struggling with it but equally I would love to keep her....I do find the noise intolerable but I'm quite hard on myself, so dont give up easily... I hope maybe I will get used to it.
 
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