Frequently asked questions about our
Brunswick Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
We hope this page will answer some of your questions and concerns.
Choosing a Purebred Registered Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy.
They are called ``King of Hearts``. Bred for companionship, this calm little dog with its high body temperature will keep your lap or feet toasty warm on a cold winter night.
We love the little spaniel for its ability to enjoy the outdoors as much as being content snuggled in at your feet. It is gentle and a trustworthy friend for child, senior or someone with special needs. They get along with all types of animals and often are found snuggled up to another house pet.
They are not a guard dog, they may sound the alarm but will be wagging their tail waiting to lick a stranger.
They are easy to train with positive instructions because they have been bred to eagerly comply with their masters wishes.
They are defenseless against bigger dogs and children who rough play. They have no traffic sense. They are easily tempted by the smallest diversion. They require a fenced yard and be on leash when out for a walk to keep them safe. They do not require a lot of exercise daily. Friendly with everyone, they are an easy prey.
Size
They are the largest in the Toy Group. CKC conformation standard is 14 to 18 pounds. Slight variations permissible. Many weigh around 21lbs depending on their height, activity level and diet.
Life Span
Cavaliers may live from 9-15 years. Heath testing is very important to help future generations of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We believe strongly in this. Keeping your cavalier at a good, healthy weight is important. Yearly check up with your veterinarian and keeping up to date with the immunization protocol for Canada.
Temperament
Fearless and sporting in character, yet gentle and affectionate. They are active, graceful, and happy in spirit. They are easy to train with positive encouragement. They have fun doing obedience, agility, therapy, or just being with the family. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is the ultimate companion.
Coat
Long, silky, free from curl. Will require a couple of short weekly grooming. Brushing their coat with a small brush or comb while paying special attention to areas that tend to mat. Bathing with a gentle dog shampoo every 1- 2 months is plenty. They shed neither more nor less than other breeds. Their coat comes in four colors. Every one has a favorite color.
Blenheim
Bright chestnut red markings well broken up on a pearly white ground. There may be the lozenge or spot between the ears, unique to the Blenheim, which is a highly desirable characteristic.
Tricolor
Jet black ,markings well broken up on a pearly white ground. Rich tan markings appear over the eyes, on cheeks , inside ears, under the tail.
Ruby
Whole-colored rich chestnut red.
Black and Tan
Jet black with rich tan markings over the eyes, on cheeks and muzzle, inside the ears, on throat and chest, on forelegs from knees to toes.
Health
All our dogs are Heart and Eye Checked here in the Maritimes.
Followed annually with our local veterinarian.
We DNA test our dogs and have their patella's checked.
There is a waiting list.
We offer a lifetime support.
Please be fully informed of the health problems common to Cavaliers. Mitral valve disease is common in this breed. There are many Cavaliers now who do not develop this disease at all and many that develop at older ages thanks to close screening from reputable breeders.
Many Cavaliers are born with a Chiari-like malformation and develop Syringomyelia . From mild form of scratching usually around the neck area to severe cases which may cause severe pain and require medications or surgery. There is no cure as of yet. Ethical breeders are very careful to avoid breeding any cavalier that show symptoms of CM/SM.
Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCADD)
Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase (MCAD) Deficiency, MCAD deficiency
Although affected animals are unable to use certain fats as an alternative energy source when their bodies run out of glucose, the disease can be successfully managed by a change to a low-fat diet.
We as breeders are doing our best to eradicate these serious health issues.
Health Tests performed in order to be able to select the best matches to continue to potentially improve the health and temperments of the cavalier king charles spaniel.
I feel it is very important to address an issue that has become increasingly concerning to me, especially for families searching for a reputable Cavalier breeder. You are spending thousands of dollars on welcoming a cavalier puppy into your families, please make sure you are supporting good breeders.
Please understand that just because a breeder is CKC registered does not mean they have completed the recommended health testing on the parents of the puppies they are producing. The Canadian Kennel Club is a registry for purebred dogs; it does not oversee, require, or enforce health clearances for breeding dogs.
I am very disappointed to say this—that there are registered breeders producing litters without completing proper health testing on the parents and grandparents. This puts puppies and future families at significant risk.
When speaking with any breeder, its not about the show dogs and how many winnings we have won, its about the breeder meeting at least the mininal standards to produce the healthiest puppies? Health, Temperment, and Beauty should all be taken seriously. These are critical questions you should be asking:
**Have both parents been examined by a board-certified cardiologist and cleared for Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)?
There is no excuse not to do this. We are fortunate to have heart clinics in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and PEI has access to a cardiologist through the Atlantic Veterinary College teaching hospital.
**Have both parents been DNA tested for all genetic diseases relevant to the Cavalier breed, and are they clear or appropriately bred if carriers?
Again, no excuse. Even with postal delays between Canada and the U.S., responsible breeders still get this done. We certainly did—even under challenging circumstances.
**Have both parents had their eyes examined by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist within the past two years, and are they clear of hereditary eye diseases?
We even have an eye specialist right here in Moncton. There is simply no reason to skip this. A family Vet cannot see what a eye specialist can see. We also run a yearly eye clinic through the Moncton Kennel Club.
**Have any dogs in the breeding program shown symptoms of CM/SM (Chiari-like Malformation / Syringomyelia)?
If MRIs have been done, what were the results?
**How old are the parents at the time of breeding?
These are not uncomfortable questions—they are necessary ones. If a breeder cannot answer them clearly or provide proof, that should be a serious red flag.
Purchasing a puppy without these health tests being completed and cleared puts you at a very high risk of heartbreak, both emotionally and financially, as the puppy may develop serious and life-altering health issues later in life.
My goal has always been—and will continue to be—to breed Cavaliers with the best possible chance at a long, healthy, and happy life. I want the same for every family welcoming one of these wonderful dogs into their home.
Please feel free to reach out if you ever have questions or want help understanding health testing or breeder claims. I am always happy to help guide you.
Warm regards,
Deborah Hoferichter
These tests are: Heart Examination by Auscultation/ cardiac ultral sound by a Cardiologist, Examination by an Ophthalmologist; Examination of the kneecaps and hips; DNA testing (covering breed-relevant diseases); Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination (after the age of two) to assess the conformation of the skull and neck (Chiari malformation) and the presence or absence of Syringomyelia.
There is good information on our club site, and speak to your veterinarian.
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