Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Pet or Show

One of the first questions you will be asked by a breeder is, “Do you want a Cavalier as a Pet or to Show”. The usual answer can vary from, “I just want a healthy one” or “What’s the difference” or “I just want a pretty one”

All Cavaliers should first and foremost be considered as a companion, some of the best quality show potential Cavaliers just hate Dog Shows. If it is a pretty face you are after but you do not want to show or breed Cavaliers then tell the breeder.

The fact that they are being sold as pets, does not mean, they are any less healthy than the ones being kept by the breeder to show. Markings do play a part in deciding a “show potential” from a “pet quality” dog, however there are many more other features, such as level top lines, gay tails, straight stifles or scissor bite teeth which a show purchaser needs to consider.

“What’s the difference” – well sometimes it’s the price.

Buying a show potential Cavalier is like betting on the horses. Choose your breeder carefully, visit plenty of litters and compare them. Research your Pedigrees and look for sound healthy lines. Read up on the breed standard and above all else go to some Dog Shows as a visitor, meet the breeders and talk to them before announcing that you are interested in getting a new puppy !

Show potential is about how close that animal is to the Breed Standard (the ‘perfect’ Cavalier). It is an educated guess by a breeder based on their years of experience in the breed. It is their trained “eye” in being able to see the differences between similar puppies in the litter.

The percentage of show quality puppies in any litter is small, sometimes there are none. However none of this can guarantee a Winner, there is grooming, presentation and ring craft to master.

To improve your “odds” we recommend you buy from a breeder who shows on a regular basis or has a proven record in the show ring or of breeding successful show dogs.