What to consider before  buying a  cavalier?

Usually one of the first questions prospective puppy buyers ask is about price. I realize the price
may be an eye opener for some. So here is what you can expect and why we price them so. Our
price it is not arbitrary this is our reasoning: We do our very best to raise healthy happy cavaliers
and we stand behind what we breed. This means regular vet checks and testing by veterinary
specialist, and the knowledge that you are getting a true guarantee on what you buy. We breed
to quality stock so to produce cavaliers puppies that are to our best ability  will be to breed
standard and type. The costs of breeding a Cavalier depending on the situation may vary some
but  includes some or all of the following costs: veterinary exams, blood work, if the sire and dam
are not in the same area there is artificial insemination expenses on both dogs, ultrasound or
x-rays  to see how many and size of puppies, if necessary their may be the expense of a
c-section delivery. Breeding Cavaliers is not a money making venture rest assured. An average
litter size is four and it is not unusual to have only one puppy. Then we have to consider the
possibility that something unforeseen may come to pass, these are living beings after all. Yes
you may be able to find a cavalier for less but have the parents been health tested, and will that
breeder be there for you if have a problem. A good breeder will show their dogs to confirm what
they are producing is of breed type. Putting a champion title on a dog will costs thousands. An
average weekend at a show all said and done from shampoo and conditioning to entry fees,
equipment and travel expense can be several hundred dollars.  Taking that all into consideration
a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere between $1200 and $3000 depending on
location, breeder, and/or weather the puppy is considered pet or show quality. Remember
breeders have a true investment in their dogs. We will be happy to answer any questions you
have about cavaliers weather you are interested in one from us our not. We breed for our own
show stock therefore we have very few litters. We would be glad to refer you to another breeder
if you would like there are many in the Western Washington area. If you are out of our area in
order to help you with your search we would be glad to help you locate a club or breeder in your
area.

Questions to consider before getting a puppy:
Is your Family Ready for a new Puppy?
Does everyone in your family want a puppy?
Is someone at home during the day while you work?
If not, who will take care of the puppy when you are gone?
On average how many hours will you leave your puppy home alone?
Where will the puppy stay during the day? During the night? When you are gone?
Are you willing to thoroughly puppy proof your home?
Such as keep poisonous plants, electrical cords, cat food, shoes, children's toys
out of puppy's reach?
How much socialization and training do you think a Cavalier needs to become a
well balanced dog that you can comfortably take out to visit strange places,
homes, crowds, people, children, and other dogs?
Do you have a fully fenced yard?  Can a tiny puppy dig under?
Did you know the #1 cause of death in dogs is getting hit by a car?
Is your yard clear of dangerous plants, pesticides, slug bait, etc?
You do know that a Cavalier is a indoor dog right??? (They do not have coat to protect them
from the weather.)
Is your lifestyle to busy to provide time and energy to properly train and care for a
Cavalier King Charles?
The life span of a Cavalier is 10 -12 years are you able to commit to caring for the
dog for its entire lifetime even if unexpected things happen such as relocating for
a new job, divorce, canine behavior problems, expensive vet bills?
Did you know that early socialization means exposing your dog to as many
different types of environments, situations, people, animals, sights, and sounds
as you can, taking the puppy to the park, to other homes, into crowded loud
areas, letting strangers and children pet and play with the dog..etc?
What manners will be required of the dog for it to become an acceptable member
of your household? For example:  Barking and jumping on guests, come when
called, not begging for food etc...in other words what behaviors do you find either
necessary or either intolerable in your dog?
Are you prepared to put the time and effort into potty and obedience training to
achieve these goals?
Will you enroll your puppy in obedience class?
Have you read any books on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, dog care or
training?
Who will watch your dog if you have to go out of town or on vacation?
Have you considered the expense of routine vet care, immunizations,
neuter/spay, monthly flea prevention, high quality pet food, obedience classes,
boarding and pet setting fees while on vacation.  Unexpected emergency vet care
etc?
Can you commit to brushing your dogs hair, cleaning ears and clipping the dogs toenails
weekly?