Can anyone please recommend a reputable breeder

[ChickenRat]

I really want a cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy and I've spoken with a friend who is a dog trainer and drug dog handler; she's told me they can be a lovely breed and will suit my lifestyle IF I can find a healthy one. I'm aware this breed can have a lot of issues so need to do a lot of research before getting the puppy.

We're not in a position to take on a dog right now but want to give ourselves time to do the necessary research and find a good breeder

We're in Norfolk but willing to travel

Thanks

If you want a cavalier get one. You can't avoid their heart problems but if you look after him it will at the very least keep it at bay. They are lovely dogs, very compliant, affectionate and a good size. Every breed will have their issues.

I'm a border collie girl which I don't recommend to other people but I do think you should do what feels right rather than worrying about the downside.

Cairn or Border would work - terrierish and need to be taught a solid recall but cheerful and sturdy.

The only cairns I’ve known were much more... terrier-ie than borders, I assumed that was pretty typical, is it not?

The vulnerable native breeds list is probably worth a look through tbh, it’s a real easy way to avoid puppy farms because there’s hardly any and because there’s very few people looking fir them, they tend not to have very long waiting lists either.

What about a Lhasa Apso? They are excellent guard dogs, easy to train, affectionate, like walking only downside they need to be brushed every day and groomers every 3 months unless showing.

You're saying don't worry that some dogs have been so badly inbred that they have all sorts of awful health problems that cut their lives short because it's more important that people get what they want?

I'd suggest a whippet OP, not too big and doesn't need much exercise, very chilled IME.

Just go ahead and get a Cavalier. I’ve had 3 and they’re the best dogs ever. The best idea is to contact your local Cavalier club and ask the secretary for breeders who have health-tested their dogs. That means waiting until both parents are at least 3 years old which is when heart problems will show. They should be tested for other genetic diseases also. I can send you some breeders by private message.

Having recently lost a Cavalier x to heart problems at the age of 9 and being told that the sack around his heart was paper thin and could burst at any moment that would lead to a not pleasant death I could or would not recommend them as a breed as it is heart breaking to watch and the breed is absolutely riddled with heart disease.

If you want a small fun dog, I have recently acquired a Shih Tzu puppy and he is incredibly intelligent, fair more trainable than my Cavalier x's and would be capable of walking for an hour or more, he is a. very funny cheeky chap.

I hadn't considered a shih tzu but I'll do some research, thanks!

Can't do private messages on the app (or at least I haven't worked out how) so will message those who have kindly offered to point me in the direction of breeders when I can get to a laptop

I could definitely be interested in a local breed if they're suitable for us, that would be lovely