Living in the Land of Lincoln and dreaming of adding a Cavalier companion to your family? The journey to finding your perfect Cavalier King Charles Spaniel begins with discovering a reputable breeder.
In this blog post, not only will I unveil the most known Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeders in Illinois, but I’ll also arm you with invaluable insights on how to identify a truly trustworthy and professional breeder.
So by the end of this read, you’ll learn to differentiate between exceptional and undesirable breeders, which will help you make a well-informed decision. Let’s embark on this thrilling journey to finding the perfect match for you and your future furry companion.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies for Sale in Illinois
- Westage Cavaliers
- Lojo Cavaliers
- Lynwood Cavaliers
- Woodhaven Cavaliers
- Red Barn Cavaliers
- Reddy Made Farm
- Windkiss Cavaliers
Westage Cavaliers
About: Located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Westage Cavaliers is a small hobby kennel run by a passionate breeder with a special interest in the health of animals. With extensive experience in the veterinary field, the breeder has taken great care in selecting and breeding Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
As responsible breeders, the health of their dogs is a top priority. Before breeding, their dogs undergo a range of health tests to minimize the risk of inherited health issues. Westage Cavaliers’ breeding dogs are DNA tested for episodic falling and curly coat dry eye syndrome. They also have their eyes, hearts, patellas, hips, and brains checked by the appropriate medical professionals.
The breeder is a past president of the Cavalier King Charles Club of Greater Chicago, and all their dogs, including puppies, are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).
- Location: Arlington Heights, Illinois
- Website: Westage Cavaliers
- Social Media: N/A
- Phone: N/A
- Email: [email protected]
Lojo Cavaliers
About: Nestled in Harvard, Illinois, Lojo Cavaliers is a small kennel that has been breeding quality dogs for 25 years. With all parents being health tested, the breeder offers a health guarantee with every puppy, ensuring that the new owners receive a healthy and happy puppy.
During the past 15 years, Lojo Cavaliers has primarily focused on breeding Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, with the goal of producing healthy and pretty puppies that their new owners can be proud to own. Whether the puppy goes on to win in the show ring or simply becomes a beloved family member, this breeder strives to produce puppies that will bring joy to their new homes.
All of their puppies are AKC registered, and many of the parents are AKC champions. Lojo Cavaliers was recently awarded the prestigious AKC Breeder of Merit award, a testament to their commitment to breeding high-quality Cavaliers.
- Location: Harvard, IL
- Website: Lojo Cavaliers
- Social Media: N/A
- Phone: (815) 943-5673
- Email: [email protected]
Lynwood Cavaliers
About: With three generations and more than 30 years of experience in dog showing and responsible breeding, Lynwood has become a well-known Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder in Illinois.
As active members of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Greater Chicago and the AKC-recognized Cavalier National Club, Linda, and Woody actively exhibit at local shows and attend the Cavalier National annually. They are also members of the CKCSC of Greater Chicago club, attending local and national events and health clinics.
As an AKC Breeder of Merit, Lynwood is blessed with numerous AKC conformation champions and performance titles on their dogs. Each of their breeding Cavaliers undergoes a series of tests before breeding, including eyes, heart, hips/patellas, DNA for curly coat/dry eye, episodic falling disorder, and an MRI for syringomyelia.
However, despite the numerous titles, ribbons, and trophies the family has collected over the years, their love for their dogs remains unparalleled. All of Lynwood’s dogs live in the family’s home and are treated as members of their family.
- Location: IL
- Website: Lynwood Cavaliers
- Social Media: Lynwood Cavaliers Instagram
- Phone: 224-600-4494
- Email: [email protected]
Woodhaven Cavaliers
About: Woodhaven is a family-run breeder located in northern Illinois, only a short drive from both Chicago and Milwaukee. The breeder is committed to breeding high-quality Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies with a focus on health and ethics.
Woodhaven’s Cavaliers are intelligent and easily trained, always willing to please. They are affectionate and playful, making them great companions for families. Sandy and Doug Liston, the owners of Woodhaven, treat their dogs like their children and hope that the families who adopt their puppies do the same.
The family breeds only occasionally, always striving to further improve their Cavaliers’ health and conformation. Their breeding Cavaliers undergo heart and eye tests by board-certified specialist veterinarians and are given MRI scans to screen for syringomyelia.
- Location: Northern Illinois
- Website: Woodhaven Cavaliers
- Social Media: N/A
- Phone: (815) 581-0028
- Email: [email protected]
Red Barn Cavaliers
About: Red Barn Cavaliers is another family-oriented Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder in Illinois that is dedicated to producing healthy, gorgeous, and all-around amazing dogs. The breeder has extensive experience with training and dog rescues, providing a home for foster dogs, and volunteering as part of transport teams to escort rescue dogs to their new families.
Red Barn Cavaliers hand-raise their Cavalier puppies from birth, closely monitoring their development and helping them learn how to nurse. Potty training exercises begin at just 5 days old, and the puppies are around children throughout their time at the breeder.
At about 3 weeks old, the breeder begins playing with the puppies one-on-one, teaching them how to play with different toys and working on commands such as “no teeth” and “gentle.” By about 6 weeks old, Cavalier puppies are exposed to a variety of experiences and given plenty of opportunities for socialization.
- Location: McLean, IL
- Website: Red Barn Cavaliers
- Social Media: Red Barn Cavaliers Instagram
- Phone: (815) 883-1134
- Email: [email protected]
Reddy Made Farm
About: At Reddy Made Farm, transparency is a top priority when it comes to their breeding services. The breeder offers two exceptional breeds – Yorkshire Terriers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – and believes that every puppy deserves a happy home. Their goal is to produce puppies with a quiet and affectionate temperament, raised in a loving home environment that is free of kennels or barns.
The puppies at Reddy Made Farm enjoy a comfortable life on a spacious farm with 8 acres of outdoor space. A dedicated dog nanny keeps the living quarters clean and well-maintained, and the puppies are regularly exposed to human interaction in a safe and supervised setting.
To ensure the best possible health for their puppies, Reddy Made Farm works closely with a veterinarian to provide proper care and check-ups. By the time they’re ready to go to their new homes, the puppies are partially potty-trained.
- Location: Seneca, IL
- Website: Reddy Made Farm
- Social Media: Reddy Made Farm Facebook
- Phone: (815) 210-2928
- Email: [email protected]
Windkiss Cavaliers
About: The last member on our list of Cavalier breeders in Illinois is Windkiss Cavaliers. The breeder has been specializing in the breed since 2008, with overall 30 years of experience in breeding and showing dogs. Windkiss’ dogs are treated as beloved pets first and show dogs second, enjoying lounging on the couch, sleeping in a cozy bed, going for daily walks, and playing in their backyard.
Health and well-being are of utmost importance, and all dogs receive yearly heart and eye clearances by board-certified specialists, knee and hip checks by a licensed veterinarian, and are certified by OFA. Additionally, they undergo DNA testing and MRI testing for various syndromes.
All dogs are registered with AKC and CKCSC USA, and the breeder is an active member of several clubs, including CKCSC USA, Cavaliers of the Midwest, and CKCSC of Greater Chicago. Windkiss shows their dogs in AKC dog shows and has 1-2 litters per year, carefully planned with meticulous research of pedigrees and health histories.
- Location: Chicago (NW suburb), Illinois
- Website: Windkiss Cavaliers
- Social Media: N/A
- Phone: 708-228-7295
- Email: [email protected]
Breeders From a Nearby State Cavalier King Charles Breeders in Michigan
How to Find a Reputable CKCS Breeder in Illinois
To assist you in your quest for the perfect Cavalier King Charles puppy, I have curated a list of notable Cavalier breeders in Illinois for your consideration. However, I must emphasize that I have not personally interacted with any of these breeders, and as such, I cannot vouch for their credibility.
With that said, I STRONGLY encourage you to conduct your own comprehensive research and evaluation of each breeder before welcoming a new puppy into your home.
Despite the caveat, in the following section, I’ll provide you with guidance on distinguishing trustworthy breeders from those you should steer clear of, ensuring that your journey to finding your furry companion is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Essential Characteristics of a Reputable Dog Breeder
| Characteristics of a reputable breeder |
| Prioritizes health, temperament, and social skills |
| Shares the pedigree and history of their breeding dogs |
| Offers health guarantee and purchase contract |
| Works with no more than two breeds |
| Answers any questions you may have |
- Health, temperament, and social skills
When choosing a Cavalier breeder, it is essential to ensure they are committed to the health of their breeding dogs. An esteemed breeder will openly discuss the health tests conducted on their dogs, specifically focusing on the heart (MVD), eyes (CERF), knees (patellae), and hips (OFA). Beware of breeders who claim their puppies are ‘health tested’ and ‘DNA verified’ – it is the parent dogs that must be tested for hereditary diseases, not the puppies.
A trustworthy CKCS breeder not only provides exceptional care, love, and attention to their dogs but also recognizes the vital role of socialization in raising well-rounded puppies. By exposing their young dogs to various animals, people, and environments from an early age, they ensure that their puppies are well-prepared for life in their new homes.
- History and pedigree
When engaging with a highly-regarded breeder, you’ll quickly discover their passion for discussing their adult dogs, their achievements, health, and ancestry. The wealth of information they share may feel overwhelming, but it reflects their dedication and expertise. These breeders not only possess deep knowledge about the puppies’ parents and grandparents but also, in some cases, their great-grandparents.
- Health guarantee and purchase contract
A reputable breeder often provides a health contract guarantee, typically covering your puppy up to the age of one, or they may offer guarantees for specific health issues under certain circumstances. Moreover, among trustworthy breeders, a purchase contract is a standard business practice, that clearly defines the rights and obligations of both buyer and seller.
- One or two breeds
Distinguished breeders focus on one or two breeds at most, as it takes years to develop expertise in a specific breed. They often concentrate on complementary breeds, such as a large and a small breed, or what is referred to as “companion breeds,” like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and their close relatives, the English Toy Spaniels.
- Questions
When you begin inquiring about references from other breeders or past owners, a friendly and dedicated breeder will be more than happy to share them with you. They’ll also enthusiastically answer any questions about how they maintain the happiness and health of their puppies or any other question that you may have.
Interestingly, you may find that a reputable breeder will have even more questions for you than you have for them. While this may feel unusual or even intrusive compared to other purchasing experiences, take this as a plus. Their thoroughness in ensuring that you are a suitable and loving home for their puppy is a testament to their genuine care for their dogs.
Types of Breeders to Avoid
On the other side of the spectrum (usually not following any of the practices mentioned above), there are breeders to avoid.
Puppy mills
These are commercial breeding facilities that prioritize profit over the welfare of the dogs. Or the famous “quantity over quality” parol. Most of the time, they keep their dogs in poor conditions, with little to no medical care or socialization. Dogs bred in puppy mills are more likely to have health and behavioral problems.
Backyard breeders
Backyard breeders are usually run by inexperienced people who may breed their dogs without proper knowledge of breed standards, genetics, and health screening. They may not provide adequate care for their animals, not prioritizing their well-being.
Irresponsible breeders
These breeders may knowingly breed dogs with genetic health issues, such as hip dysplasia, heart defects, or any other inheritable conditions. They may also neglect to provide proper socialization, vaccinations, and medical care for their dogs.
Visiting the Breeder
Once you finish your initial research, it’s time to visit a breeder in person. Reliable breeders will delightfully welcome you into their homes and introduce you to their beloved dogs.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that there may be occasions when your visit gets postponed, as their puppies might not have reached the appropriate age for socialization with guests.
Experiencing the breeder’s environment and operation in person offers you an invaluable opportunity to truly understand their practices and the quality of their kennel. Witnessing their setup firsthand can reveal a wealth of information about the breeder’s dedication and standards.
Is it clean? Do dogs seem happy? Do they have good temperaments? How do caretakers treat them?
Meeting the breeder face-to-face also presents an opportunity to address any specific questions or concerns you might have. Remember, they should be open to any inquiry that you may have.
Breeders From a Nearby State Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breeders in Iowa
What is the Price Range for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in Illinois?
When buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, the price depends on factors like age, breeder, color, pedigree, and lineage. Typically, a Cavvy pup costs between $1,500 and $4,000. Yet, puppies with exceptional beauty and champion bloodlines can cost more.
However, the initial price is just one part of the overall cost. You should also account for ongoing expenses like food, toys, grooming, vet care, pet insurance, etc. To cover these costs, plan for an additional $80 to $150 per month.
Final Thoughts on Buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in IL
In conclusion, before buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, it’s crucial to carefully select a breeder. Focus on those who emphasize the health, temperament, socialization, and genetics of their dogs.
Consider this list as a starting point. You must do your own research, ask for references, visit the breeder in person, meet the puppy’s parents, and ask all your questions to ensure you’re dealing with a trustworthy seller.
By following these steps, you’ll improve your chances of finding a happy, long-living furry family member that will bring joy to your home for years to come.
Lastly, here’s a table with contact information for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeders in Illinois.
| Breeder Name | Website | Contact |
| Westage Cavaliers | Westage Cavaliers | [email protected] |
| Lojo Cavaliers | Lojo Cavaliers | [email protected] |
| Lynwood Cavaliers | Lynwood Cavaliers | [email protected] |
| Woodhaven Cavaliers | Woodhaven Cavaliers | [email protected] |
| Red Barn Cavaliers | Red Barn Cavaliers | [email protected] |
| Reddy Made Farm | Reddy Made Farm | [email protected] |
| Windkiss Cavaliers | Windkiss Cavaliers | [email protected] |
Are you an Illinois-based Cavalier breeder but aren’t listed here? Feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected].