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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Good Cavalier K C Spaniel breeder

13 replies

HollyBollyBooBoo · 31/01/2015 16:30

Wonder if anyone can recommend a good breeder? We're in the East Midlands but would happily travel for the right pup. Thanks!

OP posts:
Mumtotherescueagain · 31/01/2015 16:34

Can I urge caution buying a pedigree pup. A number of pedigree KC that I have known (smashing little dogs) have had serious problems caused by congenital issues impairing their breathing and heart function. If you go through a breeder make sure you find out about other litters and see how those dogs are doing. Don't go for a puppy with a 'cute' squashed face. It won't end well.

schloss · 31/01/2015 16:39

Health testing is of paramount importance.

I would check on both the KEnnel Club site

www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/acbr/Default.aspx?breed=Cavalier+King+Charles+Spaniel

And also the breed club

www.thecavalierclub.co.uk/start.html

Be prepared to wait for a pup from a reputable breeder with health tested dogs. Do not fall into the trap of wanting a puppy now. Once a number of breeders are found visit them and their dogs, ask many questions. They will also check you to make sure they wish to have one of their puppies going to you as a new owner. Once you are a happy with the breeders, go on their puppy list and wait as long as it takes!

HollyBollyBooBoo · 31/01/2015 18:20

Good tips thank you. We'd like to get one at the back end of the summer so am starting to do my research now.

Schloss when you say ask many questions what would be the key ones?

For info I've had dogs all my life but mostly labs and terriers, so this is a new breed for me and one I've wanted forever!

OP posts:
schloss · 31/01/2015 18:33

Hi,

I would start with asking the simple things how long have they had the breed etc. How many litters they breed per year/have bred per year. Normally the better breeders only breed when they actually want a pup for themselves, this tends to ensure breeders are not just breeding litter after litter for financial reasons.

Ask to see the planned mother of the pups and all the breeders other dogs. Where they sleep etc. just common sense things really, do they look happy and healthy!

Then move on to asking about the stud dog, if possible it would be nice to be able to go and see the stud dog as well but this isn't always possible.

Ask to see copies of health certificates.

Getting in touch if people who have had pups from the breeder is sometimes helpful.

Also ask about the puppy contract and puppy pack you would get. Should detail pedigree, insurance, copies of health certificates for mother and father of pups plus most importantly what would happen if for any reason you cannot look after the pup at any point in its life. Good breeders will always take it back.

Be prepared though you should be expected to be grilled by the breeder as well to see if you are suitable. Breeders may not give you all the information at once until they feel happy with you!

I would speak to breeders, then arrange to visit long before the pups are planned.

Finally ask when you will be allowed to visit the ours once born, it should be at least 2 or 3 times before you then bring the pup home.

Hope that helps.

I think the KC do have info on their website as to the type of questions you should be asking.

The breed is known for health problems so by doing your homework you can minimise any problems. Just remember to let your head rule your heart, your heart can kick in when you bring a lovely puppy into your home!

Good luck, always an exciting time!

S.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 31/01/2015 18:36

Amazing detail, thanks. Do you think it's too early to register my interest, will they think I'm daft saying I don't want one until mid August when the school holidays are over and all is calm again?!

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yesbutnobut · 31/01/2015 18:48

Hi, cavaliers are lovely but prone to some horrible genetic illnesses, particularly Mitral Valve Disease and Syringomyelia. You should ensure the parents have been tested and scanned for these and other problems. Read all about the health problems here:

www.cavaliermatters.org

Champdogs is a website where only breeders who carry out health testing may advertise pups - but be careful as not all will have done all the tests and scans (they are very expensive).

If you go ahead with this breed make sure you have lifetime cover insurance.

schloss · 31/01/2015 18:55

Totally agree with all of Yesbutnobut post, champdogs is a good place to find info.

In answer to your question about being too early in registering interest, absolutely not! Saying to a breeder you wis to wait until after summer hoks actually will indicate to them you are sensible! The earlier the better to start the research, you may find perfect breeders but they say no to you, or you just do not like them! You have to think can I ring this person for the next hopefully 10 plus years of the pups life and they always be willing to help.

The health concerns are so important with this breed but if you do the research, take your time and do not rush into a pup, you will find lovely, reputable breeders.

S.

schloss · 31/01/2015 18:56

Apologies for typos!

HollyBollyBooBoo · 31/01/2015 20:21

Really appreciate all the info, thank you!

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SqueakyChicken · 31/01/2015 20:27

You should be looking for the parents being heart and eye tested as a basic, MRI scanned if they're really good, and as a bonus, tested for dry eye and curly coat.

If you find someone who does all of these things (and see the relevant certificates) then you will find yourself a quality puppy - no question.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 31/01/2015 21:27

Thanks squeaky. Been on the websites all night, am so excited I'm not entirely sure how I'll wait 6 months!

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dazzlingdeborahrose · 01/02/2015 20:30

A good breeder will interrogate you too. They will want to be sure you're not a puppy farmer. I have two cavaliers, our older one is almost six and we've had no health issues with him at all. He's checked for heart murmurs once a year. He is a big cavalier and I think that helps. Our second is 9 months old. We got him from a breeder in the borders who borders on obsessive about the health of the breed. She breeds for health not kc standards and our pup was tested for just about everything. I'm still in touch with her through fb as are a lot of her puppy adopters.
Cavaliers are the most friendly, loving dogs. They are full of energy but content to cuddle up on the sofa with you too. You'll love them. You won't be able to help yourself. Wink

orangeyellowgreen · 01/02/2015 21:15

With a breed known to have health problems you must buy from fully health-tested parents but be aware that this cannot in any way ensure that your puppy will be free from inherited diseases.

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