Question: What is a Cavalier?
Answer: A Cavalier is a charming toy spaniel, elegant but sporting in nature. It is a versatile dog, equally happy living in the urban lap of luxury or on a hiking trail with its owner. A Cavalier makes an excellent pet for families with children, professional couples or senior citizens. Those who are lucky enough to own a Cavalier will have a dog who is a friend and loving companion.
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Question: How large is a Cavalier?
Answer: A Cavalier is a toy dog. Both males and females should be about 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 12-18 lbs.
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Question: Is the Cavalier a good pet?
Answer: The Cavalier makes an excellent pet. It would be difficult to find a dog with a more delightful temperament, both sweet and affectionate. It is very biddable, always wanting to please. It is small enough to suit the city-dwelling dog lover, but equally at home in the country.
Though most spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs, the Cavalier has been bred exclusively as a companion since the days of King Charles II.
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Question: Is the Cavalier Trainable?
Answer: Cavaliers are a joy to teach. They are intelligent, readily absorb all they are taught and always eager to please. Gentle methods of training must be used, since they are sensitive by nature. Harsh methods and punishment will frighten them and ruin the lovely temperament.
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Question: Do Cavaliers shed?
Answer: Yes, like any other dog with a similar coat, Cavaliers shed a little all year round. Regular grooming is a key to keeping the coat gleaming and the hair off your clothes and furniture.
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Question: What about grooming?
Answer: Every dog, no matter what the breed, needs some regular basic maintenance grooming including nail clipping and coat brushing and combing. The Cavalier is no exception. Twice weekly regular grooming down to the skin should maintain the coat and prevent matting. Should a bath be needed, be sure to take out all tangles in the coat before proceeding.
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Question: Where should I buy a Cavalier?
Answer: The Cavalier is still basically an uncommon breed in North America. A puppy is not easy to find as they are not bred in large numbers. As with all purebred dogs, the worst place to find one is in a pet shop or a large puppy retailer who advertises and regularly in the newspaper. To get a good quality puppy, go directly to a breeder who is a member of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, the Cavalier Fanciers of Southern Ontario or other regional breed clubs. As a rule the Cavalier breeders does not breed merely to sell dogs, but to continue to improve upon a lineage which he/she considers to be the best. Buying from a breeder is not just a business transaction. The breeder's interest in you and your puppy does not end when you walk out the door.
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Question: How do I locate a reputable Cavalier breeder?
Answer: Cavalier breeders can best be found by getting in touch with the national or regional breed club, or by attending dog shows and speaking to the people showing there. It will require some time and effort on your part, but it will be worthwhile. When you locate breeders in your area, talk to them about the breed and ask if you may visit to meet the dogs. Most breeders will be more than happy to answer your questions and have a brief visit at a prearranged time.
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