Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

[Troy]

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/Breed_Details.aspx?bid=28 )

Group: Group 1 (Toys)

General Appearance: Active, graceful and well balanced, with gentle expression.

Characteristics: Sporting, affectionate, absolutely fearless.

Temperament: Gay, friendly, non-aggressive; no tendency to nervousness.

Head And Skull: Skull almost flat between ears. Stop shallow. Length from base of stop to tip of nose about 3.8 cms (11�2 ins). Nostrils black and well developed without flesh marks, muzzle well tapered. Lips well developed but not pendulous. Face well filled below eyes. Any tendency to snipiness undesirable.

Eyes: Large, dark, round but not prominent; spaced well apart.

Ears: Long, set high, with plenty of feather.

Mouth: Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Moderate length, slightly arched.

Forequarters: Chest moderate, shoulders well laid back; straight legs, moderately boned.

Body: Short-coupled with good spring of rib. Level back.

Hindquarters: Legs with moderate bone; well turned stifle - no tendency to cow or sickle hocks.

Feet: Compact, cushioned and well feathered.

Tail: Length of tail in balance with body, well set on, carried happily but never much above the level of the back. Docking optional. If docked no more than one-third to be removed.

Gait/Movement: Free moving and elegant in action, plenty of drive from behind. Fore and hind legs move parallel when viewed from in front and behind.

Coat: Long, silky, free from curl. Slight wave permissible. Plenty of feathering. Totally free from trimming.

Colour: Recognised colours are:

Black and Tan - Raven black with tan markings above the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest and legs and underside of tail. Tan should be bright. White marks undesirable.

Ruby - Whole coloured rich red. White markings undesirable.

Blenheim - Rich chestnut markings well broken up, on pearly white ground. Markings evenly divided on head, leaving room between ears for much valued lozenge mark or spot (a unique characteristic of the breed).

Tricolour - Black and white well spaced, broken up, with tan markings over eyes, cheeks, inside ears, inside legs, and on underside of tail.

Any other colour or combination of colours highly undesirable.

Sizes: Weight: 5.4-8.2 kg (12-18 lbs).

A small well-balanced dog well within these weights desirable.

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See More Photos of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
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• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breeders

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies For Sale

[Bilbo Baggins]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Owner, Breeder, and Exhibitor.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Toy Spaniels were already well established in England in Tudor times, and history has it that a toy Spaniel was a companion of Mary, Queen of Scots when she was imprisoned by Elizabeth I. They were favourites of Charles I, Charles II (with whom they are indelibly associated) and with James II.

However, with the accession of William and Mary to the throne, the toy Spaniel lost popularity. However, during the reign of Queen Anne, the Duke of Marlborough maintained kennels at Blenheim Castle where he established a line of red and white spaniels and this colour became known as "Blenheim".

By the late Victorian era, the old style of toy spaniel had been evolved into the flat faced, dome skulled King Charles Spaniel and it was not until 1925 that a move was made to revive the old style "nosey" spaniel depicted in early paintings. When an American offered a prize of twenty five pounds at Crufts dog show for such an exhibit, English breeders took up the challenge and by 1928 the English Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club had been formed, adopting the name Cavalier to distinguish them from the flat-faced King Charles. In 1945 the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was granted separate breed status by the English Kennel Club and began a steady return to their former popularity. In 1973 a Cavalier won Best in Show at Crufts.

Source. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Vic Website.

3. How common is it in Australia?

The Cavalier is a very popular family pet. This has allowed the breed to be exploited by unscrupulous breeders.

4. What is the average lifespan?

10 to 15 years but reports of 17 years have been made.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

The Cavalier is is very friendly and adapts well to family life. They spend a fair percentage of the day asleep. They love cuddles and attention. They are very food orientated and can quite easily be over fed and become obese to the detriment of their health.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Cavaliers are the biggest of the Toy Breeds. They are small enough to carry under one arm but big enough to enjoy some rough and tumble play. They can mange with running around a backyard but do enjoy their walks.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Cavaliers are very suitable to be a first time dog.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Cavaliers can be solo dogs as they spend time asleep.

9. How much grooming is required?

Cavalier coats are fairly low maintenance. If they get dirty once it dry it brushes out easily. Some people clip their dogs but this is not advised as it damages the coat. The hair can become knotted around on the ears. Regular brusjing and combing overcomes this problem. Hair under the feet between the pads can be clipped short. Between the pads and the ears should be checked for grass seeds which can become embedded.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Cavaliers are easily trained and many do agility and obedience. They are small so can be tripped over. But with disipline will sit and stay put.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

The most common problem in Cavaliers is Mitral Valve Disease. There are also some eyes conditions. Also luxating patellas.

Syringomyelia is degenerative disease of the head and spine. Unfortunately there is no markers on DNA as yet found for these conditions.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

The parents should have a Heart Clear certificate from a Specialist every year. They should have a Eye clear certificate from a Specialist yearly. The breeder should inform the buyer the line history of heart disease.

[Miss B]

Is syringomyelia a problem in Australia? I'm curious after watching the BBC program.

[Gretel]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Exhibitor and breeder and have obedience trialled.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

They are a companion breed and want to be with their people Their 'sporting ancestors' show up quite regularly with many chasing and hunting birds!

3. How common is it in Australia?

They have become more and more popular to the detriment of the breed.

4. What is the average lifespan?

Taking into account MVD I would estimate the average lifespan to be around 10 years. Many do get to their teens but many die earlier.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

They should be happy, friendly and show no aggression or timidness.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Cavaliers can be very active. They do enjoy a walk. Some can be fairly sedentary and others can spend time chasing birds and digging.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Cavaliers were bred as a companion. They do best not being left alone for long hours. If people need to be away from home with work having two can be a good idea so they have each other to play with.

9. How much grooming is required?

Depends a bit on their coat. A good brush through at least twice a week will suffice for most but their ears can need more grooming.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

They are good with children but it is important children are supervised and taught how to treat them as a Cavalier will generally not retaliate if they are being hurt.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Mitral Valve Disease, luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, cataracts and Syringomyelia

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

The parents should be heart tested by a cardioligist and a certificate should be available for you to see. Patellas are checked by a vet so there is no certificate as such. An opthamoligist can check eyes and certify the parents to be clear of eye problems. SM can only be diagnosed by an MRI which is very costly and not widely used by breeders at this stage.

Unfortunately, the rise in popularity of these lovely dogs has brought with it a lot of unscrupulous breeders who are in it to make money and have no intentions of breeding to improve the breed. Ask about the breeders history in the breed. Do they show? How are their pups raised? A good breeder should be very happy for you to meet the pups mum. Many bitches are sent away to be mated so you may not be able to meet the father.

[Gretel]

Is syringomyelia a problem in Australia? I'm curious after watching the BBC program.

SM is in the breed and there have been cases in Australia. I've had Cavaliers nearly 30 years and I have not had one that I even suspected of having SM (touch wood!). It is a horrible disease but I don't believe it is as prevelant as MVD.

[BeeB]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I have had them as family pets since 1997

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

UK, first recognised in the 1920. A contest was held in to recreate the original spaniels seen in paintings of King Charles II by using Cocker Spaniels and King Charles Spaniels.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Very

4. What is the average lifespan?

10-15 years. My first cavalier, Eddie, lived to be 13.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Very outgoing, friendly, happy, tail always wagging. They can bark to alert you to strangers but once inside they would likely be hanging around a burglar looking for a pat.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Depends on the individual, they are happy with as much or as little as you can give. My Mums cav is happy to sleep all day and just run around the yard as exercise. My cav will do a 5km walk and still be leaping in the air and wanting to chase birds by the end.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

I wouldnt recommend if there will be noone home for 9 hours a day, 5 days a week, though my cousin has a cav and lives like that. Two together will keep each other company but they really are people dogs.

9. How much grooming is required?

Can depend on the individual dog. Some will get a very thick, heavy coat and will be more prone to knotting, others will have a finer coat and need less. Either way a good brush a couple of times a week and keeping an eye out for matting behind the ears should keep on top of it.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Ive had little experience with this, Maggie has been very gentle with children she has met.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

MVD, patellas, hips, eyes, SM

[sch18490]

Okay, I have a couple of questions (but I'll probably think of more!).

How much do they shed?

I've read in a couple of places that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are more predisposed to Diabetes Mellitus than other breeds? Is this correct and how prevalent is it?

Is there much difference in temperament between Males and Females?

Do you need a particular type of brush to maintain the long coat?

Do they bark a lot?

I've heard the ears are tricky to look after. How often do they need to be cleaned and how do you clean them?

Thanks, and I'm sorry if any of them are stupid!

[Gretel]

Okay, I have a couple of questions (but I'll probably think of more!).

How much do they shed?

I've read in a couple of places that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are more predisposed to Diabetes Mellitus than other breeds? Is this correct and how prevalent is it?

Is there much difference in temperament between Males and Females?

Do you need a particular type of brush to maintain the long coat?

Do they bark a lot?

I've heard the ears are tricky to look after. How often do they need to be cleaned and how do you clean them?

Thanks, and I'm sorry if any of them are stupid!

They do moult fairly constantly but it is fairly easy hair to remove from carpet and furnishings.

I've never had a Cav with diabetes and not personally known any.

Temperaments are much the same. I have girls and they are very loving but some of my friends swear their boys are more affectionate I look after quite a few boys and they are lovely too.

A good, soft slicker and/or bristle pin brush for the coat.

Some are more barky than others. Generally they are not big barkers but I've rehomed a couple who'd been left home alone and were barking a lot and being destructive. A couple of mine bark when they play :D

Ears are no great drama. I only clean them if they need cleaning. I think a lot of the time mucking about with them actually causes more trouble. If you are introducing moisture into the ear it can start trouble. Check the ears weekly and if they need a clean do it. They do need brushing, of course, and particular care behind the ear to make sure there is no matting. Ears can be protected when the dogs are eating by a snood and mine have a spaniel bowl for their water so their ears don't get wet when they drink.

[Bilbo Baggins]

Okay, I have a couple of questions (but I'll probably think of more!).

How much do they shed?

If you groom them frequently there is not not many issues with shedding.

I've read in a couple of places that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are more predisposed to Diabetes Mellitus than other breeds? Is this correct and how prevalent is it?

In my experience I have not seen a cav with diabetes. My first lived to 15, her daughter is 14 and her daughter 12 all no diabetes. like all animals humans included diabetes is a possibility.

Is there much difference in temperament between Males and Females?

Previously I have only had girls but have recently been showing 3 males and I think they are more cuddly than the girls.

Do you need a particular type of brush to maintain the long coat?

A slicker brush is good for dead hair. Double sided comb fine and thicker. A mason Pearson brush is good or ripoff version.

Do they bark a lot?

May bark if bored. Good watch dogs will let you know people coming.

I've heard the ears are tricky to look after. How often do they need to be cleaned and how do you clean them?

The ears can be cleaned with a tissue damp or dry. Cotton buds if grot gets into the external folds.

Thanks, and I'm sorry if any of them are stupid!

[Bellatrix]

My contributions :p

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Owner. Currently own two.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Very friendly, shows no aggression, fantastic with any age group (from children to elderly), loyal, intelligent and easy to train. But PLEASE if you are considering this breed, they have no road sense what so ever! So always walk on a lead in an unfenced area and make sure your house is puppy/dog proof because these cheeky things like to discover

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Most definitely. Nice small size, moderate exercise and will fit into your lifestyle really well. Though I would definitely recommend having a companion for it!

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

It can be done, providing they have alot of things to occupy themselves with (they are great investigators!) but would personally have two (like I do) as they keep eachother company and will prevent seperation anxiety!

[Kissindra]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

first time owner, member of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Group QLD Inc.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

My vet refers to Cavaliers as "Love Sponges" and they truly are a beautiful, friendly and affectionate breed. They are very accomidating to a variety of lifestyles and activity levels,(and for this reason do not come up in rescue as often as you would expect given their numbers) are quite at home in a small yard or townhouse provided sufficient exercise is provided. I find Boo has bonded more closely to me but this does not come at the expense of not bonding to other family members...or complete strangers

Their friendly personality and all round adorable-ness does make them a target for theft so it is unwise to leave them unsupervised in a yard that is easily accesible.

The upside of this loving nature is that they do tend to rehome well so those looking for a rescue or older dog will generally find bonding easy baring rare cases where extreme neglect or abuse has created an issue which will take time to overcome.

They are not known to be escape artists comparable to a Basenji or Beagle but will take advantage of an opportunity like an open gate and there are instances of dogs digging out to get at chooks or if left bored in the backyard for long periods. Care should be taken to obey leash laws and keep them secure on the property as cavs are known to be lacking in road sense.

They are not a breed that typically does well left in the backyard, they need to be allowed inside with the family and typically will follow you around the house, happy to be where you are and eager to curl up next to you/on you/at your feet. That said, you should get your puppy used to happily spending periods of time without you to prevent seperation anxiety.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

a 1 1/2 to 2 km walk is met with great enthusiasm, a trip to the off-leash park or beach or decent amount of play time and some training can be substituted. I find Boo is very forgiving if the weather etc. prevents him from getting out and about for a couple of days or if for some reason he only gets out every second day but he really does love getting out and about and needs regular exercise to keep in shape mentally and physically.

Cavs can and do do well in agility and obedience etc. Boo absolutely LOVED lure coursing too! Quite a few cavaliers are used as therapy dogs and their happy "love everyone" nature makes them very suitable for this purpose.

They are also bloody good at sleeping on the comfiest spot available

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

yes, very highly recomended as a first time breed. Most are fairly food motivated (you do need to take care to avoid them putting weight on so training treats should be worked into their daily food intake) and easily trained as they are willing to please and enjoy the time spent together. They make fantastic family dogs and excell at being companions.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

A rare few do but realisticly they are a companion breed who thrive on being with their humans and it is prefered they go to homes where someone is at home the majority of the time or where they have a canine companion. Potential owners should consider possible lifestyle changes in their future. If you are going to be away from home for a good portion of each day during the week consider having two dogs or waiting for an older rescue who is known to cope with being by him/herself or a different breed.

9. How much grooming is required?

it varies dependant on individual coat, with Boo I find a daily brush a must as he has quite a hairy chest (:p) and leaves and burrs that get caught up in it would quickly form matts but other owners find once or twice a week to be sufficient. Attention needs to be paid to the feathering to remove dead hair that would otherwise form matts.

Some pet owners opt to get a pet clip either all year round of just in summer months which reduced the grooming needs somewhat but this damages the coat and I prefer their natural look and do not find even our higher than average for the breed grooming to be at all a hardship - it takes all of five to ten minutes and is great bonding time before bed plus provides an opportunity to check for ticks which is necessary in SE QLD.

I use a standard brush all over with a comb or slicker brush to tease out any knots and remove dead hair. Using a Mars coat king or furminator once a month is a good idea also.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

no, although children may cop a few kisses to the face. Like any breed, supervision is needed around small children and children need to be advised of appropriate handling.

Barking - so do, some do not. They are generally less likely to warning bark than other small breeds. Some bark when excited, Boo rarely barks - almost never, though he is at times a vocal player and will growl and huff when playing with his toys.

Shedding - they do shed continuously but it is not hair that sticks into furniture etc. and is easily removed. Boo isn't a patch on my two cats for shedding and covering people/things with fur :p

Edited July 1, 2009 by Kissindra

[Monteba]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I am a breeder / exhibitor of 10 years but have owned the breed for 24 years

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

The breed was first developed in the UK and they were bred to be a companion dog

3. How common is it in Australia?

The Cavalier is very common in Australia I think tothe breeds detriment in some cases

4. What is the average lifespan?

10 - 15 yrs of age though sadly due to MVD quite a few die before they reach this age

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

They are a happy friendly and loving breed very affectionate , they shouldnt show any aggression or be timid

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Like humans this can vary some are real couch potaoes and others love going for a long run

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes I think they are perfect for a first time dog owner

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

They can however I would recommend if your dog is going to be alone for long periods that you get two rather then one to keep it company

9. How much grooming is required?

A brush a couple of times a week with particular attention paid to just behind the ears

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

No they arent too boisterous , Children should be watched with any dog regardless of breed .

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

MVD is the most prevalent , patellas, Syringomyelia (SM) is not common here in Australia, Eyes ( cataracts)

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Heart testing of parents of the puppy by Cardiologist would be a must to ask for with no murmur being detected, An Opthamoligist can check eyes and certify the parents to be clear of eye problems ( generally not done annually as not needed for the problem that Cavaliers are most prone to i.e cataracts)

Patellas are checked by a vet and there is no certification for this

[Cavacazz]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I have been breeding and exhibiting Cavaliers for 20 years.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Cavaliers were first recognised as a breed in the 1920s in England, but they have been around since before King Charles II reign and known as a Carpet Spaniel or Blenheim Spaniel. The Duke and Duchess of Marlborough lived in Blenheim palace and bred their spaniels to flush small birds during the hunt. Their popularity died with King Charles and they "morphed" into what we know today as the King Charles, which has a pug like face. A purse was put up by a wealthy American at "Crufts", for the dog and bitch that most resembled the Spaniels in the painting "The Cavalier's Pets" and the rest ...as they say...is History. The Amererican Kennel Club has only recently accepted them as a registered breed.

3. How common is it in Australia?

They are an extremely common breed in Australia and have been voted on several TV programmes as the Number one small dog. Our club is always inundated by people when we have our educational stands at Pet Expos. Their popularity has almost been their downfall, with BYB's "cashing in" on that popularity

4. What is the average lifespan?

The average age is 10-15 years, unless the dog has MVD and their life expectancy is shortened...

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

They are a happy, gentle breed and very adaptable...happy to snuggle on the sofa or go for a romp on the beach. They are also VERY intellegent!!!

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Like humans, that varies with the individual Cavalier...but with a tendency to gain weight, they do need regular, light excercise.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes...I believe it is. Easy going, easily trained, good size, only needing light exercise and easily groomed, with no clipping or trimming needed.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

They are a people dogand do not like to be alone for extended periods, so probably not suited to people who work long days. They do cope better with a friend.

9. How much grooming is required?

Again individual....some dogs have silky, easy care coats that rarely tangle, while there are others who grow a thick wavy coat that needs more grooming. Attention should be paid to the ears and feathering, they should be given a regular combing as they tend to matt more easily. I do not recommend clipping off in Summer as they coat up to the seasons....if you MUST, then the Cocker clip is all that is needed, otherwise it can grow back even more unruly.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Care and supervision need to be undertaken with small children as they can harm the Cavalier because they usually do not retaliate. Any breed of dog needs to be trained to be well behaved around small children and puppies are naturally boisterous.....

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Like any breed...Cavaliers have their share of problems....these include Mitral Valve Disease, luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, dry eye/ingrown eyelashes, Syringomylia....

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

The most important tests for Cavaliers, in my personal opinion, are hearts and eyes. Dogs should be tested from the age of 2. The international protocol for MVD in breeding Cavaliers is clear at five years of age. Certificates (by a Cardiologist for hearts and an Opthomologist for eyes) should be available for viewing. Be aware that it is pointless in asking for clear heart certificates for the puppies as this is not an early onset disease....Patellas are generally checked by the vet at the annual vaccination routine and often there is no certification for that. I like to see a hip score as well, even if it is only for the sire. SM is not as prevalent in Australia as MVD and the test is very expensive and is done by MRI...if the certification is present...wonderful...if not, I would not be overly concerned. Ask the age of the parents...Mum should be around 18 months if a first timer and should have no more than four Litters in her breeding career. Ask how long they have been breeding Cavaliers and what their involvement in the breed is....ideally they should show their dogs...how else does a Breeder know what a good Cavalier looks like and if theirs is suitable for breeding...Ask if you can see the dogs parents and other relatives and if the breeder is open to visits after the pups are old enough...they should be. Do not be put off if you cannot see the sire as sometimes an outside stud dog is used, but you should be able to meet Mum and the puppies. Just a PS after reading Gretel's comment below....Cavalier puppies should be raised in a home environment and not out the back in a shed...puppies raised amongst the usual hustle and bustle of a home with all the noises that go with it, generally have a more stable temperament. This is only my own personal opinion...

Edited June 28, 2009 by Cavacazz

[Gretel]

Some excellent replies on here Can I just mention something that really bothers me in the breed? They are supposed to be happy, friendly little dogs and it is terribly sad to see aggressive and timid Cavaliers about. I have even seen a dog bite a judge on the table as it was being judged I've looked after another who was so terrified she would attack anyone who came near her

A Cavalier with a good temperament is a wonderful companion. They are intelligent and the vast majority are very easy to train since they want to please you - plus most will do anything for a yummy treat

If you are looking at buying a pup meet the dogs and be sure they have good temperaments.

[cavmad]

I love this thread!

[shelleybelly]

Hi,

A quick question, I am looking at getting an adult Cav from a lovely couple that needs to re home her but after speaking to them about her they informed me that her anal glands need to be emptied every few months. I have never heard of this so I wanted some advice on this before i take this any further. Other than that she is a beautiful girl that is healthy and very much loved..... this is a very sad rehoming for this family.

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated

Shelley

[Gretel]

Anal glands are really nothing to worry about, Shelley. It is quite common with a lot of dogs. Some need emptying more often than others and some never. The vet can do it or you can ask a groomer or you can learn to do it yourself and just do them every now and then when you are bathing her.

[poodlefan]

What should a family expect to pay for a Limited Register pup from fully health tested parents?

[Gretel]

What should a family expect to pay for a Limited Register pup from fully health tested parents?

I think this will vary quite a bit depending on area. I think most good breeders around Sydney are charging around $900 to $1000.

[Cavacazz]

What should a family expect to pay for a Limited Register pup from fully health tested parents?

I think this will vary quite a bit depending on area. I think most good breeders around Sydney are charging around $900 to $1000.

The price range is the same in Queensland....from $900 to $1000 for a puppy on the Limit (or Pet) Register. The health testing of the parents does not change the ammount that Breeders charge...it is something that breeders absorb. Do your Homework...it is your choice who you purchase from and have your own personal "selection criteria".