WE DO NOT SALE PUPPIES TO PUPPY MILLS, BROKERS, OR PET STORES
IS THE CAVALIER KING CHARLES RIGHT FOR ME?
Super friendly and easy to train
Classified as part of the Toy Group
Recognized by American Kennel Club (AKC) since 1995
Average size: 12 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder
Average weight: Between 13 and 20 pounds
Great companion animals
Suited to serve as Therapy Dogs
Note that this breed DOES shed - which might be a deal-breaker for some
Breed is historically more expensive than other breeds. (Cavalier breeders are serious about preserving breed integrity)
This breed is an “inside” lap dog that requires love and attention.
Requires brushing and light grooming, but coat is typically allowed to grow (unless you desire “puppy cut”)
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AKC "LIMITED" REGISTRATION AND AKC "FULL" REGISTRATION?
Limited registration means that the puppy is sold strictly as a pet or companion puppy and is not to be bred or shown in AKC conformation shows. Our puppies are sold as pet or companion puppies under limited AKC registration.
Full registration is given to puppies who display and represent the best of the breed standard which is paramount in preserving the breed and producing quality litters. The object is to improve the breed. Too many unethical breeders are not following established guidelines, causing over breeding, and degradation to the health and well being of the breed.
Most ethical Cavalier breeders will only sell puppies under a limited registration. We make exceptions under certain circumstances. If and when we agree to full registration, it is case by case and only given to puppies representing the best of the breed standard.
Will the AKC registration for my puppy be limited?
Almost always, yes. Limited AKC registration means all puppies sold as pets will be on a spay/neuter contract and cannot be bred or shown in AKC conformation shows. We recommend that puppies be at least 6-12 months old before they are spayed or neutered. Discuss options with your vet for latest veterinary recommendations.
We prefer to sell puppies as pets and companion pups because it is so subjective when determining “show traits”. Not all litters produce a “best of breed” puppy and there are no guarantees even when a puppy shows obvious potential. There is simply no way we can predict that a puppy displaying best of breed will become an AKC champion. In fact, even when a puppy displays show qualities, epitomizes the breed standard, has an outstanding pedigree and excellent conformation, there are still many factors long term that determine a champion including training, grooming, diet, experienced handlers, etc.. I will only consider breeding rights for small hobby breeders like myself and I WILL NOT sell to puppy mills or puppy brokers.
HOW MUCH ARE YOUR PUPPIES?
- Pet/companion puppies with limited registration are $3,000.
- Puppies with full Registration (breeding rights) - $3,500. (Rare and selective). Note: In cases where full registration is given, customers are moved to the top of the waiting list in order to select best puppy candidate for breeding purposes.
Why are Cavaliers so expensive?
Cavalier breeders typically charge between $3,000-$4,000 for a pet quality puppy. Show quality puppies sell for much more and a Cavalier champion's puppies can be MANY thousands of dollars! We put a lot of care, consideration, and money into breeding healthy, gorgeous puppies. You can easily purchase a registered "Cavalier" for less at a puppy mill or from an irresponsible breeder, but in the short term, the puppy will likely cost far more in immediate health care costs. In the long term, it likely won’t live as long, and won’t look like or meet Cavalier breed standards. It is imperative you know your breeder's ethics and the sire and dam's pedigree. This should be easily obtained and never a mystery.
WHY DO CAVALIER BREEDERS seem so PICKY?
Listen... you are preaching to the choir. We were shocked to learn how "closed" the Cavalier community is. Bottom line, it is all about preservation of the breed. And although we had a heck-of-a-time finding a breeder of Cavaliers who would allow us to have breeding rights, we totally get it. If you have ever owned a Cavalier, you can understand the need to ensure the breed standard is preserved. Cavaliers are the quintessential pet and have the absolute sweetest disposition as well as the most gentle nature of any dog around. They are also expensive. Because of this there are unethical breeders (backyard breeders, puppy mills, etc.) who are just after the money - all to the detriment of the breed. (This is why so many of these poor dogs have genetic defects and lifelong illnesses.) All ethical breeders that we know (ourselves included) are EXTREMELY selective with whom we place our puppies. Before you consider purchasing a Cavalier, you should ensure you have a lifestyle that can support the puppy, physically, emotionally and financially. An ethical breeder's dogs are not dollar signs - they consider them like children and will take all measures to ensure they are placed in good, supportive homes.
I don’t want a show dog, so why should I ensure my puppy is from champion lines?
There are various kinds of performance dog shows, but when talking about a “champion”, one is usually referring to AKC conformation shows or recognized overseas champions. In a conformation show, the dog is judged by how well it conforms to the breed standard. Conformation shows are simply designed to evaluate breeding stock. This means the dog that will be bred is taken to expert judges, who have had many years of experience and training, and the judges look over the dog and evaluate if it is a good representative of Cavaliers, sound and beautiful enough to breed. Breeders need to be part of this community of other breeders and judges in order to ensure Cavaliers continue to be Cavaliers. Hopefully, through careful planning and health testing, pedigrees go beyond that and even improve the breed. There can certainly be additional motivations, but this is the core purpose of AKC dog shows. Show breeders have made great progress improving the health of this precious breed and know the health histories of dogs far back into their pedigrees. We take great pride in our dogs pedigrees.
Will my puppy come with papers?
Yes, all of our puppies are AKC certified. You may register your puppy with the AKC by mailing in the certificate we give you or by visiting the AKC website.
Have the puppies been well socialized?
Yes. By the time they are ready to go home with you, all of the puppies will have had lots of love and attention from within our family. They will be accustomed to small children, other animals and all the elements of a busy household.
Are the parents on site?
The sire and dam are on site.
DO I NEED TO GIVE A Deposit?
Yes. A deposit creates a contract between a buyer and a seller expressing good faith. Deposit amount is: $500.00. Once puppies are born we will accept deposits based on our waiting list. The balance for the puppy is due before picked up, and time enough for checks to clear. Cash is due day of pick up. We accept personal checks at 6 weeks to ensure check clears. *Personal Checks must clear before pickup. There is a $25.00 fee for any returned checks due to insufficient funds.
We also accept:
Zelle: (for bank to bank transfers, no fee). I will provide my contact info.
Venmo: (@LeanneArnold67) (add $25 fee to total).
Apple Pay: (add $15 fee to total). I will provide my contact info.
After puppies are here, counted, and confirmed healthy I will begin working my waiting list. Once you select a puppy and submit a deposit, the deposit becomes non refundable since we can no longer offer the puppy to other buyers. Please understand, this is due to the large number of potential buyers that send deposits then continued to look elsewhere for another puppy. This is unacceptable, just as it would be unacceptable for us to return your deposit because someone offered us more money for your puppy.
HOW CAN I PICK OUT MY PUPPY?
I, as the breeder, reserve the right to have pick of any litter. I work my waiting list from first to last for puppy selection. I do not accept deposits before puppy is born. Once puppies are born and appear healthy, I will notify customers on my waiting list. In the rare instance I sell with breeding rights, these depositors move to the front of the line in order to get pick of the litter.
Please note that once you pick out a puppy your deposit is non-refundable since the puppy is held exclusively for you. This is due to the large number of adopters who send a deposit then continued to look elsewhere for another puppy causing me to lose out on other customers. This is not fair and would be akin to me returning your deposit because someone offered me more money for your puppy.
What KIND OF FOOD DO YOU GIVE THE PUPPIES?
We feed Fromm Puppy Gold which is a quality dry kibble for puppies and pregnant, nursing mothers. It is naturally formulated with duck, chicken, lamb, whole eggs, and real Wisconsin cheese. It's also enhanced with probiotics to aid digestion, and salmon oil for a healthy coat. Royal Canin is another premium brand of dog food that is highly recommended and may be easier to find. We will provide you with a sample of what they are eating when your puppy travels to his forever home. If you choose not to continue feeding the same food to your new puppy, we recommend you purchase a small bag of it to gradually switch over to your preferred brand. Please feed your puppy premium food and consider the natural brands. Good nutrition is cheaper in the long run. In the short run, they eat half as much (so the bag goes twice as far), and you’ll have much less waste.
Will you take the dog back if I cannot care for it in the future?
Yes. We will always be ready and willing to give your dog a good home should you be unable to care for it in the future for any reason. We don’t want any of our beloved puppies to ever end up in a rescue or shelter.
Do you own or breed other breeds of dogs?
No. We only have Cavalier King Charles.
Will the puppies have their shots and wormings?
Yes, all of our puppies will have 6 week vaccinations and will be dewormed on schedule. They will also be individually examined and cleared by our veterinarian before going to their new home. Puppies are normally ready to go at 8 weeks. Their next shots are due at 9 weeks so picking up at 8 weeks is the perfect time to have your vet look over your new puppy when getting 9 week shots. Please note that the puppy must be eating dry food for a week before I will let them go.
Will you be available to help me with questions after we go home?
Absolutely! Please stay in contact with us. We are happy to help you with any questions that might arise. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll find out.
Are Cavaliers good with children?
The BEST! Cavaliers make outstanding family pets. Keep in mind - small children should always be well supervised when around a delicate puppy.
Do Cavaliers make good guard dogs?
No. Cavaliers tend to love everyone they meet. They may bark at intruders, but it is difficult to imagine them scaring anyone away.
How much grooming do Cavaliers require?
Cavaliers require daily to weekly brushing to maintain their long, silky coat. They do shed quiet a lot as they lose their puppy fur, so don't be alarmed. Once they mature they will still shed, but it is manageable.
Should I get a male or female Cavalier?
The common saying in the cavalier world is, “females love you, but males are in-love with you.” We have found this to be true but honestly all of our dogs are love-bugs. It is a common misconception that male dogs have issues with dominance with their owners and other animals. With Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, it is the females that establish dominance hierarchies, and the males just go along with the flow. Two female cavaliers in the same household will generally have some issues with dominance, whereas two males will not. A one male/one female combination will not have dominance issues either, as the female will typically run the house. This is absolutely the case in our house! Cavaliers love other Cavaliers. It's hard to resist having only one. Our Queenie did fine as an "only dog" for her first few months, but when Cash came along it changed her life! They play like two kids. They love one another so much and are inseparable both day and night. The same when Coco joined the flock. They were all best buds in no time.
Do Cavaliers have common health problems?
Yes. There are health issues typical to the breed. Our dogs are clear of Mitral Heart Disease, Syringomyelia, Epilepsy, Episodic Falling Syndrome, and Fly Catcher's Syndrome which are health issues common to the breed. Our veterinarian checks for any sign of genetic defects but often health issues don’t arise until the dog is much older. We took the time to ensure the breeders we purchased our dogs from had no history of these illnesses. This is not to say it could not happen, as there are no predictions when it comes to illnesses common to the breed. All dogs in general are susceptible to various genetic health issues that don’t show up until much later in the dogs life, but it is our intent to try and breed healthy Cavaliers. We want to ensure that your puppy is free of any obvious genetic defects or serious health issues, so we guarantee the puppy to be free of life threatening congenital defects for the first year of ownership. Please be sure you are fully informed of all the health problems common to Cavaliers. The AKC and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club USA are great sources of information. This again supports the need for a good pedigree.
What supplies do you recommend for my new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
In addition to the obvious need for a crate and toys, puppy pads are essential until they are house broken. We have found the best deals for puppy pads on Amazon.
Invest in a good brush and de-shedder. We love the FURminator! It cost a bit more, but well worth it.
Our puppies LOVE bully sticks. The dental sticks are too gummy for puppies when they are losing baby teeth. The bully sticks are natural and last quite a while.
You will need to have a good ear cleaner on hand to keep their ears smelling fresh and free from yeast. We use it once a week. Because Cavaliers have long ears, it is important to keep them clean and dry.
Cavaliers are known to get tear stains, eye goop, eye irritation or dry eye due to a fly-away hair or other irritants. We use Bausch & Lomb Eye Wash to gently clean the eyes. If left untreated it could cause (non-life threatening) eye issues. Please be mindful of sensitive eyes.
Our #1 "must have" item is a "spaniel" water bowl. They are narrow at the top which allows the ears to hang outside of the bowl while drinking water. This is a must! We found ours online, but they are easily found in pet stores as well.
I can’t come pick my puppy up. Will you ship him?
We prefer not to ship our puppies.
WHAT GOES HOME WITH MY PUPPY:
Each puppy leaves for their new home with the following:
A record of current vaccinations & wormings: Puppies are vaccinated at 6 weeks, (If they are still with us they get also get shots at 9 and 12 weeks). They are wormed every week from 2 to 5 weeks old.
You will get a puppy pack which includes:
-AKC registration papers
-FAQ sheet
-Shot/Worming record
Health Guarantee:
You’ll receive a 1-year health guarantee for congenital or genetic disorders up to purchase price. A fatal disorder must be verified by your veterinarian & confirmed by our veterinarian before you receive a new puppy or a refund. We can discuss what works best for you and if you would like the puppy to stay with you until its transition if you’ve bonded. Our veterinarian checks for any sign of genetic defects. We guarantee that, at the time they leave our care, our puppies are free of any obvious genetic defects, or serious health problems whatsoever.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
It is your responsibility to take your new puppy to your veterinarian within 4 days after they arrive at your home for a comprehensive health check-up. Remember, due to their age, your new puppy may not have had all their required vaccinations, and must never be exposed to other animals that have not been fully vaccinated until after their 12 weeks shots.
If you should ever find yourself in a situation where you cannot keep your cavalier we ask that you contact us for help with placement of your dog in another home. If necessary, we will take them back and provide a loving home for them until they can be placed elsewhere.
HOW TO PICK UP YOUR PUPPY:
Puppies can be picked up at our home in Lakeland, TN, a suburb of Memphis.
We can transport in the U.S. for a fee (cost depends on distance). Require that airline reservation for transporter made and paid for by customer.