Congratulations on your new puppy! We strongly recommend you read as much as possible about raising a puppy and about the Cavalier breed itself. Charming Cavaliers has provided you with some information but, we can not cover everything. We advise you do research online as well as read breed specific Cavalier books. Informed owners make better owners. Before you bring your Cavalier home it’s best to be prepared. Try to have most if not all the following items in your possession.

Tip: Check out our Useful Links section of our website. You will find some great websites we use where you can find many of these items at unbelievable prices.

Puppy Checklist

Medium size crate or baby gate: For your Cavalier’s safety when it’s not under your supervision it should be confined to a safe area. This will also help with potty training, they do not like to potty where they sleep and eat. I recommend a 36” medal folding crate. These crates allow for great air flow. 36” or even a 30” is the perfect size for a bed, water bowl and a small area for puppy pad and will last into adulthood.

Bed/Blanket: Buying a washable bed is a good idea. A blanket with their mother’s scent will be sent home with puppy to help ease transition.

Bowls: Water and Food bowls - 1 quart size metal or ceramic is healthiest for your Cavalier.  

Food: Charming Cavalier’s will provide you with a sample bag of food your puppy is currently eating. If you choose to change brands we recommend that you do not change during the transition period. Please use up the food we provided and gradually make the change by mixing the two brands.

Training Treats: Great to use for potty training. Keep it healthy and small you don’t want to fill up your puppy or cause stomach upset.    

Collar or Harness: I prefer the adjustable snap closure collars to the buckle style. My favorite harness is the Puppia harness. Be sure you can get two fingers underneath your Cavalier’s collar.

Leash: 4 or 6 foot lead

I.D. Tag: Very important to buy an I.D. tag with your contact information in case you and your Cavalier are separated.

Brushes: Bristle brush for body, Slicker for feathering, Metal Comb for tangles/knots. Start with only the soft bristle for your puppy.

Nail Clippers: You will want to clip your Cavaliers nails about once a month so start getting them accustom to it as a puppy. Any pet clippers made for small breeds will do.

Puppy Shampoo: Only use Shampoo made for puppies

Dog Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Finger brush or small brush designed for dogs and toothpaste that is made for dogs only. (They love the taste)  

Toys!!!: Puppies need a variety of safe dog approved toys to play with and chew on, during teething this is very important. Soft latex squeaky toys, rope toys, Naylabones, stuffed animals, toys that crunch or jingle are all good choices. Playing with your puppy is a great way for you to bond. I like to also buy one larger stuffed animal to be the puppy's special friend. It's nice to have someone to cuddle up with to help take the place of their littermates. Every dog has their own toy preference so get a variety till you see what they like.

Eye Cleaner: Because Cavaliers have large prominent eyes they can have issues with tearing/staining under their eyes. This tends to be seen a lot in teething puppies. These marks can be unattractive and may begin to produce an odor if not cleaned. Cleaning the area under the eye only takes a few moments. Buy a cleaner made for cleaning eyes.

Ear Cleaner: Cavaliers are known for their beautiful long ears but, because of those ears they are prone to ear infections. Air can not get into the ear and dry them out. To prevent infections you the owner must step in and clean the ears. Buy an ear cleaning solution and use a cotton ball soaked in the cleaner to wipe out the ears. Be sure your Cavaliers ears are dry after a bath or a swim. Healthy ears should be pink with no odor. As with all grooming start this with your young puppy to get him/her accustom to it at an early age.