News from our home

Morning: Puppies usually wake around 6:30–7:00 a.m. Once awake, immediately pick them up and take them outside. Our command is "outside go potty." We say pick them up because they have hopefully held their bladder overnight and won't make it if they have to run outdoors themselves. It takes a little time, but they will get there.

Breakfast comes right when they come back inside — about a quarter to a half cup of food, adjusted to what your puppy actually eats at each meal. When they finish, outside go potty again. Every time they are successful outside, make a huge deal of it: raise your tone and praise, and a treat works too. Not too many treats or they won't eat their food — we use their own kibble as the treat.

After breakfast the puppies play for a while, and then it is quiet time to rest — a perfect moment for the crate. Our command is "kennel up." When they wake, outside potty.

Lunch is anywhere from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., with the same outside-and-nap routine. Dinner is at 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., same routine again.

Bedtime is around 9:30–10:00 p.m. Outside potty first, then into the nighttime crate — which should be in your bedroom — as you say "bedtime." They may whine, cry, or bark. If you know they are clean and safe, let them fuss; it may take a couple of nights, but if you give in it will continue. If your puppy cries after sleeping for a stretch, they are telling you they need to potty: pick them up quietly, go outside, praise, and return quietly to the crate with the same words. Put a pair of old dirty socks in with your puppy — the scent of you eases their comfort. They must be dirty socks.

Potty time: Puppies have small bladders, and they play and then they potty. The rule of thumb is outside every 45 minutes, stretching the interval as you learn their schedule.

We also suggest discussing your feeding program and portions with your veterinarian. Milt and Susan are always here — call either of us any time you are having trouble.

Congratulations on your new puppy — it is time to prepare for your new fur baby. Please note we are not dog trainers; these are suggestions based on how we work with our own dogs at home.

Crates: We use two. One lives in the living area for easy access — quiet time, or when you leave and return home, or when you are busy cooking and can't watch them. Always leave that crate door open when your puppy is out; you will find they go in to rest on their own because they learn it is a safe place. Our command is "kennel up," said every time you put them in, and after a few days start saying it first and offering a small treat when they walk in. The second crate is for bedtime only and stays in your bedroom. Take your puppy outside saying "outside go potty," come in and say "bedtime." In the morning, open the crate and go outside, then close the bedroom door so they learn the bedroom is for sleep. Whatever commands you choose, everyone in the family must use the same ones.

Toys: Puppies chew, and Cavaliers seem to love shoes. If they grab one, say "drop it," take it away, and replace it with a puppy toy. We recommend Benebones and Lumabones, replaced when they get too small. Rope and knot toys are not safe — ingested strings cause intestinal injury and death — so use them only under direct supervision. Squeaky toys are a favorite and are safe, but inspect them so your puppy can't reach the squeaker or stuffing; sew or toss torn toys. Buy quality tennis balls rather than cheap ones that tear apart. Remember your puppy will grow fast, so choose toys that stay safe at their adult size. Bitter Apple spray helps with chewing on molding and furniture — say NO and spray the area.

Collars, leashes, harnesses, clothes: Collars are lovely for looks, but do not leash from a collar — Cavaliers should walk on a harness and leash. Always remove the collar when your puppy is in the crate, as it can catch and hurt them. Sweaters and Velcro jackets are great in cold weather; in heat, skip the extra clothing and be careful of hot pavement, which burns the pads of their feet.

Gates: If certain areas are off limits, install gates before your puppy comes home. We prefer pressure/tension gates since they leave no holes in the wall.

Food: You will go home with a 4–6 pound bag of the food your puppy is already eating. If you prefer to switch, wait at least four weeks and transition slowly — switching too fast causes diarrhea. Look for taurine in the ingredients, which supports cardiac health, and avoid grain-free foods: research shows a correlation between grain-free diets and heart disease in Cavaliers. Wash food and water bowls regularly (a very dilute bleach rinse, then dish soap or the dishwasher), and use weighted bowls so they can't be tipped. Water should always be available except at bedtime. We use an automatic wide-mouth gravity waterer.

Treats: Treats are important for training — puppies thrive on praise and a small reward. Use their own kibble at first, then small training treats after a few weeks. Say the command, then praise in a higher-pitched voice, then treat. After six months we use frozen blueberries (two a day can help with eye staining), strawberries, watermelon, carrots, green beans, broccoli, and apples — always in small amounts and cut so nothing round can lodge in their throat. No salt or butter on popcorn. Be cautious with peanut butter: some dogs are allergic, and xylitol is toxic. Pill pockets or cheese work well for medication.

Vaccinations: Your puppy receives vaccinations at 6 and 9 weeks, and possibly at 12 weeks depending on timing and weight. Bordetella is not given while they are with us — discuss it with your veterinarian. Vaccinations after 10 weeks are the puppy parent's responsibility. Plan follow-up appointments at 10–12 weeks, 16–18 weeks, and 12–16 months.

Pickup day: Puppies leave at 10 weeks of age. You will receive medical records the day of pickup and must have your puppy examined by a veterinarian within 5–7 business days, so schedule that appointment now. When you arrive, you will meet the parents of your puppy and likely the rest of our dogs, and we review all paperwork with you together with plenty of time for questions. Deliveries are made only by us. You go home with gifts: a 3–6 pound bag of puppy food, a puppy toy, and a puppy blanket carrying the scent of the parents and siblings to ease the transition.

Vitamins: Your puppy begins daily NuVet Plus at 8 weeks, and we highly recommend continuing it — it supports skin and coat, eyes, ears, bones, teeth, digestion, immune system, heart, and nervous system. Order at nuvet.com with referral code 953756 or call 800-474-7044, ideally before your puppy comes home. Dosing at this age is a quarter tablet daily, a half tablet at 6 months, and a whole tablet at 8–9 months. We also recommend NuVet puppy shampoo — your puppy is bathed with it on discharge day.

Training tips (not training, just what we use): SIT — gently guide their hind end down while saying "sit," then praise and treat; a finger snap works later. LAY — from a sit, gently guide them down saying "lay." DOWN/OFF — when they jump, say "down" firmly with an open palm pushed downward; they learn the hand signal. SHAKE/PAW — take their paw while saying the word, then treat. COME — takes the longest; outside, use their name plus "come," starting on a leash with lots of treats. STAY — on leash, stop, put them in a sit, and repeat "stay," reinforcing each time. DROP IT — repeat the words while gently taking the item, then praise and treat. LEAVE IT — once drop it is learned, teach them to walk away from the item entirely; leash walks are the best practice.

We hope some of this is helpful. Never hesitate to email, text, or call with questions. Milt and I thank you for choosing Enchanting Cavaliers — we wish you all the best with your new fur baby, and we love getting pictures. — Susan & Milt Williams

Brushing: Once your new puppy is home and settled — about two weeks — begin brushing your Cavalier at least daily. We like to start on our lap every night while watching TV. Start SLOW and VERY GENTLE. Show them the brush and comb, then brush down their back, then the ears, and so forth. Use a small slicker brush while they are puppies, and once the fur starts getting long, switch to a medium brush to cover more area. Daily brushing helps release the natural oils in their coat. Cavaliers only need baths about every five to six weeks — washing too often dries out their skin.

Eyes: Keep their eyes clean. Some Cavaliers have drainage. There are products like Angel Eyes, but a soft washcloth with warm water works great. Use one corner of the cloth to wipe away tears and a different area for the other eye, then dry the eyes afterward. Tears and buildup can cause eye infections and sores.

Ears: Get an ear rinse and clean the ears weekly, or more often if needed. Ear wipes also work. We pour a little rinse on a cosmetic pad, clean the ear out and downward, then twirl the pad gently in the canal to keep the area clean. Remember to dry the ear when you are done.

Teeth: Cavaliers' teeth must be cleaned, and daily brushing is a good habit to start early. Pet stores sell toothbrush sets with a finger brush, a regular brush, and toothpaste, as well as dental wipes. It isn't fun for them, but it keeps their teeth in good condition.

Bathing: Brush your Cavalier before washing to remove knots and tangles, since a bath can make them worse. Use a good puppy shampoo (we like NuVet puppy shampoo) plus a conditioner, and keep the water warm — not hot or cold. Towel dry lightly, then use a hair dryer on low heat while gently brushing to smooth the coat. Do your research, since some shampoos can be harsh; choose a gentle puppy shampoo with mild scents. Puppy wipes are great for messy in-between times. We only bathe ours about every six weeks.

De-tangling: As your Cavalier grows and starts getting tangles, use a metal comb with two sizes of round teeth at opposite ends. Gently pull the tangle slightly to loosen it, then use the large teeth to work the knot out. Never pull hard — it hurts your puppy. If a knot won't come out, see a professional groomer before it reaches the skin and follicles. Cowboy Magic concentrated conditioner (available on Amazon) is wonderful: work a small amount into the knot, keep moving it around, and it breaks down like magic.

First appointment: Once your puppy is six months old and has had all their shots, take them for their first grooming appointment so they get used to the environment. Keep it quick — a bath, nails, teeth, and a haircut depending on your wishes.

Grooming is a perfect time to bond with your new bundle of joy and energy. Give them a favorite toy so they don't see the comb or brush as one. First attempts may be challenging, but keep working at it — praise the good behavior and redirect the rest. Happy grooming!

NuVet Plus: The transition to a new home is stressful for a puppy, and that stress taxes an underdeveloped immune system. We take care of the genetics and the nutrition on our side, but environmental toxins are the invisible concern once your puppy goes home. NuVet Plus is a daily supplement that supports immune defense, digestion, skin and coat, eyes and ears, bones and teeth, cardiovascular health, and the nervous system.

We encourage all of our families to start the regimen before pickup and continue it for life. It runs about $20 per month — less than $4 per week — and you can save up to 15% with the Preferred Pet Program autoship. Order by calling 800-474-7044 or online at www.nuvet.com using our breeder access code 953756.

Embark Dog DNA: New puppy parents can also get an exclusive discount on an Embark Dog DNA test through us. It screens for hundreds of health risks, finds relatives, predicts adult weight, and gives you a health picture as unique as your puppy — helpful for planning care across their lifetime. Ask us for the link when you pick up your puppy.

History: The breed is named after King Charles II, who ascended to Great Britain's throne in 1661. King Charles II, like his father King Charles I, adored their Cavaliers dearly, having them accompany him wherever he went, including official functions and locations. King Charles I's supporters during the English Civil Wars were known as "Cavaliers." The breed was founded by selective breeding of the English toy spaniel and Asian toy breeds, and the Cavalier's look transitioned dramatically during his reign as breeders crossed the breed with pugs.

King Charles II passed without a descendent successor, and the Cavalier fell out of favor after England's wars, as the new regime saw the breed as a negative memory of the past. The breed declined to near extinction for political reasons along with World War II, famine, and limited supplies. It was Roswell Eldridge who took the lead in rebuilding the breed with its original traits and standards, offering a monetary reward to the breeders who successfully produced dogs that looked like those of King Charles II's reign.

In 1945, several breeders were successful at reestablishing the breed with the original traits found back in the 1600s. The breed emerged popular in England and North America, now formally named Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1945. It would take another fifty years for the American Kennel Club to formally recognize the CKCS as the 140th registered breed under their charter in 1995.

Currently: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are and have been in the top 20 most popular dog breeds for more than the last ten years.

Most Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners and lovers are fully aware of the American Kennel Club accepted primary color coats of Blenheim, Ruby, Black and Tan, and Tricolor — which is actually black and white with tan markings. Controversy exists among some regarding the lesser known Cavalier solid colors of black, chocolate, tan, and even white. These alternate colors are often considered substandard or rare and are not acceptable to be shown in the ring at AKC events. There are additional variations among these Cavalier colors to yield black and white; chocolate and tan; chocolate, tan and white; just to name a few.

The alternate colors have recently gained a bit of popularity among Cavalier owners as they are different from the mainstream colors — the rare ones, with all the same traits of the breed and their accepted partners in the line up of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They are not genetic flaws in breeding, nor crosses with other AKC breeds, but rarer color variations tied to genetic codes carried in the DNA like many other traits that parents pass on to their offspring. No different than the variations we pass down to our own offspring, which is why we have our own individuality but share many traits with our parents.

Color variation is not a flaw in breeding. Responsible breeders do their best to produce puppies that are less likely to inherit negative traits like degenerative myelopathy (DM), intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and chondrodystrophy (CDDY), among the other known genetically transmitted Cavalier health risks. The breed also has inherent health risks such as mitral valve disease (MVD) that is embedded in the genetic codes across the breed irrespective of color variation or gender. As you decide on your next family addition of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, do your research on finding a reputable AKC breeder that tests for potential health traits — while you get your mind set on what color and gender!

Well, the second half of 2026 will be exciting and challenging, with potential for up to four litters arriving this September and October! Timing should help place puppies with our patient clients on the waiting list and those looking for a special puppy to arrive at the end of 2026 or early 2027. We are awaiting ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy with three girls, one each of the next three weeks, as we will likely be mating our fourth girl the first week of August.

We had our plan with the boys and girls each having their own plan on timing. We were able to match up mates to build on the positive strengths of each couple to pass on to every puppy in each litter. Having the potential for four litters in the home at the same time will be a first, and definitely a challenge for us. Assuming we have confirmed pregnancies for each girl, we will close out our puppy availability for 2026.

Please follow us as we provide litter updates and pictures in the coming weeks. You can also find us on social media — Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok — over the coming weeks.

We are happy to announce that Cassidy has retired and joined Kemyt, Sam, and Scarlet in her new home and life. We appreciate Kemyt and Sam opening their hearts and home to welcome yet another Enchanting Cavaliers retiree to a love filled family.

Their Scarlet (our Skylar) was their first adult Cavalier to share their lives, and now Cassidy is back with her former companion. The two girls will be enjoying a pampered life filled with activities like travel, boating, and park outings.

We miss both girls deeply but know that they are living the high life filled with love, fun, and adventure! We appreciate the updates and pictures which keep us part of their new lives going forward. Thank you Kemyt and Sam!

Merlot (ruby) and Brodie (tricolor) are proud to announce their litter arrived 1/15/2026 with some joy and tears. Merlot had three puppies naturally until one of the remaining four blocked delivery, requiring an emergency cesarean section to attempt delivery of the remaining puppies in the litter. Sadly, three of the four puppies delivered by C-section did not survive the challenge of obtaining emergency surgery.

Merlot made it home late on the evening of 1/15 to reunite with her first three puppies and to welcome the last arrival. They have four beautiful Cavalier puppies, with mom and puppies all doing fantastic.

Ginny is a ruby female, Luna a black and tan female, Lily a ruby female, and lastly Remus is a ruby male.

Ruger (Blenheim) has mated successfully three times with Tori (tricolor), so they are now awaiting an ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy in early February.

Their last mating and litter resulted in a litter of five tricolor and Blenheim Cavalier puppies, all going to loving families near and far.

They are very optimistic that their litter should arrive around the end of March, so check back for updates on their success.

We are pleased to announce that our calm and loving Abagail was hand selected to join a special family locally.

Abby was recently retired from our breeding program and has now moved nearby, where her outgoing and loving disposition will help one of the family members needing just a little special attention.