PUPPY INFORMATION

INDEX

• General Information
• Typical Puppy Photos
• Current Litter Information

        Islehaven Cavalier puppies are the result of well planned breedings.  Moms and Dads are screened for inheritable defects such as hips, eyes, patellas, and heart problems before they are bred.  We do not inbreed; we line breed.  Islehaven's basic lines are the English Homerbrent and Salador.  Almost all of our pups go back to the famous Eng. Ch. Homeranne Caption.  They also can be traced back to the Eng. Ch. Salador Christo and Eng. Ch. Salador Crismark.  Average wait for a puppy varies from 4-6 months.  Ruby and black and tan pups take an additional 2-3 months.

           Once a breeding has taken place, typical gestation for Cavaliers is a 59-63 day period.  After delivery, the babies remain in a  whelping box with their Mom for 3-4 weeks.  Dew claws are removed at five days of age, with a vet check-up as well.  Typically, a pup will open its eyes at about days 12-14.  They remain deaf until about 21 days after birth when the ear canals open.  During the first 3 weeks, pups cannot maintain temperature and must be kept warm.  After the 3 week period, the pups normally practice pre-growling for a week or so as they try to assume a very shaky standing position and then attempt to walk.  They usually learn backwards first!  After 3-4 weeks, depending on the individual litter, they are moved out to the kitchen/family room area, where our other Cavaliers become their "godmothers" and "godfathers".  Once there, we begin teaching them to "slop" milk own their own, and then we start them on dry kibble.  Pups are also wormed at 4 weeks for the first time.

            At six weeks of age, the pups receive a second worming and their first immunization shot.  After receiving this, they can then begin going outside and housetraining begins.  We perform puppy temperament testing with each individual pup as well at this time, and we can define some definite personality traits.  Mom, and the others, teach the pups their socialization skills and manners, such as never go to another dog's food dish--Grr.  Just a growl, never a snap, and the lesson is learned.  When the pups are 8 weeks old, they receive another shot, and some begin to leave for their new homes.  Others leave at 10 weeks, depending on their individual skills.

       Below are typical puppy photos of Islehaven puppies at different ages, and in all four colors.
 

B/Ts, ruby & tri newborns

One-week-old tri boy

Mom and her 3-week-old tri girl

Four-week-old tri and blenheims

A happy 5-week-old ruby puppy!

Basket of 6-week-old blenheim  pups