CKCS Frequently Asked Questions

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General Information

What is the origin of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS)?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel traces its roots back to the toy spaniels seen in 16th, 17th, and 18th-century paintings in Europe. Named after King Charles II of England, who was fond of the breed, the “Cavalier” prefix was later added to differentiate it from the smaller King Charles Spaniel (or English Toy Spaniel).

What are the coat (fur) colors of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

Cavaliers come in a variety of beautiful coat colors. These include:

1. Ruby: Solid rich red.
2. Tricolor: Black and white with tan markings.
3. Black & Tan: Black with tan markings.
4. Blenheim: Chestnut markings on a white background.

How often should Cavalier King Charles Spaniels be groomed?

While Cavaliers have a relatively easy-to-maintain coat, regular brushing is recommended to keep it free from tangles and looking its best. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks can help keep their coat and nails in top condition.

AKC Grooming Guide | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

What’s the temperament of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

Cavaliers are known for their gentle, affectionate, and friendly disposition. They’re highly sociable, eager to please, and blend well with families, singles, and seniors alike.

Can Cavaliers live in apartments?

Yes, with regular exercise and proper socialization, Cavaliers can adapt to apartment living.

Are Cavaliers suitable for first-time dog owners?

Absolutely! Their friendly and adaptable nature makes them a great choice for first-time owners.

What should I feed my Cavalier?

A balanced diet with high-quality dog food is recommended, but always consult with a vet for specific dietary needs.

Do Cavaliers have any specific behavioral traits I should be aware of?

While they are generally well-mannered and eager to please, they can have a strong prey drive and might chase after small animals.

How do Cavaliers fare in colder/hotter climates?

They can adapt to various climates but should be protected from extreme temperatures.

What is the best way to train my Cavalier?

Positive reinforcement techniques work best. Consider puppy classes or obedience training for optimal results.

Can Cavaliers be left alone for long periods?

They prefer company and can become anxious if left alone for extended periods. It’s essential to gradually acclimate them to alone time.

Are there any common puppyhood challenges I should be prepared for?

Like all puppies, Cavaliers can go through teething, housebreaking challenges, and a “teenage” rebellious phase.

What kind of toys do Cavaliers prefer?

Interactive toys, soft toys, and fetch toys are usually favorites, but each dog’s preference can vary.

How active are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

While they love a good snuggle session, Cavaliers are also quite active and playful. Regular walks and playtime are essential for their well-being. However, their exercise needs are moderate, making them suitable for both apartment living and homes with yards.

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels easy to train?

Yes! Due to their eagerness to please and intelligent nature, Cavaliers are relatively easy to train. Early socialization and positive reinforcement techniques work best with this breed.

What kind of diet is best for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

A balanced diet with high-quality dog food is essential. Given their predisposition to certain health conditions, it’s vital to monitor their weight and ensure they don’t overeat. Always consult with a veterinarian about the best dietary choices for your individual dog.

• Crate: A crate is a must-have for new puppies, aiding in potty training and offering them a safe personal space. I recommend medium-sized (~30 inches) wire crates, which are widely available at pet supply stores. While it might seem large initially, your puppy will grow into it. Here’s a link to a recommended crate on Amazon. Cavaliers often find comfort in their crate, retreating there for naps.
• Crate Pad or Bedding: Invest in two pads or beddings to allow for rotation during washes.
• Breeder’s Blanket: Before leaving the breeder, ask for a blanket with the scent of the puppy’s mother and siblings. This familiar smell will provide comfort in their new surroundings.
• Food and Water Bowls: Ensure these are appropriately sized and easily accessible.
• Collar and Leash: Regularly check the collar’s fit as your puppy grows. Be cautious if your puppy has a rabies tag; it can get stuck in wire crates, posing a hazard. Consider microchipping your pet as a more permanent identification method if they get lost.
• Toys and Chewables: I recommend products from Toys by First Stages. Their bright ropes and durable rubber toys are both engaging and long-lasting. The squeaky sounds are an added treat and can also help attract your puppy’s attention, especially during photo sessions.
• Grooming Supplies: A brush, comb, and nail clipper are essentials. Regular grooming will keep a cavalier’s coat lustrous and tangle-free. Focus on the ears, legs, and tail feathers. Thankfully, grooming a cavalier is straightforward and not time-intensive.

About Chasing Spring Cavaliers

How often do you have puppies?

I have an average of 5 litters of puppies each year. Each litter usually has 4 or 5 puppies.

How many dogs do you have?

Currently, I have 12 Dogs at my home – 9 Cavaliers, 2 Bichon Frise, and 1 Pyranese-poodle mix.

Why are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels puppies so expensive?

Several factors influence the pricing of Cavaliers:

• Popularity due to endorsements by celebrities and politicians.
• High breeding and maintenance costs because of the breed’s specific requirements.
• Premium costs for healthy CKCS breeding pairs to ensure offspring free from hereditary health issues.
• Yearly health check-ins with specialists for our breeding stock.
• An inclusive health guarantee for the puppies.
• Be wary of discounted prices from Puppy Mills; while their puppies might be registered, they often have health or behavioral issues stemming from subpar breeding practices. It’s advisable to buy from reputable breeders where you can meet the parents and view their living conditions.

How much are your puppies?

The cost of my puppies varies depending on the pedigree, markings, litter, and gender. For pricing on a specific litter, please contact us. Read more about our pricing here.

Are the parents on site?

Yes. Most of my puppies are from my dogs, who live with me in my home. During a visit, you will meet both parents, and be allowed to watch and play with them. If our female dogs are healthy and tolerate pregnancy well, we will breed them between 4-6 times during their lives before retiring them. Some dogs do not tolerate pregnancy well though, so this number can be much less depending on the dog. When they are retired, they are either rehomed with someone we know well and trust, or continue to happily live with us as companion animals.

Do you have a recent AKC Kennel Inspection Report available?

Yes! You can view it here.

May I ask to see my puppy’s parents’ pedigree and OFA Health Certifications during my visit?

Absolutely – we can provide you with copies of all your puppies’ pedigree information during your visit.

How do I schedule a visit to pick out my puppy?

After you have paid your deposit, you can call me to set up a time to come see the puppies.

At what age will I be able to take my puppy home?

It depends on the puppy. Most puppies are ready around 8 to 12 weeks. Cavalier puppies mature slower than other puppies. They don’t eat as early as some breeds. When they do begin eating, they continue to nurse for a few weeks. Many don’t eat independently until 6 weeks old. They require more time to be with their mom and littermates to socialize, and for their immune systems to develop fully. The puppies are not allowed to be handled or taken outside until after they have been immunized against parvo and other deadly diseases. They usually get their first shot at 6 to 7 weeks old. Until this time, they rely on mom’s immunities to stay well.

Will my puppy come with registration papers?

Yes. All of my puppies are able to be registered with the AKC or ACA kennel clubs. Unless otherwise decided, the papers will say limited registration, which means the puppy was sold to be a pet, not to be bred or used in a show ring. AKC and ACA are both organizations to help ensure dogs are purebred and come from a healthy line of parents, not interbred. Interested parties can view bloodlines, and request pedigrees for dogs. AKC requires breeding males to be DNA certified to ensure all dogs are truly who they are said to be.

How do I pay for my puppy?

You may put a deposit on a puppy to hold it. I accept cash, Venmo, and PayPal. Deposits are $350. Please call or text to make a deposit.

Why do I have to place a deposit?

A deposit serves multiple key roles: it demonstrates your genuine commitment to adopting a puppy, ensures your chosen puppy is reserved for you amidst high demand, and aids in covering early life expenses like health check-ups and care. Additionally, it minimizes last-minute backouts, streamlining the adoption process for both breeders and potential owners. Importantly, the deposit isn’t an extra fee but is applied to the final cost of your puppy.

How do I prepare my Home for a new puppy?

• Puppy-Proofing: Secure trash cans, hide dangerous items, and secure electrical cords.
• Safe Outdoor Space: If you have a yard, ensure it’s securely fenced. Check for any gaps or areas where a puppy might escape or get stuck. Clear the yard of any hazardous materials or plants.
• Set Boundaries: Decide in advance where your puppy is allowed and not allowed to go in the house. This will make training easier. Consider using baby gates to restrict access to certain areas.
• Choose a Vet: Before you bring your puppy home, decide on a veterinarian. Schedule a check-up soon after the puppy arrives. Ask about a vaccination schedule and health recommendations.
• Puppy Training: Look into puppy training classes or resources. The earlier you start with basic commands and socialization, the better.
• Identification: Even if your puppy is microchipped, it’s still a good idea to have an ID tag with your contact information on the puppy’s collar.
• Dietary Plan: Find out what the breeder or shelter has been feeding the puppy and try to keep their diet consistent to avoid gastrointestinal distress. If you decide to switch foods, do it gradually.
• Establish a Routine: Puppies thrive on routine. Try to feed, walk, play, and put them to bed at the same times every day.
• Socialization: Plan for socializing your puppy with other dogs and people, but ensure it’s done safely, especially before they’ve had all their vaccinations.
• Emergency Contacts: Have a list of emergency numbers handy. This should include your vet, a local emergency animal hospital, and possibly a poison control center.
• Pet Insurance: Consider getting pet insurance for any unforeseen health issues or accidents.

What do I need to buy for my new puppy?

• Crate: A crate is a must-have for new puppies, aiding in potty training and offering them a safe personal space. I recommend medium-sized (~30 inches) wire crates, which are widely available at pet supply stores. While it might seem large initially, your puppy will grow into it. Here’s a link to a recommended crate on Amazon. Cavaliers often find comfort in their crate, retreating there for naps.
• Crate Pad or Bedding: Invest in two pads or beddings to allow for rotation during washes.
• Breeder’s Blanket: Before leaving the breeder, ask for a blanket with the scent of the puppy’s mother and siblings. This familiar smell will provide comfort in their new surroundings.
• Food and Water Bowls: Ensure these are appropriately sized and easily accessible.
• Collar and Leash: Regularly check the collar’s fit as your puppy grows. Be cautious if your puppy has a rabies tag; it can get stuck in wire crates, posing a hazard. Consider microchipping your pet as a more permanent identification method.
• Toys and Chewables: I recommend products from Toys by First Stages. Their bright ropes and durable rubber toys are both engaging and long-lasting. The squeaky sounds are an added treat and can also help attract your puppy’s attention, especially during photo sessions.
• Grooming Supplies: A brush, comb, and nail clipper are essentials. Regular grooming will keep a cavalier’s coat lustrous and tangle-free. Focus on the ears, legs, and tail feathers. Thankfully, grooming a cavalier is straightforward and not time-intensive.

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Health and Care of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

What health issues are common in cavaliers?

Mitral Valve Disease is prevalent in cavaliers. It usually occurs at around 6 years of age. If the right steps are taken it can be dealt with successfully. The indicators are found through a very methodical examination of the dog’s heartbeat, involving at least a minute straight of observation of the heart’s rhythm. If caught in its early stages, there is anecdotal testimony that blood pressure medication (beta blockers) will reduce the onset of the disease and the dog can live a long life. These medications can be bought at Walmart in people’s form, and the dosage for a cavalier is about 1/3 of what the average person would take. Much more information on this disease can be found on the web. Read more about the health issues within CKCS here.

Are there other health concerns common to Cavaliers?

A common problem among all small dogs, Cavaliers included, is loose hind knee joints. Most small dogs have loose knees when they are young which will later tighten up with exercise and continued growth. Additional concerns include: syringomyelia (SM), hip dysplasia (HD), luxating patellas (knees), and retinal dysplasia. Sadly, no matter where you purchase your Cavalier it will be at risk to these health conditions, as they are inherit to the breed. By purchasing from a reputable and knowledgable breeder, you are minimizing this risk by choosing offspring from a genetic predisposition that has been very closely monitored for these issues over many generations.

How much should I feed my puppy?

A general guideline is one cup of dry kibble daily. For puppies aged 12 to 18 weeks, divide this into three portions. Puppies older than 18 weeks can transition to half a cup twice a day. Fresh water should always be accessible. More info.

When should I have my puppy spayed/neutered?

Most vets recommend six months is the best time (Before hormones take over).

More info on spaying/neutering your CKCS is available here.

Gender	Age of Surgical Castration	Disorder risk	Cancer Risk
Male	Under 6 months	5%	0%
Male	6 to 11 months	3%	3%
Male	12 to 23 months	0%	0%
Male	2 years to 8 years	0%	0%
Male	Intact	4%	2%
Female	Under 6 months	0%	0%
Female	6 to 11 months	4%	0%
Female	12 to 23 months	0%	0%
Female	2 years to 8 years	0%	0%
Female	Intact	1%	0%

Comes from Assisting Decision-Making on Age of Neutering for 35 Breeds of Dogs: Associated Joint Disorders, Cancers, and Urinary Incontinence (Hart et al, 2020) 286 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were monitored over the course of 15 years to collect this data.

What shots or vaccines does my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?

Ensuring your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel receives the appropriate vaccines is crucial for their health and longevity. Below is a recommended vaccination schedule for your puppy:

1. Core Vaccines: These are essential for all dogs.
   • DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza):
     • Initial vaccination: 6-8 weeks
     • Booster shots: Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age
     • Additional boosters: 1 year after the last puppy vaccination, then every 3 years
   • Rabies:
     • Initial vaccination: 12-16 weeks
     • Booster shots: 1 year after the initial vaccine, then every 3 years
2. Non-core Vaccines: These depend on your dog’s risk factors (e.g., environment, travel, and lifestyle).
   • Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Annually or semi-annually based on exposure risk
   • Leptospirosis: Annually for dogs at risk
   • Lyme Disease: Annually for dogs in tick-infested areas
   • Canine Influenza: Based on veterinarian recommendations and regional outbreaks
3. Deworming:
   • Puppies should be dewormed for common parasites every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months.

Always consult with your veterinarian to develop a tailored vaccination and health care plan for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They can provide guidance based on regional disease prevalence, lifestyle, and other individual risk factors.

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Behavior and Training

What distinguishes male from female Cavaliers?

Once neutered or spayed, both genders train similarly. Males might display a slightly higher level of friendliness, but both genders make wonderful companions. More info.

Is marking a concern when training male Cavaliers?

Neutering a male before maturity typically prevents marking behaviors, especially if done before leg-lifting starts.

Do Cavaliers bark excessively?

Cavaliers are generally not excessive barkers. They might alert you to door visitors or when they spot a critter, but they aren’t typically yappy.

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Compatibility and Lifestyle

Are Cavaliers suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! Their gentle temperament, optimal size, and boundless energy make Cavaliers perfect for kids. Always supervise interactions with younger children to prevent accidental injuries.

Do Cavaliers suit retired individuals?

Indeed! Cavaliers are excellent companions for retirees due to their manageable size, friendly nature, and calming demeanor. Their beauty and friendliness also make them great icebreakers in social settings.

How well do Cavaliers interact with other animals?

Cavaliers generally thrive in the company of other pets. Many owners get a second Cavalier to keep their first one company, and the joy of watching them play together is often cited as a highlight.

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For all other questions, please contact me!