Hi – and thank you for your question.

Cavalier pups at just over 3 weeks with mum Cyda

Cavaliers will usually come into season at around 8 months but this can vary to between 6 months and 1 year. They will be in season for around 3 weeks, twice a year. The most receptive time is when the bleeding stops and mating usually takes place between day 11 — 14. Again this can vary from bitch to bitch. I had one who would only mate around day 5 and another who would mate at every opportunity from day 7 to day 17!

I wondered why you would want a “first and only litter”? If this is because you feel it would “do her good” or prevent future health problems, then please think again. Breeding is a dangerous business and you could lose the bitch and puppies through ignorance. What she never had she will never miss, and spaying really is the kindest option. This can be done at 3 months after the start of her first season.

However, if you intend breeding, you could start with the breeder of your bitch. Ask them if they could recommend a suitable stud dog which would be compatible with your bitch. Failing that, ask around the cavalier community in your area. We have a proven tricolour stud available in West Yorkshire, if you are in the UK. see http://www.heronbank.co.uk/our-stud-boys/ Drummer would make an excellent mate for both tricolour and blenheim bitches. Please present your bitch to the stud dog in a clean and flea free condition, but do not bathe her immediately prior to mating as this would diminish her desirability to the stud dog!

There are health checks which I would recommend you carry out prior to mating, including eye test carried out by a registered KC Approved ophthalmic vet (List available from the KC) and heart checks which can be carried out by your own vet. Puppies resulting from a mating between 2 KC Registered dogs are eligible to be registered with the KC.

After the birth of a litter, you can have your bitch spayed. Consult your vet as to the best time to do this.

You might find one of my articles of interest — http://www.heronbank.co.uk/2011/04/to-spay-or-not-to-spay-that-is-the-question/

I hope this has been helpful, and if you have any further questions or need help, then please do not hesitate to contact us.