Our Program | Blackstone Cavaliers

Our Program ~

We operate with a true preservation breeder mindset. Preservation breeding means protecting the integrity of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel while actively working to improve the health, longevity, and quality of the breed. We deeply love Cavaliers as they were originally designed, while also recognizing the serious health challenges the breed faces today.

Our mission is to produce healthy, well-structured Cavaliers with sound temperments by working alongside like-minded breeders who share our dedication to both breed standard and responsible health advancement.

All of our dogs undergo comprehensive health testing, including cardiac, eye, patella, and genetic evaluations. In addition, we are committed to MRI screening of all breeding dogs over the age of three. Due to limited availability, MRIs can only be performed once per year, but this remains a vital cornerstone of our breeding program.

With the guidance of experienced preservation breeders, each breeding is thoughtfully planned by evaluating the complete picture: health, structure, temperament, coat, and color. Nothing is done casually or without purpose.

We care deeply about every puppy we produce and value ongoing communication with our families. Updates—both joyful and challenging—help us grow and improve our program while ensuring each dog thrives. Our responsibility does not end when a puppy leaves our home. We are always available to provide guidance, support, and lifelong commitment to every family who chooses one of our dogs.

Chosen With Purpose: Our Program Standards ~

Any dog considered for our breeding program must meet our standards. Our priorities are clear and intentional.

First and above all else is Health. A dog must demonstrate strong, documented health before it will ever be considered for breeding.
Second is Temperament. The Cavalier’s loving and confident nature is essential to the breed.
Third is Structure (conformation). Proper structure is not about showing—it is about supporting lifelong comfort, mobility, and overall physical well-being.
Fourth is Color, adhering to the four AKC recognized colors (Blenheim, Tri-color, Black & Tan, and Ruby)

These four pillars—health, temperament, structure, and color—form the foundation of our program and guide every decision we make.

Health ~

Every dog must meet a base standard of health before being included in our program. At minimum, they must have a passing echocardiagram (Heart Doppler) and passing ophthalmology (eye) exam. We also look for strong patellas and passing hip evaluations. In rare situations, such as an injury that is not genetic in nature, results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We are intentional about where we source our dogs and only work with breeders who can provide documented health testing on the parents. This allows us to begin with a strong foundation and bring dogs from proven healthy lines into our program.

We aim to MRI all breeding dogs at three years of age to evaluate for the presence/severity of syringomelia and chiari-like malformation. If a dog is purchased at an older age, we will complete an MRI at the earliest available opportunity, as they are a vital part of our health protocol.

Additionally, all of our dogs receive full DNA testing to ensure we do not double up on breed-specific genetic conditions and to help us make the most informed breeding decisions possible.

*Please see our 'Cavalier Health' page for detailed inforation on Cavalier health

Cavalier Health

Temperment ~

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is cherished for its loving, gentle, and confident personality. Preserving this temperament is essential to our program. We carefully select dogs that display stable, affectionate, and well-balanced temperaments.

In some cases, we may acquire a dog at an older age that did not receive ideal early socialization. While we take this into consideration, we also recognize that temperament is a partnership between genetics and environment. Even the best-natured puppy can develop insecurities if proper socialization is not continued in the home. For this reason, we provide positive, age-appropriate stimulation and social experiences for all of our puppies before they go to their forever homes, giving them a strong emotional foundation.

Puppy placement is an area we take very seriously. While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their loving, confident, and friendly nature, each puppy is an individual with their own personality and needs. No two puppies are exactly alike, and we believe successful placement depends on understanding and respecting those differences.

We work hard to carefully evaluate each puppy’s temperament through Volhard temperment testing, and match them with the family and environment that best suits them. Some puppies are more energetic, inquisitive, and adventurous, while others are calmer and happiest curled up on the couch. Neither is better or worse—just different. Our responsibility is to recognize those traits and place each puppy where they will thrive.

We are committed to never placing a puppy into a home that is not the right fit for that puppy’s personality. Proper temperament matching is essential for creating lifelong, happy partnerships between our dogs and their families.

Structure ~

Some people say, “I don’t plan to show, so conformation doesn’t matter.” For us, conformation is not about showing - it is about physical health and long-term comfort. A dog’s structure directly affects how they move, breathe, and live day-to-day.

Structure goes far beyond appearance. Correct structure is essential to a dog’s long-term comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. A well-structured dog is better able to move efficiently, breathe properly, and age more comfortably. Structure directly impacts how a dog feels and functions every single day.

When a dog’s structure is incorrect, it can place unnecessary stress on joints, ligaments, and muscles. For example, overly straight rear legs can contribute to patella instability and hind-end weakness. Poor angulation can affect movement and stamina. A nose that is too short or nostrils that are too closed can compromise breathing and limit a dog’s ability to exercise or regulate body temperature. These are not cosmetic concerns—they are health concerns.

We view conformation as a foundation for physical wellness. Proper balance, angulation, and proportions allow the dog to move naturally and comfortably throughout its life. This supports not only sound movement but also helps reduce the risk of long-term orthopedic and respiratory issues.

Correct structure also protects the integrity of the breed itself. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was designed to be an active, athletic companion with both elegance and strength. Preserving that structure ensures future generations remain true to the breed while living healthier, more comfortable lives.

For us, structure is not about producing show dogs—it is about producing dogs that are built to thrive.

Color ~

As preservation breeders, we follow the AKC breed standard. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has four recognized colors:

Blenheim
Tricolor
Ruby
Black and Tan

While we understand that other colors exist, we will never intentionally breed outside of the standard. Preserving the integrity of the breed means honoring the colors that define it.

We also work to minimize mismarks, such as ticking or excessive white around the eyes. That said, mismarks can occur despite careful planning. They do not affect the health or quality of the dog, and many families even find them endearing. Our goal is simply to reduce their occurrence while maintaining overall breed type.

Our Commitment to the Breed ~

Together, these pillars - Health, Temperament, Structure, and Color - define the heart of our breeding program. Every decision we make is guided by what is best for the dogs and for the future of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We do not breed for trends, convenience, or shortcuts. We breed with intention, responsibility, and deep respect for this remarkable breed.

Our goal is not simply to produce puppies, but to produce Cavaliers that are healthy in body, stable in mind, and built to live long, comfortable, and joyful lives. We strive to preserve what makes this breed so special while thoughtfully working to improve its overall health and longevity.

We believe ethical breeding is a lifelong commitment. It extends far beyond our home and continues with every family who welcomes one of our puppies. Through education, transparency, and ongoing support, we aim to build lasting relationships and ensure each dog we produce is given the opportunity to thrive.

Adhering to the foundational pillars ensures our program remains ethical, transparent, and deeply rooted in the preservation and improvement of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for future generations.