The "show potential" Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is hard to predict. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder can only pick out what might be promising later on, but even the most seasoned Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder cannot state positively that a puppy is destined to become a champion. Charisma is one quality that must be developed as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy ages. Pat Hastings wrote a book titled "Tricks of the Trade" and has developed a wonderful DVD to help aid breeders in evaluating a litter properly for structural weaknesses. All puppies will have structural weaknesses and there is never going to be a pick of the litter. The overall balance of the puppy as a whole is how a puppy should be looked at and not each individual fault. Here at Cruisin Cavaliers we go through Pat Hastings approach to evaluating our litters at eight weeks of age. However, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels go through several stages of development during their first year.
Topline's can go array, muzzles can loose their fill, they can become too leggy, and even loose their bite. Owners can become overly worried during this rapid period of change and awkwardness. Once they begin to come back into their own and the owner sees a glimpse of hope on the horizon the battle of coat not being long enough or the tail may be carried too high in a posturing position. Many other troubling situations can set in not to mention the training that must be done. Creating a show dog doesn't really begin with purchasing a show prospect because the way a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is raised can influence the outcome of your show ring results. |
