Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale in Miami

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred to be companions, and they are very good at it. They are sweet, gentle, and affectionate, and they want to be close to their people. Many Cavaliers follow their owners from room to room and are happiest curled up on a lap.

Cavaliers are friendly with almost everyone, including kids, strangers, other dogs, and often cats. That makes them easy to live with, but it also means they are poor guard dogs. They still have some spaniel in them, so many enjoy a good walk, sniffing around the park, or chasing a bird across the yard.

Their biggest weakness is being alone. Cavaliers bond tightly with their families and can become anxious when left for long hours.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. Always talk with your vet about your own dog.

The biggest health concern in Cavaliers is mitral valve disease (MVD). It is a heart problem where a valve wears out and leaks, causing a murmur and, over time, possible heart failure. It is very common in the breed and can start at a young age. Your vet should listen to your Cavalier's heart at every visit.

Other issues to know about include:

• Syringomyelia, where the skull is too small for the brain and fluid-filled pockets form in the spinal cord, which can cause pain
• Eye problems such as cataracts, retinal problems, and dry eye
• Ear infections, because the long, heavy ears trap moisture
• Luxating patella (loose kneecaps) and hip dysplasia

Before you choose a puppy, ask what health information is available for the puppy. The most important is a heart exam, ideally by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, repeated over the years. Also ask about a yearly eye exam, hip and patella checks, MRI screening for syringomyelia if available, and DNA tests for episodic falling and curly coat/dry eye syndrome.

Call your vet right away if your Cavalier has a cough that does not go away, fast or hard breathing while resting, fainting, or tires easily. Also call if your dog often scratches at the neck or shoulder without touching the skin, yelps when picked up, or seems sensitive around the head and neck. These can be signs of syringomyelia.

Many owners enroll in pet insurance while their puppy is young, before any condition becomes pre-existing. Check how the policy covers heart disease and long-term medications.

Florida has a pet lemon law that protects puppy buyers. Learn more about your rights under Florida law.

Cavaliers have a slightly shortened muzzle and a full coat, and many have heart concerns, so heat hits them harder than many breeds. Walk early in the morning or after sunset, keep outings short in summer, bring water, and keep your home cool with AC. Know the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, or stumbling.

Some Cavaliers enjoy a paddle, but they tire quickly and can struggle to climb out of a pool. Teach your dog where the steps are, supervise all swimming, and use a dog life vest on boats and at the beach. Rinse and dry the ears after any swim.

For the Miami basics every dog owner needs, like hot pavement, parked cars, year-round parasites, cane toads and hurricane prep, see our Miami puppy care guide.

Cavaliers have a silky, medium-length coat with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. It sheds a moderate amount, so they are not hypoallergenic.

The breed comes in four colors. Blenheim is chestnut red and white, the most familiar look. Tricolor is black and white with tan markings. Black and tan is black with tan markings on the face, legs, and chest. Ruby is a solid rich red.

Your first week sets the tone. Here is a simple checklist:

• Get supplies ready: crate, bed, bowls, the same food your puppy has been eating, a harness, a leash, ID tag, chew toys, a pin brush and comb, and an ear cleaner your vet recommends
• Book a first vet visit within a few days of bringing your puppy home, and ask your vet to listen to the heart
• Keep the vaccine schedule going and bring your puppy's records to the vet
• Start a crate and potty routine on day one: out after waking, eating, and playing
• Practice short periods apart so your puppy learns to be calm alone
• Begin gentle socialization with new people, sounds, and surfaces once your vet says it is safe

Questions about the breed or our current litters? Ask us about our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies, and see our financing options.