SouthWind Cavaliers

SouthWind Cavaliers is the kennel name for John & Andrea Colley, Wichita, KS. We have been breeding, raising and showing Cavaliers for eight years. We just finished our first “home grown champion” – AKC Ch. Sheeba English Ivy – born in our kitchen and raised in my lap.

Cavaliers should be registered both with the: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, U.S.A. (This breed club was the only registering body for Cavaliers in this country for 45 years) and the American Kennel Club. All of our cavaliers are dual registered.

"Cavalier portraits courtesy of Portraits by Joy, Melia Photography and Karen Waple Photography."

Puppy News

Yesterday, we took Zoey to Eagle, Nebraska to be bred. We will keep you posted on puppy progress on the website. Puppies will be due around the first of March if the breeding is successful! We’ll have pictures of the sire and updates on her progress.

Where Have All the Babies Gone?

Our August 2009 babies are all in their new homes and growing up fast! If you remember their puppies from their first blogs, here is what has happened to them.

Gabriel -- (now called Willow) is living with the Gutesha's in Colorado and has joined big "sister" Cedar and Muffin the cat. Cedar is one of our puppies too!

Helen -- (now called Callie) is living in Ohio with the Brown's who have two other puppies of ours -- Harry and Josie.

Isabella -- is living with us and has started her "show business" career. We call her Zoey and you can read about her show experiences in "Zoey's Show Time".

Luke -- (now called Sam) is living with the Dinkles here in Wichita.

Maggie Whetstone -- is living with the Fiesters in Wichita.

Finding a Cavalier Puppy:

Because it is often hard to find a quality Cavalier puppy, please be patient. It may take awhile to find the right puppy, but Cavaliers are well worth the wait! Please avoid “bargain” Cavaliers; chronic health problems could cost more than the initial price of a quality dog. Often a very minor thing makes the difference between a puppy being sold as a show prospect or a pet. These differences do not make a difference in the health, loving disposition, or the beauty of your dog.

"The Mitral Valve Deficiency is a serious problem in this breed. The puppies’ parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents have been checked and found to be clear at the breed-able ages. However, many Cavaliers develop this problem later in life. "
- Darlene Young, Rose River Cavaliers

The heart problem is one reason that reputable breeders sell dogs as either Pets/Companion Dogs (not to be used for breeding) or Show/Breeding Dogs. Only by doing the extensive health testing and study of the pedigrees for genetic defects, will this disease become less prevalent in this lovely breed. All the nice temperament we associate with Cavaliers can be lost if “kenneled” and bred indiscriminately.

The only thing that’s more fun than having one Cavalier is having two! I always say that they are like salted peanuts, “You can’t have just one”. They are so adorable playing together and really enjoy the company of another dog. Our puppies are all raised with Missy, our cat. Sometimes, I’m not sure if she thinks they are funny looking kittens or they think she’s another Cavalier mom.

Links:
Please visit any of the following websites to learn more about this wonderful breed:

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