How do I find a Cavalier puppy to purchase?

The best place to find a puppy is from a reputable breeder.  Finding a reputable breeder can be difficult for someone unfamiliar with the business / hobby of breeding dogs.  The best places to start your search would be by contacting the American Kennel Club's parent organization for the breed - the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club ( www.ackcsc.org ), and any Cavalier clubs affiliated with this parent club in your area. These organizations will have a wealth of resources to help educate you in making an informed decision to buy a puppy or older dog.  Reputable breeders do not necessarily breed their dogs frequently and may not have puppies immediately available when you initially contact them. If so, you may have to ask to get on a breeder's waiting list.  A reputable breeder will ask you a lot of questions regarding your interest in the breed and your family lifestyle. Be prepared to answer these inquiries honestly, as the more a breeder knows about you the likelier you are to find the right dog.

 

What health problems do Cavaliers have?

The main health problem in Cavaliers is Mitral Valve Disease of the heart.  This may occur as early as the first year of a dog's life or not at all.  Early onset of MVD usually is an indicator of a shorter life expectancy for the dog.  Unfortunately, most cavaliers will get MVD at some point in their lives.

Other less serious / less prevalent health problems include hip dysplasia, slipping patella, inherited eye problems, and syringiomylia. 

  

What is the difference between a "pet quality" puppy and a "show quality" one?

The answer to this question is really just the opinion of the puppy's breeder.  Not all Cavalier puppies can or should be shown to their conformation championship. An even smaller number of dogs can be used in a breeding program.  Experienced breeders will have higher standards of what they look for in dogs they personally keep or sell as show prospects.  These standards are not easily discerned by a novice pet buyer who may see very little difference in the dog they have been offered and one that is not for sale as a pet.  Bone structure, pigmentation, location and size of coat markings, teeth, expression, and personality are just a few of the many things a breeder will use to select show and or future breeding prospects vs. pets.  Most all Cavaliers are suited to life as family pets, it's just that some may be show or breeding prospects as well. 

 

How much do Cavaliers shed their coat?

The amount of coat a dog will shed depends on several factors like health, time of year, region, age, and even the amount of grooming it receives.  Adult Cavaliers have a moderate length of hair and they shed more than some other breeds.  Sweeping or vacuuming floors on a daily basis may be necessary at least part of the time.

 

Is there a difference in personality between males and females?

No more so than there is in people.  There is a wide diversity of personalities in dogs. Each puppy will have its own unique personality which was formed in the early stages of its rearing.  The genes a puppy inherits from each of its parents and the environment in which it was raised both play a role in personality development.  Traits like dominance, bonding, trainability, aggression, shyness, etc. are not sex linked, and so will not appear exclusively in males or females.

 

Do Cavaliers take a lot of grooming?

To stay pretty - yes!  A pet Cavalier should be groomed daily with a brush and comb to untangle knots in their long hair, and to remove any dust and dirt.  Because the long hair is found on their ears, chest, belly, tail and behind their legs it is prone to becoming dirty and greasy very quickly.  Normal activities like eating, playing and going to the bath room all contribute to soiling the hair.  A Cavalier doesn't usually require a daily bath, but may need spot cleanings between weekly shampoos in order to stay clean.  Frequent grooming will also keep the coat looking shiny and healthy, and take the dead hair out so it is not shed elsewhere.  Toe nails should be clipped regularly, ears cleaned, and teeth must be brushed frequently as un-brushed teeth encourage the frequency and earlier onset of mitral valve disease (MVD).

 

Why are Cavaliers so expensive?

Cavaliers are thought of as companions to the eighteenth century British and European aristocracies who originally bred the dogs.  Although this exclusivity has changed over the years with a wider selection of people acquiring the breed, Cavaliers are still viewed today by many as luxurious companions.  When their rarity and the present day demand are considered, a premium price for ownership still differentiates this breed from other more popular dogs.