Any time you bring an animal into your home, be it a puppy, a grown dog, or even a cat or some other animal, it is usually a long term commitment.  Emotional attachments happen very quickly, so it is very important to make the right choice from the start.  If you are thinking of getting a dog, you will want to review breeds and select the one or two beeds you think will suit best with your situation, your family, your lifestyle.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is best known as a companion animal, a couch potato, a cuddle buddy.  However, there are some who are athletes, who compete in obedience, agility, rally - and are of somewhat higher energy levels than the ones who really prefer the couch to the playing field.  The Cavalier was originally bred as a small sporting spaniel, and today most of them are equally happy romping in the yard or fields with their family, or being an enjoyed companion in the home.  Cavaliers do have 'prey drive' and will chase pretty much anything that moves - a piece of paper blowing in the wind, a butterfly, a moth, a fly, a bird.  Cavaliers are typically happy, healthy, playful friends who make wonderful companions, but not so great watch dogs.  They do shed and are not considered 'non allergenic'.  If hair or dander is likely to be a problem for you, if there are members of the household with allergies, Cavaliers may not be the ideal pet for you.  If you or members of your family have other small pets such as a bird, a Guinea Pig, mice, etc., you might want to consider carefully if you want to introduce a Cavalier to your home.  It can be handled - but you will need to be watchful.

Pet Shops, Commercial Kennels, and Backyard breeders.

Dogs sold in pet shops usually come from large commercial breeders or puppy mill sources.  The background of the breeding stock is often unknown - certainly to the buyer of the puppy!  These puppy producers usually do not screen their stock for inherited problems so there are no health clearances.  These businesses produce large numbers of various breeds and /or mixed breeds in facilities set up to handle large numbers, but which in effect largely limit any human contact.  In order for these puppies to reach the retail outlets while at their most appealing age, they are often separated from their siblings and mother at a very early age - much too young! - and therefore miss out on a lot of socialization that they might otherwise have gotten.

Backyard breeders are usually pet owners who have decided to breed their pet.  They see this breeding as an inexpensive way to get another dog, to recoup the cost of buying their pet, and possibly a way to make some income.  Their dog(s) have little or no health clearances because the owners don't know what to check for - and aren't interested in investing more money into this project.   These owners often have little experience with dogs and less understanding of the breed, what the breed standard says or means, and are not interested in being educated.  They often cut corners to save money - to increase the possibility of a profit in the deal.

Cavaliers are very social dogs.  They thrive in a home environment.  They want and need early human contact and socialization to ensure good behavior and temperament.  Yes, temperament is in large part inherited - but it is also very much influenced by early handling and education that comes when they are raised by a caring breeder.  Good Cavaliers are NEVER available through a pet store!


Health Problems in the Cavalier

Cavaliers, like most dogs, do have some health issues.  What is important is how the breeder deals with them!

Eye problems such as cataracts or retinal dysplasia can occur in the breed.  Puppies can be screened for retinal dysplasia at approximately 8 weeks of age - so it is easy to eliminate the affected dogs from a breeding program.  Both parents should have been examined by an ophthalmologist to assure eye health.

The heart problems in Cavaliers - known as mitral valve disease or MVD - is quite common in the breed.  Breeding stock should be tested annually for MVD.

Slipping patellas may also be a problem.  Keeping your puppy in good condition and proper weight, allowing it adequate free exercise in a safe, fenced area will help keep this problem to a minimum.

You have a right to ask to see any / all health clearances the breeder has for the parents of any puppy they are offering you.  If they state certain clearances have been obtained, but cannot or will not show you these documents, you might want to consider using another breeder.  Whereas breeders cannot absolutely guarantee a puppy you buy from them will not develop a specific health condition, or be affected in some way with a health issue, the fact that they have done health clearances on their breeding stock and can/ will share this with you is an indication that they are attempting to produce healthy puppies.

Puppy Buyers should have their own veterinarian give the puppy a check up within one week of receiving it.  Preferably within the first couple of days.  This is a good safeguard for both you & the breeder + it also enables the vet to become familiar with your new pet, set up a schedule for it to receive timely vaccinations, etc.   Reputable breeders will offer a full refund for puppies who do not pass this examination.  BEWARE of anyone who states 'all sales are final'.


How to find a Reputable Breeder

It is important to personally research the breeder and find the one who is best for you.  Do not hesitate to talk to more than one breeder and be sure to visit their kennel.  If you are not comfortable, do not buy from them!  CAUTION:  please visit only one kennel per day.  If you have visited another kennel & are planning to visit another, inform the 2nd kennel owner so they can take precautions to prevent the transfer of disease to their puppies.  Disease can be transmitted on your shoes without you realizing you have been around a sick animal!

You can visit the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club's web site for information about breeders you might wish to contact / visit.  You might also check on the American Kennel Club's web site for information about breeders in your area.  Please be very careful when contacting / evaluating breeders.

Initial Contact Information

When you contact a breeder, be watchful to determine the following ->

    Are the puppies registered with AKC?   Are they registered with any other registeries?
        They should be registered with AKC.  They may be registered with CKCSC, USA. 
        They may be registered with UKC. 
        Other than registeries in other countries, these are the Only registeries I accept.
          Most of my dogs are now registered with AKC and with UKC - I compete in both organizations.

    Is this breeder a member of the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club?  
        Any other Cavalier club(s)?
        Any other dog clubs - all breed or other breed specific clubs?
        All breeders I know & respect are members of some All Breed club if not one or more Cavalier club.
           I am currently a member of the American CKCS Club; the Central Carolina CKCSC; the NRVKC
          (an all breed club) Club; the BMDC of Central Va; and the Star City Canine Training Club in Salem, VA.

    Does this breeder ask about you?  your family situation?  your home? 
        If you have a fenced yard or not?     (they should!)

    Does this breeder do health clearances on their breeding stock?
        They should be checking At Least hearts, eyes, patellas & hips - and they
        should be willing to show you the documentation of these tests
           Some dogs are kept in a breeding program even when they do not have 'perfect' health clearances
           The breeder you are dealing with should be able & willing to discuss these matters openly with you.
          
    Does this breeder sell pets on a limited registration?  Do they use a sales contract?  (they should!)

    Negatives to watch for:

    Does this breeder indicate that financial considerations are their main concern?

    Does this breeder offer different prices for registered dogs vs non-registered dogs.  (this is illegal)
            Does this breeder sell non-registered dogs at all   (I would be careful if they do)

    Does this breeder say that all sales are final?   (I would not buy from this breeder)


When you visit - things to observe:

    Is the facility clean?

    Are the mother & puppies on the premises?  or out in another location?

    Are the mother & puppies friendly, alert, show no sign of shyness?  (they should be!)

    Are original health clarances of the mother available for you to see?  
    Is the sire is owned by the same breeder?  If he is, are these documents available for you
            to see for him, also?   (they should be!!)

    Have the puppies received their first vaccines?    Have they been wormed?
       **** It is illegal for any puppy (or kitten) to be separated from its mother & siblings before it is
          at least 7.5 weeks old & have received its first vaccines. ****

    Are pedigrees for the puppies available?    (they should be!)