FAQs
I have questions, can you give me a call?
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Feel free to read over our “all about us” page to learn more about us and what our program is centered on. If you have any specific questions not mentioned on our website or just need some clarification please let us know! If you’re interested in our puppies please fill out a PUPPY APPLICATION to get started!
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely hypoallergenic. While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their affectionate personalities and beautiful coats, they are not considered a hypoallergenic breed.
People with mild pet sensitivities may do well with Cavaliers, but those with severe allergies should spend time around adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniels before making a commitment.
Allergies can be caused not only by fur, but also by dander, saliva, and other factors. We always recommend researching the breed carefully to ensure it is the right fit for your home and lifestyle.
Can I visit your home and meet your dogs before placing a deposit or picking up my puppy?
Our puppies are lovingly raised in our home environment and receive daily care and socialization as part of our family. Because our home is not a public retail facility, visits are currently limited to approved families on our priority list during scheduled visitation or pickup appointments.
Some of our parent dogs may live in carefully selected guardian homes, so not all dogs are always present at our location.
For the safety and health of our puppies, visitation with a specific litter may only be scheduled after the puppies have received their first vaccinations. This helps protect young puppies during their most vulnerable stages.
We are always happy to share photos, videos, and updates with our families throughout the process.What comes with my puppy?
Each puppy from Cavaliers of Healdsburg goes home with:
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
- Health records
- Veterinary health check
- Deworming schedule
- Starter food
- Blanket or comfort item with litter scent
- Puppy care information
- Ongoing breeder support
Our goal is to make the transition into your home as smooth and successful as possible.
How are your puppies raised?
Our puppies are raised in a loving home environment where they receive daily interaction, socialization, and exposure to common household sounds and experiences. We focus on raising confident, affectionate, and well-adjusted companions.
Early socialization and proper care are extremely important to us, and we dedicate significant time to each puppy’s development.
How do I reserve a puppy?
To begin the process:
- Complete the Puppy Application
- Wait for application approval
- Submit a reservation deposit
- Join our priority list or reserve an available puppy
Selections are generally made in the order deposits are received.
Do you offer delivery?
Delivery options may be available depending on location. Families are also welcome to arrange pickup. Please contact us directly to discuss transportation options and availability.
Do you provide ongoing support after adoption?
Absolutely. We are committed to supporting our puppy families long after their puppy goes home. We are always happy to answer questions and provide guidance regarding feeding, training, grooming, and transitioning into their new home.
How can I stay updated?
Follow us on social media to see puppy updates, previous litters, and life at Cavaliers of Healdsburg. We love sharing our puppies as they grow and thrive in their forever homes.
Do Cavaliers shed?
Yes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do shed. Cavaliers have a soft, silky coat that naturally sheds year-round, with heavier seasonal shedding typically occurring during spring and fall.
Regular brushing several times per week helps minimize loose hair and keeps their coat healthy and beautiful. While Cavaliers are not considered hypoallergenic, many families find their shedding manageable with proper grooming and routine care.
Loose hair is completely normal, and grooming sessions are also a wonderful bonding experience with your puppy.
What are the grooming requirements for a Cavalier?
Cavaliers have a beautiful silky coat that requires regular maintenance to keep it healthy and free from tangles.
We recommend:
- Brushing several times per week
- Regular ear cleaning
- Routine nail trimming
- Bathing as needed
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks if preferred
Special attention should be given to feathering around the ears, legs, chest, and tail to prevent matting.
Starting grooming routines early helps puppies become comfortable with handling and grooming throughout their lives.
Are Cavaliers good with children?
Yes! Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle, affectionate, and loving personalities, making them wonderful family companions.
They are typically very patient with children and enjoy being involved in family activities. As with any breed, interactions between young children and puppies should always be supervised to ensure safe and respectful play.
Are Cavaliers active dogs?
Cavaliers are adaptable companions who enjoy both playtime and relaxation. They love walks, outdoor adventures, and interactive play, but they are equally happy cuddling beside their families.
Their moderate energy level makes them an excellent fit for many different lifestyles, including families, singles, retirees, and apartment living.
Are Cavaliers good therapy or emotional support dogs?
Absolutely. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are widely loved for their affectionate nature, emotional sensitivity, and calm temperament.
Many Cavaliers excel as therapy, emotional support, and companion dogs because of their friendly personalities and strong bond with people.
While no puppy can be guaranteed for therapy work, we are happy to help guide families toward puppies with temperaments best suited for companion or therapy roles.
What colors do Cavaliers come in?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels come in four recognized colors:
- Blenheim
- Tricolor
- Ruby
- Black & Tan
Each color variety is beautiful and unique while maintaining the same loving Cavalier personality.
Do Cavaliers change color as they grow?
Some Cavaliers may experience slight coat color changes as they mature. Puppies can lighten or darken somewhat as their adult coat develops, especially around the ears and feathering.
However, their overall color pattern will remain consistent with their original color variety.
Are your dogs health tested?
Yes. The health and well-being of our parent dogs is extremely important to our breeding program.
Our breeding dogs are health tested and carefully selected based on temperament, structure, and overall health. We strive to produce healthy, well-rounded puppies with excellent temperaments.
Health records and information regarding parent dogs may be available upon request.
What can be guaranteed when getting a puppy?
While we do our very best to provide accurate estimates regarding personality, size, coat appearance, and temperament, it’s important to remember that every puppy is a unique living being.
A puppy’s personality and development are influenced by genetics, environment, training, socialization, and life experiences.
We focus heavily on producing healthy, affectionate, and well-socialized Cavaliers, but no breeder can guarantee exact adult temperament, weight, or future characteristics.
Do Cavaliers enjoy hiking and outdoor activities?
Yes! Cavaliers enjoy walks, outdoor adventures, and spending time with their families.
While they are not considered extreme endurance dogs, many Cavaliers love hiking, exploring trails, beach outings, and other outdoor activities in moderation.
As with all puppies, strenuous exercise should be limited until they are fully developed.
Where are you located and do you work with out-of-state families?
We are located in Healdsburg, California, and we proudly work with families both locally and across the United States.
Families are welcome to arrange pickup, and transportation or delivery options may be available depending on location. We are happy to discuss safe travel arrangements for your new puppy.
What is the total price?
Pricing may vary depending on the puppy, color, and breeding plans.
Please visit our Pricing page for current details regarding:
- Puppy pricing
- Deposits
- Reservation information
- What is included with your puppy
Our reservation deposit is non-refundable and goes toward the final purchase price.
What comes with my puppy and when can they go home?
Each puppy goes home with:
- Veterinary health check
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
- Deworming schedule
- Health records
- Starter food
- Blanket or comfort item with familiar scent
- Puppy care information
Puppies are typically ready to go home around 8–10 weeks of age depending on their individual development.
Do you have puppies available now?
Please visit our Available Puppies and Upcoming Litters pages for the latest updates.
Because many puppies are reserved early, we recommend completing a Puppy Application and joining our priority list if you are seriously interested in bringing home a Cavalier from us.
Do you sell retired adult dogs?
Occasionally, we may place an adult or retired dog into a carefully selected home. Availability is rare and handled on a case-by-case basis.
Our retired dogs are deeply loved members of our program and their well-being is always our highest priority.
How does your priority list work?
A reservation deposit secures your place on our priority list.
Families on our list receive updates regarding:
- Planned litters
- Pregnancy announcements
- Available puppies
- Puppy selections
Puppy selections are generally made in the order deposits are received.
We provide photos, videos, and updates throughout the process to help families follow along as puppies grow.
Can I choose my puppy based on temperament?
We are happy to help guide families during the selection process based on observed personality traits and temperament tendencies.
However, personality continues developing as puppies mature and is influenced by training, socialization, and environment.
Parent temperaments are often the best indicator of future personality traits, and we encourage families to consider both the puppy and its lineage when making their decision.
What is the wait time for a puppy?
Wait times vary depending on preferences such as:
- Gender
- Color
- Timing
- Specific litter requests
Some families may receive a puppy quickly if they are flexible, while more specific requests may require additional wait time.
We recommend planning ahead and joining our priority list if you are interested in reserving a future puppy from Cavaliers of Healdsburg.