General Questions About Cavalier Breed
Q: Is the Cavalier right for me?
Q: Why choose a Cavalier?
Q: How long do Cavaliers live?
Q: How big are Cavaliers?
Q: Are Cavaliers good with children?
Q: Are Cavaliers good with seniors?
Q: Do Cavaliers get along with cats?
Q: Do Cavaliers get along with other dogs?
Q: Are Cavaliers good watch dogs?
Q: Are Cavaliers “yappy” dogs?
Q: Do Cavaliers travel well?
Q: Are Cavaliers easy to housetrain?
Q: Can my Cavalier live outside?
Q: Should I choose a Male or Female?
Q: Why are some puppy’s “Pet Quality” and some “Show Quality” What’s
the difference?
Q: How should I groom my Cavalier?
Q: Why is my Cavalier Snorting?
Q: Why is my Cavalier Scooting?
Questions About Charming Cavaliers
Q: Do you kennel your Cavilers?
Q: Do you guarantee your puppies?
Q: Why is health screening important?
Q: Why is Pedigree so important?
Q: Do you ship your puppies?
Q: How much are your puppies?
Q: At what age do your puppies go to their new homes?
Q: How can I get one of your puppies?
Q: What methods of payment does Charming Cavaliers accept?
Answers to General Questions About Cavaliers
Is the Cavalier right for me?
Cavaliers are one of the most versatile dog’s you can find. They adapt to their new owners almost instantly and make themselves at home. Once you have a Cavalier you will not remember what it was like without him or her and once you have one it’s
hard to stop at one. But, Cavaliers do not do well if left alone for long periods
of time. If you are not home much or do not have much time for a dog we would
recommend you consider a different breed that is more independent or you can
buy two Cavaliers this will not replace their need for human companionship
but, cavaliers love the company of another cavalier.
Why choose a Cavalier?
I can’t think of many disadvantages to choosing a Cavalier. They require a
lot of attention from their loved ones and give a lot in return. Cavaliers
are a great compromise for a man and woman trying to purchase a dog together.
The Cavalier is first a companion dog but, still has strong ties to its sporting
roots. Cavaliers are adaptable, sporting, and eager to please little dogs that
many say remind them of a Golden Retriever in a smaller package. They love
the water and will do anything their owner is doing just as long as they can
be apart of your life. Their small compact size makes them great lap dogs.
How long do Cavaliers live?
The average life span is 10-14 years.
How big are Cavaliers?
Cavaliers are the largest of the toy breeds. Full grown they should stand approximately 12 to 13 inches at the shoulders and weight 13 to 18 pounds. Keep in mind this describes the ideal AKC breed standard. Some cavaliers weight 10 to 24 pounds and will still make great pets.
Are Cavaliers good with children?
Yes! Cavaliers are great with children. Their sweet gentle nature combined with
their playful side and their need for constant human companionship makes them
a great match for children. Cavaliers
seem to be drawn to children. Keep in mind that small Cavalier puppies can
be easily hurt by a child playing to rough. Children need to be supervised around
young puppies and taught how to handle and play with them correctly.
Are Cavaliers good with seniors?
Yes! Seniors find that Cavaliers make great companions. Their compact size
and love of travel make them a great dog for trips. Their sweet temperament,
easy trainability and low maintenance coat is ideal for an older person or
couple. Their need for constant human companionship makes them a great friend
who will love to curl up on your lap or go for a nice quite stroll.
Do Cavaliers get along with cats?
Yes! We have two cats and once had a litter of kittens. Cavaliers love everyone and everything. The cats get a cavalier bath daily.
Do Cavaliers get along with other dogs?
Yes! Cavaliers love everyone and their friendly outgoing nature makes them love other dogs. Be sure you protect your cavalier when you are out because they see everyone, even aggressive dogs as a friend and may try to approach to befriend them getting hurt or killed in the process.
Are Cavaliers good watch dogs?
No! Most Cavaliers don’t even bark much. One of my Cavaliers was 6 months old
before I even heard her first bark. Some will let you know with a few friendly
barks if someone rings the doorbell but, that’s about it. The saying goes, Cavaliers
view every stranger as a friend they have not met yet.
Are Cavaliers "yappy" dogs?
No! Most Cavaliers are not barkers like many other toy breeds. Their small size, need to be with people and lack of barking make them ideal apartment dogs (granted their owners are willing to take them on frequent walks.) Now keep in mind if you own another breed who does yap your new cavalier may pick up the bad habit.
Do Cavaliers travel well?
Yes, Most Cavaliers do. They love being with their people so they will go where
you go. Car rides just put them to sleep. Plus there compact size and sweet temperament
makes them a joy to take with you. We have gone on trips to Oregon and San Francisco.
Many hotels now days are pet friendly and I have a dog carrying bag for places
you “can’t” take
them in such as fast food restaurants.
Are Cavaliers easy to housetrain?
Yes most are! Cavaliers are eager to please and very intelligent. With our
early potty training and the new owner’s consistency and positive training
it should take no time at all. See our section on potty training to learn more
tips on crate training, doggie doors, the bell method and using treats as rewards.
Can my Cavalier live outside?
Cavaliers are not outside dogs. They were bred as companion dogs and need to be with their family to thrive and be happy. They do like to play outside but, the outside is for running, playing and going potty. Then they like to come indoors with their family. If you want an outside dog we recommend you consider another breed.
Should I choose a Male or Female?
Pet quality cavaliers will be sold on a spay or neuter contract
eliminating both the unwanted mess and behaviors attached with having an intact
adult so gender is not as much of an issue. Both male and female cavaliers
are extremely loving and affectionate. The saying is your girl loves you but
your boy is “in” love with you. When the time comes to choose see who you have
that connection with.
Why are some puppy’s “Pet Quality” and some “Show Quality” What’s
the difference?
The difference is how closely the puppy should match up to the breed standard
at maturity. Both pet and show quality puppies from the same litter will have
the same pedigrees but, the pet quality puppy will have what is known as a fault
which would make it an undesirable show dog. All puppies are equally healthy and will make loving companions. Pet quality puppies will be
sold with limited registration with a spay/neuter agreement. Some puppies maybe
sold on limited registrations regardless.
How should I groom my Cavalier?
Cavaliers are a natural breed which means if they are show dogs no cutting or
trimming of the coat is allowed. Pet cavaliers can be cut or trimmed however
you see fit. Cavaliers do not need a lot of grooming, just a regular brushing
once a week. With special care taken to the ears and other feathering areas as
they tend to mat. Cavaliers
do shed mainly in the spring and fall but, their fur falls out much in the same
way as human hair a few strains at a time. Their nails need to be clipped and
the hair on the bottom of the pads of the feet clipped once a month. The inside
of the ears need to be cleaned once a month with dog ear cleaner and a cotton
swab. For puppies use a bristle brush for their body. Adults use a soft slicker
brush and a metal comb. Bathe only as needed once a month or so, too much bathing
dries out the skin and coat. Cavaliers are a naturally clean breed. Be sure
all knots and tangles are brushed out before bathing or the water will set
them in. Only use shampoos that are formulated for dogs or puppies. After the
bath blow dry the coat on low heat and comb the coat as you are drying. This
can all be done yourself, no need for the expense of a groomer like with many
toy breeds.
Why is my Cavalier Snorting?
Cavaliers sometimes may snort. They make a loud, snorting sound with their
mouth shut and may seem as if they are struggling for air. There is no danger
to your dog when snorting. The snorting will stop on its own or you can help
stop it by placing your fingers over your dog’s nostrils for a few seconds
forcing your Cavalier to open its mouth to breathe. When your Cavalier opens
its mouth the snorting will stop. Although it is scary to watch and scary sounding
there is no ill effects on your Cavalier from snorting.
Why is my Cavalier Scooting?
Scooting is a Cavalier breed trait that Cavalier owners have to learn to live
with from time to time. Your Cavalier will sit down on the floor, raise both
rear legs high in the air and begin to pull himself/herself across the floor.
No, he/she doesn’t have impacted anal glands or worms it’s the Cavalier Scoot.
They do this funny scooting for a couple reasons, to clean their bottoms or
just to get attention; they love to do it in a room full of people.
Answers to Questions About Charming Cavaliers
Do you kennel your Cavaliers?
No. Our Cavaliers are members of our family. They share our home with us and our bed. Even taking family trips with us. Our puppies are whelped and raised in our house underfoot with tons of love.
Do you guarantee your puppies?
Yes! Each puppy comes with a health guarantee and all of our breeding cavaliers are health screened yearly prior to breeding. All outside studs we use are also up to these standards or we will not breed with them. For details about the guarantee please see our contract.
Why is health screening important?
To protect yourself you should not buy from a breeder who does not perform
health screening on their breeding stock. Cavaliers as a breed are predisposed
to a few congenital and genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders have
their breeding stock screened for these conditions before breeding. Screening
cannot guarantee that these conditions will not develop in the offspring but,
it greatly decreases the chances. Charming Cavaliers health screens our breeding
stock and will only breed with outside studs who have had this tests performed.
Charming Cavaliers also provides a health guarantee on all our puppies.
Why is Pedigree so important?
Even if you are looking for a pet and do not plan on showing you still want
the healthiest, well-bred cavalier you can find that will look like a cavalier
and have the well known cavalier temperament when it’s an adult. When you look at the pedigree of your puppy and find many champions in its five generation pedigree you will see that the breeders were committed to the breed standard in that particular puppy’s background. Pedigrees are important because they show your dog’s lineage and for a dog to earn their championship title they must meet the requirements of the breed standard. All of our breeding stock is champion sired and have multiple champion’s in their five generation pedigree’s.
Do you ship your puppies?
Yes, our puppies can be shipped once they are at least 10 weeks of age. If at all possible we would like our buyers to pick up their puppies in person but, we understand that this is not always possible. Buyers will have to check with me at the time of shipping to find the current rate but, it runs generally between $250-$300+ and includes an airline approved crate, health certificate and air fare.
How much are your puppies?
All our puppies are AKC registerable from outstanding lines. Pricing varies from
puppy to puppy and can depend on gender, markings, pedigree and conformation.
Most the puppies we sell will be sold on limited registration to loving pet homes,
with a spay/neuter agreement. Show prospect puppies will only be sold to show homes and must be shown. Please contact
me for more information regarding the specific cost of a puppy.
At what age do your puppies go to their new homes?
Normally we let our puppies go to their new homes starting at 10 weeks of age. They must be at least 10 weeks if being shipped.
How can I get one of your puppies?
There are a few ways. First fill out an adoption
questionnaire (Click to go to the questionnaire).
You can than place a deposit an upcoming litter to hold the color and gender you prefer.
You can choose to go on our waiting list, this is a list of people who wish to be notified when puppies are born, this does not insure you a puppy.
Or you can check our available puppies section of the website to see what puppies are currently looking for a loving family.
Deposits are the only way to reserve a puppy of your choice.
What methods of payment does Charming Cavaliers accept?
Deposits and balances can be made by money orders, cashiers checks, personal checks or cash. Your balance is due at the time of pick up or two weeks prior to the shipping date. If mailing payment please do not mail cash. No personal checks will be accepted on the day of pick up. For further information please refer to Deposit Info under Our Puppies.