About the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a delightfully affectionate, playful, intelligent little dog that repays his owner’s care and attention with an endearing devotion. Cavaliers are not kennel dogs. Because of four hundred years of close contact with their owners and their development as lap dogs, they make wonderful companions. They are happy, outgoing, loving little dogs who want to love you and be loved, to run and play in a safe place, and to sleep in a soft bed - preferably your bed, but they’re willing to negotiate on that point! They get along well with children, cats, and other dogs. Because young Cavalier puppies are so small, some breeders are reluctant to sell a puppy to a family with children under age five. Such families may find that an older puppy or grown dog may be more suitable. Cavalier puppies do not thrive when left all day without human companionship or the company of another animal. They are highly intelligent and require the same consistent and loving discipline as does a child.
Cavaliers are active and sporting little dogs that require regular exercise. They have an instinct to give chase to just about anything that moves, and should either be on a leash or in a fenced yard or they will surely come to grief under the wheels of a car. Because Cavaliers never become “street-wise,” some Cavalier breeders require a fenced yard as a prerequisite for Cavalier ownership. While Cavaliers are clean, intelligent, and easy to groom and train, they do shed, occasionally chew things, and sometimes forget their manners by barking, making a puddle, and so on. In other words, they really are first and always dogs, in spite of their ethereal faces!
The first Cavaliers were sent to the USA in 1952. The breed has become increasingly popular, but it was not until 1996 that the Cavalier achieved full recognition by the AKC as the 140th AKC breed. The American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was established in 1993 and remains the parent club for the Cavalier in this country.
The breed also became a TV star when featured on "Sex and the City" as Charlotte York's dog. Their silky coats come in four colors - Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tricolor (black, white, and tan), Ruby (solid red) and Black and Tan.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Grooming
Despite their elegant, silky coats, the Cavalier does not require a great amount of care. Rather, he needs to be brushed out once a week so that “mats” do not form in his hair. A simple “pin” brush or a natural/nylon combination will work quite well. Do remember that the ears need to be kept clean inside so that they do not cause him any discomfort, resulting in scratching and mat formation behind the ear. A sensible amount of bathing in a mild shampoo is advisable, but this does not have to be done weekly. For dogs who are not going into the show ring on a weekly basis, a bath every couple of weeks or so, or even once monthly, will suffice. If you use any “flea” shampoos, take special care—all of these preparations are toxic to some degree, including those labelled “natural.” Consult your veterinarian before using.
Healthy Bloodlines
All our dogs have been DNA tested and are also free of the hereditary diseases. We test for Cardiac, Eye, Patellar, Chondrodyspasia (CDPA), Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), Drey Eye (DE), Curly Coat (CC), Episodic Falling (EF). All of our Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are carefully hand selected in Germany, Russia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, United States, England, Netherland, Poland and other countries.
Temperament of the Cavalier King Charles
The cavalier in many ways fits the bill as an ideal house pet. He is sweet, gentle, playful, willing to please, affectionate and quiet. He is amiable toward other dogs, pets and strangers. Outdoors, his spaniel heritage kicks in, and he loves to explore, sniff and chase.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Training
We raise our puppies on a strict PUPPY IMPRINTING training method which includes: At four weeks introduce a puppy litterbox; at six weeks move litterbox outside petdoor; and at eight weeks introducing a handful of litter on the ground teaches puppy to go to that spot for potty. We give the first bath and clip toenails at 21 days, and every week after that. At six weeks our puppies take their first car ride. At eight weeks we introduce other pets including cats. We have found that these steps all lead to a well adjusted puppy. You should have a plan in place to continue your cavalier puppie's training process.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Therapy Dogs
The Cavalier King Charles is a natural born therapy dog. They excel in this venue and it is so very rewarding to watch. We recommend starting with a PETSMART puppy training class, followed with a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certification. This is a great activity for younger family members to participate in as well through Scouts, 4-H, FFA, Kennel Clubs, or just privately on your own. The difference cavaliers make in bringing joy, hope, and happiness to those who need it most is very moving.
Is the puppy up-to-date on vaccinations?
Yes! We will provide you your puppy’s health and wellness records from the veterinarian. We will also let you know when you King Charles Cavalier puppy will be due for additional vaccines.
Are your dogs suitable as emotional support or therapy dogs?
Our puppies are suitable as emotional support or therapy dogs. Just let us know what you are looking for and we can help you to choose the right puppy for your needs.
What food can i expect to feed my Cavalier?
We are feeding our adult males and females Royal Canin Small Adult dry food. We are feeding our puppies and nursing mom's Royal Canin Small Puppy dry food.
Are all your dogs pure bred?
Yes! All our Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are to 100% pure bred and we can provide you with a 4-7 generation pedigree for each dog! We adore this beautiful breed and would never cross-breed a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to achieve one of these "designer-breeds"