How Much Does a Cavalier King Charles Cost?

 Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

Last Updated:  August 7, 2018

 

 A Cavalier King Charles puppy is classified as a toy dog and is considered as the most famous breed in the UK and in the United States.   This breed is usually small in size, has a silky coat and undocked type of tail, and these dogs are known to be affectionate, gentle, friendly, and good with people and other animals.

 

How much does a Cavalier King Charles puppy cost?
On average, the price for a Cavalier King Charles puppy ranges anywhere from $1000.00 to $2,400.  A responsible Cavalier breeder who pays all the necessary cost will not be able to sell a puppy for less than $1,500.00. Further costs will depend on the dog’s age, color, the quality, its bloodline, the breeder and geographical location. 

 

A.K.C. show based King Charles puppies can range anywhere from $1,500 to as $2,500. 

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club notes the breed should be in the $1,800 to $3,500 range.  However, according to our research, this price range is only true if you’re purchasing a purebred cleared of all health problems from a reputable breeder who is a member of various clubs.  Most, again, will be in the price range mentioned in our first point and usually won’t be more than $3,500.

 

What’s included in the adoption fee?
A reputable breeder should be able to include a health certificate from a reputable breeder, a health guarantee, up to date vaccinations, a travel crate if being shipped and even a starter pack that may include food samples.  If registered with the A.K.C., paperwork will be included. 

 

What are the extra costs?

Some breeders may offer breeding rights for an additional fee, which is usually between $500 to $2000.00.
If the dog must be shipped via an airline, it can cost an additional $150 to $400, depending on the airline and distance traveled.

Recurring costs need to be factored in such as food, shelter, accessories, toys and routine/surprise vet visits.
 

Shedding:
This dog can shed a lot and monthly professional grooming sessions are recommended, especially if you don’t have the time to groom yourself.  Grooming will keep the coat silky smooth and free of mats.

 

 Tips to know:
 

This is the largest breed in the Toy Dog category, measuring 12 to 13 inches tall and weighing 14 to 20 pounds.

The breed is known to have four common color combinations:  black and tan; a tricolor, which consists of red, white and black; ruby red; and Blenheim, which is a combination of red and white.

Life expectancy is said to be 12 to 15 years.

These are very affectionate lapdogs that love to have attention.  Most can adapt to any surroundings around them and prefer to have some sort of human interaction.  It’s best that these dogs aren’t left alone for extended periods of time.
 
This breed tends to get along with just about anyone that comes their way.  They love to go for walks and get along great with other pets as well.

As for their temperament, they are known to be happy, sweet, gentle, easy going and can make a wonderful companion for any family.
 
Major health concerns include Mitral Valve Disease, which is known as the number of one killer of Cavalier King Charles.  Up to half of the breed will develop it by five years old and almost all will have it by age 10.  Other conditions include hip dysplasia, loose knee joints, skin conditions and eye diseases.

If left alone for long periods of time, the dog can have separation anxiety, which can lead to excessive barking or growling while away.

 

 

HOW TO FIND A CAVALIER PUPPY AND A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER

 

When shopping for a home, it's about location, location, location.   When shopping for a pup, it's about breeder, breeder, breeder!  Dogs are living creatures that will hopefully be with us for 10 - 15 years.  Therefore, your choice of where to purchase your future family companion is extremely important, ranking right up there with the choice of your significant other or partner.  It is well worth investing some time now to be sure you are working with a reputable, responsible breeder who breeds healthy, happy dogs. How Do You Identify A Responsible Breeder? Good breeders do not breed to make money.  They do not sell their puppies to the first person that shows up with cash in hand.  They do not knowingly sell even one puppy to a pet shop, broker, or middle man for resale.  Breeders who show and breed with concern for the Cavalier can pay thousands of dollars just to get a female pregnant, which does not take into account vet visits, puppy care and feeding, or any c-sections.  When one considers that Cavaliers have an average litter of 3-4 puppies, the gain is not great.  Review the topics listed below and look for a breeder who, at a minimum, does the following:

 

• Keeps dogs in the home as part of the family, not outside in kennel runs.

• Has adult dogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and do not shy away from visitors.

• Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time, which should be a clean, well-maintained area.

• Encourages you to spend time with the puppy’s parents (at a minimum, the puppy’s mother) when you visit.

• Does not allow the puppy to leave its mother or the litter before 8 to 12 weeks of age, preferably.

• Only breeds one or two types of dogs and is knowledgeable about the desired characteristics of the breed, such as size, proportion, coat, color, and temperament.

• The breeder has a strong relationship with their local veterinarian.  Explains and provides  the puppy’s medical history and what vaccinations your new puppy will need.

• Explains in detail the potential genetic problems inherent in Cavaliers.

• Offers guidance for caring and training your puppy and is available for assistance after you take your puppy home.

• Is willing to provide references from other families who have purchased puppies if you ask.

• Feeds high quality, premium brand pet food.

• Does not always have puppies available.

• Encourages multiple visits and wants your entire family to meet the puppy.

• Provides you with a written agreement, contract, and/or health guarantee and allows plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly.

 

In addition to these criteria, you will want a breeder who requires some things of you, too.  The breeder will probably ask you to:

 

• Explain why you want a dog.

• Explain who in your family will be responsible for the puppy’s daily care and attend training classes, where the dog will spend most of his/her time, and what rules have been decided upon for the puppy -- for example, whether the dog will be allowed on the furniture.

• Provide a veterinary reference.

• Provide proof from your landlord or condominium board that you can have a dog.

• Sign a contract that you will spay or neuter the dog unless you will be actively involved in showing him/her.  (Applies to show quality  or unlimited dogs only.)

• Sign a contract stating that you will return the dog to the breeder should you be unable to keep the dog at any point in the dog’s life.

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If the breeder you are working with doesn’t meet MOST of these minimum criteria - walk away.  It cannot be stressed often enough:  Do not be tempted, regardless of the circumstances, especially price, to purchase your puppy from an importer, a broker, a middle-man, or from pet shops.  Most of those puppies come from mass breeding facilities better known as puppy mills.  Another pitfall to avoid is a “backyard breeder” -- someone who breeds their dogs to make a little money or simply because they have dogs “with papers”.  Too often, the result of such practices includes puppies with poor health or temperament problems that may not be discovered until years later.  In some cases, these problems can cost thousands of dollars to treat.

 

 

Important Puppy Health Information

 

Vaccinations

Consult your vet to ensure completion of the vaccination program and ensure correct dosage.

 

Teeth

Puppies start getting their 42 permanent teeth between 16 and 30 weeks. Check regularly to ensure each baby tooth is replaced with an adult one. Do not feed cooked meat bones and never chicken or pork but use raw beef marrow bones.

Pet dental kits can be purchased with the proper tools to clean your pets teeth. Consult your vet about cleanings.

 

Anal Glands

Cavaliers often need their anal glands emptied some more frequently than others. A good indication is when they are regularly ‘ scooting ‘ their rear end on the floor.

 

Ears

Check the inside of the dogs ears regularly and if the dog frequently shakes it’s head and scratches it’s ears then investigate for an infection, wax buildup or earmites. In summer it could be a grass seed which can be dangerous if ignored. Cavaliers may occasionally need the hair inside their ears trimmed.

 

Eyes

Clean any stained fur in the eye area with cotton wool and warm water. At the first sign of any eye infection contact a Vet. Weeping eyes in the Cavalier is normal and generally outgrown. This condition is greatly reduced by Nuvet Plus supplements.

 

Snorting

This is a Cavalier characteristic especially when excited and not a cause for great alarm. It is a sudden breath intake accompanied by a snorting noise. It can usually be stopped by placing the hand over the nostrils momentarily to restrict the intake of air. Sometimes it is accompanied by a flipped palate and here you can hold the dog in your arms and a quick flick of its head should flip the palate back.

On the whole Cavaliers are a healthy breed however like all breeds there can be possible health problems and inheritable genetic defects. This does not mean that all dogs are affected and with a proper diet and exercise a Cavalier usually leads a long healthy life.

Some of the breed problems are:

 

Heart Murmurs

Get the heart checked at annual vaccination. The Cavalier Club is actively involved in heart research publishing a list of dogs and bitches aged five years and older that are free of Mitral Valve Disease. This assists breeders wishing to improve the health of the breed. Forms are completed by your Vet or Cardiologist, held on a central database and statistics made available to those engaged in researching the problem of heart murmurs in Cavaliers.

 

Eye Defects

Can only be diagnosed by a veterinary ophthalmologist who will certify dogs that have been examined under the KC/BVA Eye Scheme. Cavaliers can suffer from Hereditary Cataract or more likely Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia.

 

Luxuriating Patella

This occurs in the back leg and the knee cap slips causing the dog discomfort. The condition is usually surgically correctable.

 

Hip Dyspepsia

Being a small breed this is not a common problem and then not usually till old age. No indication of this disease is evident in young dogs and can only be diagnosed by x-rays of the hip joints normally after the age of two.

It is important to understand than even if the sire and dam have been screened and found clear of any health problems, no breeder can guarantee that your puppy will never develop a problem during its life time. Screening lessens the chance and questioning breeders on health issues should not anger them. Not all breeders believe in all testing, or of having tests certified, they should not object to providing copies of any testing that has been done and will be pleased that you care about the health of your puppy.  

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When can I Visit the Puppies?

Many people question if they can pick out, see, or play with their puppies before they are ready to go at 8-weeks-old. The answer to the question is NO. There are several reasons why we do not let anyone around the new puppies between birth and 6 weeks – all to protect our dogs and your puppy. Below you will find not only details as to why the answer is no but also information as to what you can do in the meantime to prepare for your puppy.

First, it is extremely stressful for the mom to have strangers visit as she is caring for her new litter. This in turn will put stress on the newborn pups. Remember, you are one of many people (sometimes as many as 25) who are getting a puppy, not including everyone else who “just wants to peek at the new babies.” If we allow everyone to see, touch, or spend time with the new pups, the mom’s routine would be disrupted: her eating and caring for pups and even her ability to produce enough healthy milk for them could be at risk.

Like a new baby, the opportunity for young pups to pick up infectious diseases is increased with all new contacts. Their immune systems are building, so at this time, the moms and pups live in whelping nests which have controlled temperatures and are separate from all outside traffic. Most illnesses and diseases are innocently carried on people’s shoes and clothing. Entire litters of puppies can be wiped out within 48 hours by the puppy killer parvo virus. This disease could be picked up unknowingly by people in a school yard, a park, or on a sidewalk, and this is only one disease. We cannot risk exposing our dogs and your puppy to diseases that could destroy them.

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Your puppy is not the only puppy. By protecting all of our puppies from stress and disease that could be brought on by high traffic, we are protecting your puppy. Just think about how you would feel if someone who just wanted to see his or her pup happened to bring in stress or illness that would cause us to lose a litter and you to lose your future puppy. We have heard from many people that pet stores, other breeders, or other kennels let clients visit puppies; the reality is that their number one concern is selling a puppy. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We take great care and much time caring for all of our dogs and their puppies. It is time and energy consuming. This is what we do best, so please let us do it.  We understand your excitement, and we are happy that you are enthusiastic about getting your pup.

But until you take your puppy home, we are responsible, and the puppy’s health and safety is our priority. I guarantee you that in 8 weeks after the birth it will be well worth your wait.

 

 IN THE MEANTIME, WHAT CAN YOU DO?

You can come to meet us, see the adult dogs, and see any litters that have been vet checked, immunized, and are 8 weeks old.

Puppy proof your house.

Get a kennel for crate training.

Get some good puppy toys (we recommend mylar bones, gummy bones, and other chew toys - not stuffed or squeaky because the pup can choke on stuffing and the squeaker).

Get your leash and collar (9"-10").

Get dog food (we feed Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Food, 14 lbs.).

Get stainless steel food and water dishes.

Hopefully you can keep busy until your puppy is ready to go home!

Feel free to call us with questions. We're here to talk with you about the progress of the pups.

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