Cavaliers are a toy breed with a long, silky coat that does not need any trimming. They should be brushed about once a week and this takes about 5-15 minutes. They are often described as looking like a puppy all their lives. They range from 13 to 18 pounds. Cavaliers make almost perfect pets for any situation. The exception would be a single person who works all the time. They are most definitely a "people dog". These are dogs that literally get along with anyone and anything. Our dogs love children, other dogs, cats, our rabbit, our bird, and even our ducks. They don't bark, jump around, or chew things up. They are so calm and eager to please, and they are very easily trained. Ours were the stars of doggy obedience class, and we hardly worked with them! What took other people hours to do with their dogs, we did in 15 minutes.







Cavaliers love to be with their people. If we are cooking, they want to lie quietly in the kitchen; if we are watching a movie, they want to lie on the sofa and watch with us. If we want to play, they are eager to play, too. Whatever the family activity is, they just want to be included. We have had them camping with us and in hotels. Everywhere we go, people want to know what those "wonderfully behaved little dogs are". Their gentle, quiet nature makes them perfect pets for retired people, as well as families with children.

The dogs love our grandbaby and the feeling is mutual!

One of our previous pups the first day in her new home.

If you research Cavaliers, you will find, as with most breeds, that some health problems "run in the family". Things to watch for are heart murmurs, knee problems, hip dysplasia and eye problems. These dogs are becoming so popular that some disreputable breeders have cropped up and bred the dogs improperly.



Thankfully, with education and advertising, things are getting better. Please do not buy a Cavalier from anyone who cannot show you that the puppy's parents were tested and found to be free of these problems. If the parents are okay in these areas, your puppies should be fine, although the occasional problem can crop up with any dog. Again, please do not be shy about insisting on seeing this in writing from a veterinarian and do not take ANY excuses. If this is not available, find another breeder. If you buy from a breeder with healthy males and females, you should not need to worry about the health of your puppy.

At A Cavalier Adventure, we have our dogs' eyes tested by an eye specialist, have the Penn Hip done on their hips, have their knees tested with x-rays and their hearts listened to carefully. If a heart murmer is detected, the dog will have tests by a cardiologist (however, we have no murmers at present).

Some dogs have all the luck!

Cavaliers are very loyal and loving. It is important to be sure you are willing to make a lifetime commitment if you buy one. If you want a small, quiet-natured dog to love that will love you back enormously, you have found the right breed. Enjoy them!