What is this "standard" People talk about?
The Standard for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel According to CKCSC USA is:
General
An active, graceful, well-balanced dog, very gay and free in action; fearless and sporting in character, yet at the same time gentle and affectionate.
Head
The skull is slightly rounded, but without a dome or peak; it should appear flat because of the high placement of the ears.
Eyes
Large, round and set well apart; color a warm, very dark brown, giving a lustrous, limpid look. There should be slight cushioning under the eyes, which contributes much to the sweet, gentle expression characteristic of the breed. Faults: Small, almond-shaped, prominent, or light eyes; white surrounding the ring.
Nose
There should be a shallow stop, and the length from base of stop to tip of nose should be at least 1-1/2 inches. Nostrils should be well developed and the pigment uniformly black. Putty, or "dudley" noses, and white patches on the nose are serious faults, as are small, pinched nostrils.
Muzzle
Well tapered; mouth level; lips well covering. Faults: Sharp, pointed or snipey muzzle. Full or pendulous lips. Flesh marks, i.e. patches of pink pigment showing through hair on muzzle.
Teeth
Strong and even, preferably meeting in a scissors bite, although a level bite is permitted. Undershot mouths are greatly to be discouraged; it should be emphasized, however, that a slightly undershot bite in an otherwise well-balanced head with the correct sweet expression should not be penalized in favor of a level mouth with a plain or hard expression. Faults: weak or crooked teeth; crooked jaws.
Ears
Set high, but not close, on top of the head. Leather long, with plenty of silky feathering, and wide enough so that when the dog is alert, the ears fan slightly forward to frame the face.
Neck
Fairly long, without throatiness, well enough muscled to form a slight arch at the crest. Set smoothly into nicely sloping shoulders.
Shoulders
Sloping back gently with moderate angulation, to give the characteristic look of top class and presence
Body
Short-coupled with ribs well sprung but not barrelled. Chest moderately deep, leaving ample heart room. Back level, leading into strong, muscular hind quarters. Slightly less body at the flank than at the last rib, but with no tucked-up appearance.
Legs
Forelegs straight and well under the dog, bone moderate, elbows close to the sides. Hind legs moderately muscled; stifles well-turned; hocks well let down. The hind legs viewed from the rear, should parallel each other from hock to heel. Pasterns strong and feet compact with well-cushioned pads. The dog stands level on all four feet. Faults: loose elbows, crooked legs; stifles turned in or out; cow hocks; stilted action; weak pasterns; open feet.
Tail
Set so as to be carried level with the back. Tail should be in constant characteristic motion when dog is in action.
Docking: Docking is optional, but whether or not the tail is docked, it must balance the body. If docked, the tail must not be cut too short; two-thirds is the absolute minimum to be left on the body, and the tails of broken-colored dogs should always be docked to leave a white tip.
Coat
Long and silky and very soft to the touch; free from curl, though a slight wave is permissible. Feathering on ears, legs and tail should be long, and the feathering on the feet is a feature of the breed.
Trimming: NO trimming of the dog is permitted. However, it is permissible, and often desirable, to remove the hair growing between the pads on the underside of the foot.
Size
Height 12 to 13 inches at the withers; weight, proportionate to height, between 13 and 18 pounds. These are ideal heights and weights; slight variations are permissible, and a dog should be penalized only in comparison with one of equal general appearance, type and quality. The weedy specimen is as much to be penalized as the oversized one.
Colors
The following colors are the only ones acceptable:
- Blenheim
Rich chestnut markings well broken up on a pearly white ground. The ears must be red and the color evenly spaced on the head, with a wide white blaze between the ears, in the center of which is the much valued lozenge (diamond), or "Blenheim Spot". The lozenge is a unique and highly desirable, though not essential, characteristic of the Blenheim. - Tricolor
Jet black markings well-broken up on a pearly white ground; with rich tan markings over the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears and on underside of tail. - Ruby
Whole-colored rich red - Black-and-Tan
Jet black with rich tan markings over the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest, legs, and underside of tail - Faults
White marks on whole-colored specimens; heavy ticking on Blenheims or Tricolors.
It is important to remember that a dog can have one or more of the faults listed in the Standard, in moderation, and still be an over-all typical, gay elegant Cavalier. On the other hand, bad temper or meanness are not to be tolerated and shall be considered disqualifying faults. It is the typical gay temperament, combined with true elegance and "royal" appearance, which are of paramount importance in the breed.
Keyingham Branwell March 2006 Crufts winner and ancestor to many Evera True Cavaliers.
FAQ and Q&A
Since Covid-19 stopped the world as we know it and sent us all into sheltering in place or being an essential worker, often at risk, I have received four times the phone calls for puppies than normal. It's not just my kennel. Every breeder that I know and respect (and there are many through my networks of CKCSC USA National and local clubs, as well as some of my fellow members of the Mid-Florida and North Florida AKC clubs.) Because of that, I've added this FAQ page to help you learn all you can about Cavaliers in 2020.
Why There are Few, If Any, Quality Bred Cavaliers Available Right Now.
When you call to ask if I have any puppies available, the answer is most likely going to be, "not right now." That is due to the fact that I am a small, preservationist breeder and we only plan between one and four litters a year, depending on the health and age of our parents. We do, however, welcome people to the waitlist and I take a number of paid deposits for litters that are upcoming.
How much is Your Deposit?
Our deposit is $1,000. It is fully refundable if we cannot match you to the gender and color of Cavalier that you are dreaming of adopting within upcoming litters. You can wait for the next litter and keep your deposit in place, or opt for a refund.
How Much are Your Cavalier Puppies?
Our pet puppies are $4,000 with a spay/neuter contract and two year guarantee.
Our Show Quality puppies range from $4,500 t0 $5,000 based on the quality of the dog and an extensive pre-approval of the future owner. All of our show quality puppies go to people I know, either through the CKCSC-USA clubs or through networking at AKC clubs. If someone is new and wants a show dog, they need to speak with me extensively, visit my kennel, allow me to visit their property, join the CKCSC National and Regional Club, and participate in CKCSC show events and AKC events.
Do You Health Test?
Absolutely! We health test all of our dogs at the appropriate age for heart health and certification via auscultation every year until three when we conduct an EKG, eye certification, hips and patellas, Dry Eye, Curly Coat, Episodic Falling, DM (but I'll be honest with you on this one, I think it's a slippery slope. If you want my opinion, call me and we'll chat.) We also research the pedigrees of our dogs extensively and KNOW the longevity and health history of their lines. Currently we have not MRI'd for SM as we have no dogs that come from a line with SM presentations and none of our dogs show any signs of SM. That said, I am absolutely willing to have my dogs MRI'd at the appropriate time.
Are Cavaliers Good With Children, Older Owners, and Strangers?
The majority of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adore children and anyone they meet. There are rare occasions when a Cavalier has not been socialized appropriately, where they might be shy or bark. I personally have never seen a Cavalier lunge at or attempt to bite a child or strangers. Now, if you have an especially cheeky child who is pulling your Cavaliers tail and biting it's ears or jumping on the dog like a little trampoline, you might see that child get a nip--and who can blame the poor dog?
As for older owners, they are a Cavaliers dream. Someone who is with them 24/7/365 is the perfect home for these dogs. They are as active as their owner, but go into couch-potato mode with their owner as well. One note of caution, training is important in homes with any older owner, as dogs getting underfoot can have dangerous outcomes.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Good Guard Dogs?
Nope. They will lick and love on the burglar and then show them where you keep all your valuables before asking to ride along in the get-away car.
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Are They Easy to Train?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love to please their owners. If an owner is good at being consistent and giving positive praise, then their Cavalier will go over to the top to do what is asked of them. In my humble opinion, it's humans that need training--not our dogs. When the human realizes what a dog needs and how to go about communicating with their dog based on their needs, the training is a breeze. I definitely recommend taking puppy training and behavior classes with your Cavalier. It's a great bonding experience for you both and the human is trained appropriately by the time classes are over. (Which means you have a lovely, well-behaved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.)
Do Cavaliers Shed? Are They HypoAllergenic
No, they are not Hypoallergenic.
Yes, Cavaliers Shed. More than a Bichon and less than a Golden Retriever. This is a breed that requires grooming--and by grooming I don't mean taking your Cavalier to the groomers to get them shaved every six weeks. A good brushing once a day will keep the shedding down and provide time for you and your Cavalier to bond even more. Why would anyone want to pass that up?
AKC & CKCSC Puppy Registration Questions
How Much Does it Cost to Register A Puppy with the AKC?
The American Kennel Club offers several registration options:
Gold Package - Includes an official AKC Registration certificate, a three generation AKC Certified Pedigree (traces back three generations of your dog's ancestry), the AKC Dog Care and Training DVD, and a subscription to the AKC Family Dog magazine for an additional $29 fee.
Silver Package - Includes an official AKC Registration certificate and a three generation AKC Certified Pedigree (traces back three generations of your dog's ancestry) for an additional $16 fee.
Basic Registration - Includes an official AKC Registration certificate.
So What's the Total Cost Again to Register My Puppy?
INDIVIDUAL DOG REGISTRATION – PAPER
BASIC REGISTRATION ONLY (INCLUDES PAPER APPLICATION FEE) $37.99
BASIC REGISTRATION + SILVER PACKAGE $53.99
BASIC REGISTRATION + GOLD PACKAGE $66.99
BASIC REGISTRATION + AKC REUNITE $54.99
How Much Does It Cost to Register My Puppy With the CKCSC?
Registration in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club - USA costs $20 for your puppy.
Can I Pass Registering My Puppy Through You and Do It Later?
No. All Evera Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies are required to be registered in both the AKC and CKCSC clubs. Also, our naming protocol is not flexible. We name our puppies with a theme. We can let you know the theme ahead of time so you can give us input on what you'd like. Often we go with fine wines or top shelf names.
Why Should I Join CKCSC-USA?
Membership is open to all Cavalier lovers. Regional clubs throughout the US. Each show averages between 100 to 200+ entries. Judges from England, the UK and AKC. Visit our membership overview page for more information about becoming a member of the CKCSC, USA - bring your love of this wonderful breed and join us. The club will provide access to Cavalier lovers and breeders with decades of experience and knowledge about the health and history of the breed. They also provide seminars, health clinics and more! It's only $25 and well worth it. http://ckcsc.org/join
Breed Questions & Standard
Do You Breed Tea-Cup or Mini Cavaliers?
No. I breed cavaliers to be healthy, happy representations of the standard.
What Size Will My Cavalier Be?
That is a question everyone asks, but it's not easy to answer. If both the mom and dad are big Cavaliers, then puppy is likely to be big. If one parent is smaller than the other, your puppy may be small, big, or in-between. If both parents are smaller, then your cavalier might be smaller, but there are no guarantees. Remember that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is meant to be a smaller version of a sporting dog. They are meant to have a heavier bone and substance. If you do not want to risk your puppy becoming a dog that is between 14 and 19 lbs (sometimes bigger), then you may want to rethink the breed. It's ok to ask about the parents....or better yet, arrange to meet your QUALITY breeder in person and see for yourself if you like the personality and size of the dogs who may be giving you one of their puppies to cherish.
Should I Get A Male or Female? Are They Different?
That's a good question. Yes, they are different. Boys are goofy, silly things that will adore their family. Girls are a little more independent and will love you being a part of her world. I like to say that a girl loves you, but a boy will be in love with you.
Can I Get The Smallest Girl?
If you are first on the waiting list and there is a girl available that we assess as possibly going to grow up to be on the small side, yes.
Can I Pick My Puppy Out When They Litter Is Born?
At Evera True Cavaliers, we breed to promote the health and longevity of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. That means that in each litter, we may see a puppy that has the potential to continue to improve the quality and health of the breed. When that happens, we will keep that "pick" puppy. At 9 weeks, we will release the photos and bios of the puppies that are available for adoption. At that time, those on the waitlist will be contacted to come meet the puppies in the order that their deposit was received.
What If My Puppy Has Health Problems or I Just Can't Keep It?
We have an extended two-year guarantee on the health of our puppies. Most good breeders do. After two years, we ask that you still bring puppy back to us if there is a need to rehome for any reason. We do not shame or ask questions or demand anything from you. When you adopt an Evera puppy, you adopt a member of our family. We welcome any member of our family back at any time.
Do Cavaliers make good Therapy Dogs?
Cavalier: A Natural Healer
by Lois M. Abrams, Ph.D. - labramsphd@verizon.net
The Cavalier, King Charles, Spaniel was originally bred to be a comfort and companion dog. What better heritage to serve as an Animal Assisted Therapy Pet Partner! It is said that most toys breeds are in this world for humans to love them and that the Cavalier is in this world to love humans! Pet Cavaliers make for wonderful service animals and Cavaliers participating in confirmation shows and retired champions serve as Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs as well.
The Cayer Behavioral Group ranks the top four dog breeds that we think are the best fit for a child with autism.
- Golden Retriever– These dogs are more than just a pretty face! These dogs are gentle and love being around children! Golden Retrievers also serve as incredible guard dogs. Your kids will be sure to fall instantly in love with these lovable dogs.
- Newfoundland– These dogs are truly gentle giants. Allowing your kids to sit down and groom these friendly balls of fur, will not only be calming, but also serve as consistent activity that they can take responsibility for.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel– These dogs are the definition of a lap dog. Cavaliers make sure to love every person they meet and would be an incredible addition to any family.
- Poodle– Not only are these dogs incredibly smart, they are also one of the most kid friendly dogs around! These are the perfect dogs to have your kids help train and take to the park.
Making the decision about what type of dog to adopt can be stressful, especially making sure to account for your child’s needs. We hope that this helps make the decision a little less stressful.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Cayer Behavioral Group at 850-320-6555 or email support@cayerbehavioral.com for more information.
Learn More
What does it take to be an Animal Assisted Therapy Pet Partner? The two key elements are:
- A dog that has the temperament of warmth, love and companionship to humans
- A human that has the dedication to give of their time, warmth and care to other humans in need. [I believe I just described a Cavalier and its owner.]
The requirements are:
- Passing the Canine Good Citizen Test and the Temperament Test. [Testing is done by a certified evaluator.]
- The dog must be one year of age and the handler 12 years of age with adult supervision. The majority of handlers are adults.
Carrot Snuffle Mat
I had the new carrot snuffle mat delivered this week to test its appeal and durability. I could be happier with this purchase. For less than $30, this toy is providing hours of fun for our dogs—young and old. I put one treat below each carrot, but varied the flavors to provide extra stimulation. I definitely recommend this interactive toy from Fookens. A link is included here. Disclaime: We make a few pennies if you purchase through this Amazon Associate link.