Connect with responsible Cavalier breeders and find the ideal breeding partner for your gentle companion
Understanding your Cavalier's loving nature and significant health challenges is essential for responsible breeding
Male: 13-18 lbs
Female: 13-18 lbs
Male: 12-13 inches
Female: 12-13 inches
9-14 years
Varies with heart health
Affectionate, Gentle
The comforter spaniel
Bred specifically as companion dogs for royalty. Gentle, affectionate nature makes them perfect therapy dogs. No aggression in properly bred lines.
Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tricolor, Black and Tan, Ruby. All colors equal, though Blenheim most popular. Breed for type, not color.
Despite toy size, retain sporting instincts. Enjoy moderate exercise and can be surprisingly athletic. Not fragile lap dogs.
Cavaliers need companionship. Do poorly when left alone. Often kept in pairs. Screen homes for adequate attention.
Cavaliers face severe hereditary health issues. Strict health testing and breeding protocols are essential.
NEARLY ALL Cavaliers develop MVD. Annual cardiac auscultation from age 1, echocardiogram from age 2. MVD Protocol: Wait until 2.5 years AND clear heart at 2 years to breed.
Genetic test available and MANDATORY. Muscle disorder causing temporary rigidity. Both parents must be tested. Never breed two carriers.
Genetic test available and MANDATORY. Causes severe skin issues and early death. Test all breeding stock.
MRI screening recommended but expensive. Extremely painful condition where skull is too small for brain. Causes scratching, pain, disability.
OFA or PennHIP testing required. Both parents should have good or excellent ratings.
OFA patella evaluation required. Common in small breeds. Can require surgery.
Annual CERF eye examinations required. Several hereditary eye conditions in the breed.
Also called 'glue ear'. Causes severe ear pain. Regular ear checks essential. Can be hereditary.
Nearly 100% of Cavaliers will develop MVD, but age of onset varies. Early-onset MVD is devastating and hereditary. The MVD Breeding Protocol is MANDATORY: Do not breed any dog before age 2.5 years AND both parents must be heart clear by a cardiologist at age 2 years. Annual heart checks by a board-certified cardiologist are required for all breeding dogs. This protocol is the ONLY hope for reducing early-onset MVD in the breed. Breeding younger dogs perpetuates early heart disease.
SM occurs when the skull is too small for the brain, causing fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord. Symptoms include phantom scratching, screaming in pain, and sensitivity to touch. MRI screening is the only way to detect SM before breeding, but costs $1,500-$2,500. Up to 70% of Cavaliers have some degree of SM. Severely affected dogs live in constant pain. Consider carefully whether breeding dogs with unknown SM status is ethical.
Follow these essential guidelines for responsible Cavalier breeding
Male Cavaliers
2.5 to 7 years
Female Cavaliers
2.5 to 6 years
MVD Protocol requires waiting until at least 2.5 years old AND having clear heart at 2 years. This is CRITICAL for breed health.
Cavaliers face severe health challenges. The MVD Protocol is attempting to reduce early-onset heart disease. Follow it strictly.
Females: Maximum once per year, 3-4 litters lifetime
Skip at least one heat cycle between litters
Due to high health risks, focus on quality over quantity. Health test religiously
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Expert advice and tips for Cavalier breeding
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