What health testing do your Cavaliers receive?

The health of future generations is at the heart of every breeding decision we make.

Our breeding Cavaliers receive comprehensive breed-appropriate health and genetic testing before being considered for our program. This includes evaluation of:

• Cardiac health

• Eye health

• Patellas

• Hips (including PennHIP when appropriate)

• Genetic screening

We provide transparency by sharing health-testing information and direct links to OFA records for our breeding Cavaliers and carefully selected outside sires.

Our goal is not simply to produce puppies—we strive to make thoughtful decisions that improve the health, temperament and longevity of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for generations to come.

What health testing do your puppies receive before going home?

Every Thunder Pup receives careful veterinary care before joining their new family.

Before going home at approximately 8–10 weeks, puppies receive:

• Three age-appropriate veterinary examinations

• First DHPP vaccination

• Deworming appropriate for age

• Complete health records for their new family

• AKC Reunine Minimicrochip

We do not rush puppies into their new homes. We believe every puppy deserves a strong start and families deserve confidence that their puppy has been carefully evaluated before placement.

What does my puppy come home with?

Every Thunder Pup goes home prepared for a smooth transition into their new family, including:

• AKC Limited Registration

• AKC Reunite microchip

• Health records

• Vaccination records

• Starter supply of Royal Canin puppy food

• XXS puppy harness and leash

• Puppy toothbrush

• Familiar-scented plush toy

• Familiar-scented baby blanket

We want your puppy's first days away from Thunder Pups Farm to feel as comfortable and secure as possible.

How are your puppies socialized?

Our puppies are raised in our home as part of our family, not in an outdoor kennel or separate facility.

From birth, they experience the sights, sounds, smells and routines of everyday family life. They are handled daily, exposed to household noises, loved by our family and socialized with our adult Cavaliers. From day 3 through their next 16 days we do Early Nerve Stimulation which is proven to support their resiliency. We also do sound therapy for sounds that traditionally cause fear in dogs, such as: fireworks; thunderstorma and other noises. Puppies and Dogs are driven by scent. Its important that we don't overlook the importance of scent when it comes to bonding with your new pet. We incorporate scent training for bonding with baby blankets. Its an important part of our program and helps ease your pet's transition from our home to yours.

Our goal is to raise confident, adaptable puppies who are prepared to become beloved family members.

Because our program is intentionally small, we are able to give each puppy individual attention and care.

When do puppies go home?

Thunder Pups are placed with their families at approximately 8–10 weeks of age.

We wait until puppies have received their appropriate early development, socialization and veterinary evaluations before they leave our home.

After puppies complete their four-week veterinary examination, families may visit in person to meet their puppy. For families who cannot travel, we offer live video visits.

We want every family to feel confident and connected before welcoming their Thunder Pup home.

How do I reserve a Thunder Pup?

To join our waitlist, we first want to get to know you and learn how your new Cavalier will live as part of your family.

This begins with a phone conversation and/or FaceTime video chat where we can answer your questions, learn about your expectations and make sure we are the right fit for each other.

We carefully select families who share our commitment to the lifelong health, happiness and wellbeing of their Cavalier.

How far in advance should I join the waitlist?

We recommend joining our waitlist as soon as you decide a Cavalier is the right addition to your family.

Because Thunder Pups Farm is intentionally a very small, home-based preservation program, we produce only a limited number of litters. Planning ahead gives families the best opportunity to be considered for a future litter.

How are puppies matched with families?

We consider both the family's preferences and each puppy's individual personality when making placements.

Families may share preferences regarding sex and color, but our goal is always to create the best match based on temperament, energy level and the puppy's unique character.

A beautiful Cavalier is wonderful, but the right temperament match is what creates a lifetime bond.

Do you sell breeding rights?

No. We do not sell breeding rights.

Our puppies are placed as beloved companions on AKC Limited Registration. We carefully plan every breeding ourselves to protect the health, temperament and future of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed.

If you are interested in learning more about responsible breeding, we encourage you to first become involved with Cavalier Rescue USA or another reputable breed organization to learn about the commitment, health testing and responsibilities involved.

What does AKC Limited Registration mean?

AKC Limited Registration means your puppy is registered with the American Kennel Club as a companion dog, but breeding rights are not included.

Your puppy is preregistered with AKC before going home, and the registration is transferred to your family at pickup.

A dog with Limited Registration may still participate in many AKC activities, including obedience, rally, agility and scent work. However, puppies produced from a Limited Registration dog cannot be registered with AKC.

What health testing do your Cavaliers receive?

The health of future generations is at the heart of every breeding decision we make.

Our breeding Cavaliers receive comprehensive breed-appropriate health and genetic testing before being considered for our program. This includes evaluation of:

• Cardiac health

• Eye health

• Patellas

• Hips (including PennHIP when appropriate)

• Genetic screening

We provide transparency by sharing health-testing information and direct links to OFA records for our breeding Cavaliers and carefully selected outside sires.

Our goal is not simply to produce puppies—we strive to make thoughtful decisions that improve the health, temperament and longevity of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for generations to come.

What health testing do your puppies receive before going home?

Every Thunder Pup receives careful veterinary care before joining their new family.

Before going home at approximately 8–10 weeks, puppies receive:

• From your breeder:

  1. AKC Reunite Minimicrochip

  2. Deworming appropriate for age

  3. Complete health records for their new family including growth chart; birth records; and copies of all vet visits

• From our Reproductive Veterinarians that we partner with to make breeding decisions:

  1. Three age-appropriate veterinary examinations nose to tail and in particular hearts, eyes, patellas and hips 

  2. First DHPP vaccination

We do not rush puppies into their new homes. We believe every puppy deserves a strong start and families deserve confidence that their puppy has been carefully evaluated before placement.

How are your puppies socialized?

Our puppies are raised in our home as part of our family, not in an outdoor kennel or separate facility. From birth, they experience the sights, sounds, smells and routines of everyday family life. They are handled daily, exposed to normal household activity, loved by our family and appropriately socialized with our adult Cavaliers.

Beginning on day three and continuing through day sixteen, we incorporate Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) exercises designed to support early neurological development, adaptability and resilience.

We also introduce puppies gradually and positively to sounds that commonly cause fear or anxiety in dogs, including thunderstorms, fireworks and other unfamiliar noises. Our goal is not simply exposure, but helping puppies learn that new sounds and experiences do not need to be frightening.

Scent is equally important. Dogs experience much of their world through their noses, and we don't overlook the role scent can play in bonding and transition. We incorporate scent work using baby blankets, allowing puppies to become familiar with the scent of their future family before going home. That familiar scent helps begin the bonding process and can provide comfort as your puppy transitions from our home to yours.

Because our program is intentionally small, we have the time to give each puppy individual attention throughout these important early weeks.

Socialization should continue after your puppy goes home, even while the vaccination series is being completed—but safely. Introduce your puppy gradually and positively to trusted people, healthy appropriately vaccinated dogs, different surfaces, household sounds, car rides and new experiences. Until your veterinarian confirms adequate vaccine protection, avoid unnecessary exposure to high-traffic dog areas such as dog parks and pet-store floors.

Socialization isn't about exposing a puppy to everything at once. It's about creating positive experiences that help build a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.

When do puppies go home?

Thunder Pups are placed with their families at approximately 8–10 weeks of age.

We wait until puppies have received their appropriate early development, socialization and veterinary evaluations before they leave our home.

After puppies complete their four-week veterinary examination, families may visit in person to meet their puppy. For families who cannot travel, we offer live video visits.

We want every family to feel confident and connected before welcoming their Thunder Pup home.

What Comes in Our Puppy Welcome-Home Bag?
Every Thunder Pup goes home with items selected to support a smooth transition into their new family:

• AKC Limited Registration

• AKC Reunite microchip information and tag

• Health and vaccination records

• Starter supply of Royal Canin puppy food and measuring scoop

• XXS puppy harness and leash

• Puppy toothbrush

• Familiar-scented plush toy

• Your puppy’s familiar-scented baby blanket, plus a backup blanket provided as a gift from us

We want your puppy’s first days away from Thunder Pups Farm to feel as comfortable and secure as possible.

What Should I Have Ready Before My Thunder Pup Comes Home? 

Note, we offer quick shopping links below. You do not need to purchase every item at once. Begin with the essentials, then add grooming, enrichment and age-appropriate products as your puppy grows. If you have questions-remember it's fine to text us anytime.

Food & Water

• Spaniel food and water bowls

  1. Our Favorite Food Bowls

  2.  Ceramic Set

• Airtight food-storage container

• Portable travel bowls

• Royal Canin Small Dog Puppy Kibble ask us to email you a recommendation with discount codes!

• Royal Canin Cavalier Adult Kibble for Small Dogs  Note for adulthood; do not purchase for initial feeding, ask us to email you a recommendation with discount codes! 

Tummy & Digestive Support at any age over 2 months

• Royal Canin Everyday Probiotics

• Purina PRO FortiFlora for upset tummies

• Royal Canin GI Formula canned food for upset tummies you may only need a few cans and your vet may carry this food

• Artullano Probiotics for Dogs—Advanced Digestive Enzymes for Gut Health and Immunity rotate this in for support against yeast overgrowth

Harness, Leash, Collar & Tracking

• Voyager harness a starter XXS harness is included; purchase the next sizes when needed 

• Leash with attached poop-bag holder a starter leash is included; this is an optional additional leash 

• Biodegradable Refill poop bags

• Customized/personalized collar purchase as your puppy grows 

• Find My/AirTag tracker

• AirTag/tracker collar holder

Puppy Safety & Containment

• Baby pen/puppy containment pen

• Adjustable Baby Gates — We love these gates for unusual spaces and standard doorways. They also coordinate throughout your home. Visit the Toddleroo Store for additional parts to customize each gate for your space.

• Washable potty pads 

• Large washable potty pads for under pens

• Dog crate

• Ramp Use these for high beds

• Stairs Use these for sofa and chairs

Toys, Chews & Enrichment

• Snuggle Puppy

• KONG toys 

• Rope/rag toys

• Deer antler chews — for later, after baby teeth are gone 

• Probiotic chews

• Puppy enrichment toys

• Toy box/personalized dog-toy container

Comfort

• Special puppy blanket — to bring to Thunder Pups at approximately four weeks for scent work

• Orthopedic washable insert dog bed 

Grooming & Dental Care

• Pawpad trimmers

• Toenail clippers

• Soft detangling brush

• Metal comb

• Mars Coat King dematting/grooming rake for later coat maintenance 

• Dog toothbrush included in the welcome-home bag; linked for future replacement 

• Dog toothpaste

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

Preventive Medications

• Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Prevention Medication 

• Tri Heart Plus Heartworm & Parasite Protection Medication 

Travel

• Secure dog car seat/restraint that connects to the harness, not the collar

• Flight carrier 

Cleaning

• Enzyme Cleanser stain and odor remover

What health concerns are important in Cavaliers?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are wonderful companions, but like every breed, they have health considerations families should understand.

Responsible breeders work to reduce risk through thoughtful breeding decisions, health testing and careful evaluation of pedigrees. Cavalier owners should be aware of the importance of monitoring:

• Heart health

• Eye health

• Dental health

• Weight management

• Joint and mobility health

• Neurological concerns

Regular veterinary care, maintaining a healthy weight and paying attention to changes in your dog's behavior, appetite or activity level are important parts of helping your Cavalier live a long, happy life.

What do Cavalier owners need to know about heart health?

Heart health is an important consideration for every Cavalier family.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be predisposed to mitral valve disease (MVD), a condition involving the heart valves. Regular veterinary examinations and listening to your veterinarian's recommendations for cardiac monitoring are important throughout your Cavalier's life.

Responsible breeders evaluate cardiac health in their breeding dogs and consider health history when making breeding decisions. However, no breeder can guarantee that a puppy will never develop a health condition.

The best gift you can give your Cavalier is responsible breeding, regular veterinary care, a healthy lifestyle and a loving home where changes can be noticed early.

How do I keep my Cavalier healthy?

A healthy Cavalier starts with responsible breeding, but lifelong care happens at home.

Important ways to support your Cavalier's health include:

• Feed a high-quality, balanced diet

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Provide regular veterinary care

• Keep teeth clean with appropriate dental care

• Provide age-appropriate exercise

• Continue training and mental enrichment

• Monitor changes in appetite, energy or behavior

Cavaliers are affectionate, people-oriented dogs who thrive when they are part of family life. The love, attention and companionship you provide are just as important to their wellbeing as their physical care.

What common findings can appear on a puppy wellness exam?

A puppy wellness examination is an important part of responsible breeding. Most Thunder Pups receive completely normal reports at their veterinary examinations, but occasionally a veterinarian may note a finding that sounds concerning but is actually common and often benign.

We share this information because many families are unfamiliar with veterinary terminology and may understandably worry when they see something unexpected on a puppy health report.

Common findings may include:

Dental findings:
Young puppies are still developing, and baby teeth are just beginning to erupt during early veterinary examinations. Mild bite variations or a crooked baby tooth can occur and often do not affect a puppy's health or quality of life.

Umbilical hernias:
Small umbilical hernias are a common puppy finding. They can occur because of normal variation during development or birth. Small cosmetic hernias often do not cause health problems and may not require repair. Larger or concerning hernias require veterinary evaluation and most are reducable an non threatening. These can generally wait until 13 plus months during your spay or neuter surgery.

Heart murmurs:
Not all murmurs are the same. Young puppies can occasionally have an innocent (or physiolgoic) murmur that resolves as the puppy grows and the cardiovascular system matures.

Any significant health concern is taken seriously. We believe in transparency and always make decisions based on the best interest of the puppy.

When should I spay or neuter my Cavalier?

The timing of spay or neuter is an important health decision. We strongly recomment what is stated in our puppy agreements, which is to wait to spay or neuter your dog until adulthood, preferably between 18-24 months. Veterinary recommendations support allowing time for healthy growth and development before sterilization. We ask Thunder Pups families to wait until at least 13 months of age before spaying or neutering.

Hormones play an important role in normal growth, bone development, metabolism and overall health. Allowing a Cavalier to mature before sterilization gives them the benefit of adolescent and adult hormones during an important stage of development.

Families who wish to prevent reproduction while maintaining natural hormones may discuss alternatives with their veterinarian, including:

• Ovarian-sparing spay

• Vasectomy

These procedures prevent reproduction while preserving natural hormone function and may be available through reproductive specialists or veterinarians who offer these services.

Our goal is always the same: making thoughtful choices that support the long-term health and wellbeing of every Thunder Pup.

How do I groom my Cavalier?

Cavaliers have a beautiful natural coat and do not need fancy haircuts. Regular brushing is the most important part of grooming. Pay special attention to the ears, behind and under the legs or “leg pits,” underbelly, tail and feathering, where tangles and mats form most easily. A slicker or pin brush followed by a comb through the ears works well.

Preserve your Cavalier’s natural coat and beautiful foot feathering. Trim the toenails and the excess hair growing between the paw pads on the bottom of the feet, but do not trim around the tops of the feet or toes simply to make them look tidy. The feathering on the feet is part of the Cavalier breed standard. 

For males, we also recommend leaving the small “wick” of hair at the end of the penis intact, as it helps direct the urine stream away from the belly and legs.

Bathing:
Cavaliers generally do not need frequent baths. Over-bathing can remove natural oils that keep their skin and coat healthy. A quality dog shampoo and conditioner used every few months, depending on lifestyle, is usually sufficient.

Face, ears and teeth:
Keep eyes and mouth areas clean with a warm damp cloth or saline-only wipes. Keep ears clean and dry, and watch for odor, redness or unusual discharge.

Don't overlook dental care. We begin handling our puppies' mouths and introducing tooth brushing while they are young so this feels normal when they go home. Continue that habit—daily tooth brushing is ideal. Have your veterinarian evaluate your Cavalier's teeth and gums during routine examinations and recommend professional dental care when needed. Good dental care is an important part of your Cavalier's lifelong preventive health routine. 

Can Cavaliers eat human foods?

Many families enjoy sharing small treats with their dogs, and some human foods can be healthy additions to a Cavalier's diet. However, human foods should always be offered in moderation and should never replace a complete and balanced dog food.

Safe foods may include small amounts of plain:

• Cooked eggs

• Lean meats

• Cooked fish

• Plain yogurt

• Cottage cheese

• Blueberries

• Some vegetables

Always introduce new foods slowly and offer only small amounts at first.

Foods that should never be given to dogs include:

• Chocolate

• Garlic, onions, leeks or chives

• Macadamia nuts

• Foods containing xylitol

• Alcohol

Avoid foods that are heavily seasoned, salty, sugary or high in fat.

At Thunder Pups Farm, our Cavaliers enjoy a balanced diet with high-quality nutrition and appropriate healthy additions such as blueberries, yogurt and other carefully selected treats.

The healthiest approach is moderation—safe foods can be a wonderful way to share life with your Cavalier while maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet.

Can Cavaliers be therapy, service or emotional support dogs?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle, sensitive temperament and their deep connection with their people.

Their affectionate nature, intelligence and desire to please make many Cavaliers wonderful candidates for therapy work, emotional support roles and, in some cases, service work.

However, each role has different requirements, and success depends on the individual dog's temperament, confidence, health and training.

Service Dogs

Service dogs are specially trained to assist one individual with a disability by performing specific tasks related to their handler's needs.

They must be able to:

• Tolerate a wide variety of environments and experiences

• Remain calm and focused in public settings

• Perform trained tasks that assist their handler

Service dogs are not primarily trained simply to provide comfort or companionship.

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs provide comfort and emotional support to many people in settings such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes and other facilities.

They must:

• Enjoy interacting with many different people

• Have a calm and friendly temperament

• Be comfortable in new environments

Therapy dogs are not service animals and do not have the same public access rights.

Emotional Support Dogs

Emotional support dogs provide comfort and companionship to their owner.

Their primary role is the bond they share with their person and the emotional support they provide through companionship.

They are not:

• Trained to perform specific disability-related tasks

• Considered service animals

• Intended to provide therapy to many people in public settings

Cavaliers have a remarkable ability to connect with people. Their loving nature is one of the many reasons they have become beloved companions and successful therapy dogs around the world.

If you are interested in learning more about these roles, these resources may help:

Therapy Dogs International
AKC Service Dog Training Information
AKC Emotional Support Animal Information

How do I train my Cavalier puppy?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are eager to please, intelligent and sensitive. Their desire to make their people happy makes them wonderful students when training is consistent, positive and built on trust.

The best training approach for a Cavalier is gentle guidance, encouragement and clear expectations.

Start Early

Your puppy begins learning from the day they come home. The early weeks are an important time for building confidence and creating good habits.

Begin with simple skills such as:

• Learning their name

• Come

• Sit

• Stay

• Leave it

Keep training sessions short and fun. Cavaliers respond best to praise and rewards rather than harsh correction.

Potty Training

Consistency is the key to successful potty training. Early on, potty trips will need to be more frequent. As a minimum guide, you'll need to take your puppy outside:

• First thing in the morning

• After sleeping

• After meals

• After playtime

Using the same potty area and a predictable routine helps puppies understand what is expected.

Accidents are part of puppyhood. Never punish a puppy for mistakes. Simply clean up and continue teaching.

Crate Training

A crate should be a safe, comfortable place—not a punishment. If you opt to use a crate for rest time, keep in mind these important tips.

Help your puppy learn to love their crate by:

• Providing a comfortable bed or blanket

• Offering safe toys

• Feeding occasional meals in the crate

• Keeping the crate near family activity

Crate training helps with potty training, safety and learning independence.

Socialization

Positive experiences during puppyhood help create confident adult Cavaliers.

Safely introduce your puppy to:

• New people

• Vaccinated dogs

• Household sounds

• Continue playing desensitization sounds like Fireworks and Thunderstorms

• Grooming

• Different surfaces and environments

The goal is confidence, not overwhelming your puppy.

Training the Cavalier Personality

Cavaliers are sensitive dogs with big hearts. They respond best to patience, kindness and consistency.

Their greatest reward is often simply making you happy.

Short daily training sessions, interactive play and mental enrichment help create a well-mannered companion while strengthening your relationship.

Independence Training

Because Cavaliers are naturally devoted to their people, it is important to teach healthy independence.

Practice:

• Short periods alone

• Calm departures and arrivals

• Safe chew toys or enrichment activities

Teaching independence early helps prevent anxiety and creates a confident adult dog.

A Cavalier is not just learning commands—they are learning how to live successfully as part of your family.

How do I support my puppy after bringing them home?

Bringing home a Thunder Pup is the beginning of a lifelong relationship.

The first days and weeks are an important transition as your puppy learns that your home is their new family.

We encourage families to continue the routines and socialization started at Thunder Pups Farm:

• Maintain a consistent schedule

• Continue positive training

• Provide safe socialization experiences

• Establish healthy grooming and veterinary care routines

• Spend time building trust and connection

Your puppy does not need perfection—they need patience, consistency and love.

We also encourage our families to stay connected with us throughout their dog's life. Photos, updates and health information help us continue learning from the Cavaliers we produce and guide future breeding decisions.

Questions will come up as your puppy grows. Whether you need advice about training, grooming, behavior or simply want to share a milestone, we are always happy to help.

Once a Thunder Pup, always a Thunder Pup.

What support do you provide after I bring my puppy home?

Bringing home a Thunder Pup is the beginning of a lifelong relationship.

We want our families to feel supported throughout every stage of their Cavalier's life. Whether you have a question about training, grooming, health, behavior or simply want to share an update, we are always happy to hear from our puppy families.

We ask our families to stay connected and share updates because following our puppies throughout their lives helps us continue making thoughtful decisions for the future of the breed.

What happens if I have questions after bringing my puppy home?

We are always a resource for our Thunder Pup families.

Cavalier ownership is a wonderful journey, and questions naturally come up as puppies grow and mature. We encourage families to reach out whenever they need guidance or simply want to share a milestone.

After more than 40 years of caring for dogs, fostering, rescuing and raising Cavaliers, we are happy to share our experience and help our families navigate life with their dogs.

What if I can no longer keep my Cavalier?

Our commitment to our puppies does not end when they leave our home.

Every Thunder Pup family agrees to contact us if circumstances ever change and they are unable to continue caring for their dog. We will always help find a safe solution.

A Thunder Pup should never end up in a shelter or uncertain situation.

Our goal is for every puppy we place to have a lifetime of love, security and belonging.

Do you stay connected with your puppy families?

Yes. Our puppy families become part of the Thunder Pups family.

We treasure updates, photos and stories throughout the lives of the Cavaliers we produce. These connections mean a great deal to us personally and also provide valuable information about health, temperament and development that helps guide future generations.

Once a Thunder Pup, always a Thunder Pup.

Final reminder:

We are not simply the people who raise your puppy for the first few weeks of life—we are here as a lifelong resource for our Thunder Pups families. Please reach out anytime. We are honored to be part of your Cavalier's journey.