I became aware of Cavaliers in 2001, as I was searching for a new dog to show.  In January, 2002, my son and I made a trip to Europe to celebrate his graduation from college - and we returned home with my first Cavalier tucked between our feet on the plane.  While we traveled, we visited Hans Boelaars in Holland and were greatly impressed with his beautiful dogs.  It took a bit of work, but we managed to get it all done so that we could bring Justine home with us.  I was so impressed with this nice young girl, I returned to Holland later that year and came home with my 2nd Cavalier, Dixie.  It was another year or so before I imported Jasper - a young male who just took my breath when I saw his picture.   These three dogs make up the foundation of my Cavalier activities - showing - training - breeding.  Even as I have learned about Cavaliers, and the fact that the breed has some health issues (they do have some serious health concerns), I have found them to be absolutely wonderful, happy, loving dogs. 

All dogs in my breeding program - dogs accepted for stud service as well as all dogs owned by me - are all health tested to assure, as much as possible, any puppies produced will be healthy.  I personally use the specialists at Virginia Tech's Small Animal Clinic for my eye (CERF) and cardiac examinations, as well as other health issues that might surface. 

I have made a page for each of my dogs showing their pedigree for your review.  I have entered championship titles where known, but I may have missed some.  As far as I know these are accurate. 

There has been much information in the news this year about dog foods - mainly about them being recalled for one terrible reason or another.   Here at Kastlecav, I feed a 'modified raw' diet.  I do have some Purina ONE available for my dogs and I do include Purina Puppy Chow in the weaning process with my puppies.  All of my dogs, including my puppies, are weaned on and fed PRIMARILY a raw diet.  I feed raw chicken wings; a commercially prepared raw beef-based food (HPPI); and occassional meals of 'ribs', of fish, of organ meats, and/or of scrambled eggs.   I sometimes prepare my own food including in the mix: ground beef, eggs, wheat germ, oatmeal, veggies and fruits, kelp, gelatin, molassas, and garlic.  Since I have found the HPPI, I usually use their beef mixture instead of making my own.   I have based my reasons for feeding as I do on information covered in the following books:
I will be happy to discuss anything I have learned about this breed with anyone wanting to learn more about them.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.  It is better to contact me via email -