I was coming on here this morning because of a conversation with my DD about a male CKCS puppy which I've reserved with the breeder. Then saw a thread about the breed and, on the back of a discussion I had with DD this morning wanted to get some (hopefully more objective) views/experiences from other owners.
Just to give context: DD wanted a cavapoo or similar 'teddybear' type dog but from experience I know that this is the extent of her interest, and whilst there are literally thousands of them on websites that's not the route I want to go down.
This Breeder is on Champ dogs and has an online presence as a very successful breeder and winner of competitions with her dogs, and the pup I reserved is the progeny of a winning sire and dam. Both parents health screened and tested clear for the issues associated with the breed. I've received photos and a video of the puppies who are 2.5 weeks old and won't be leaving mum until at least 9 weeks old.
I had to complete a form detailing my lifestyle, housing, work commitments etc and my thoughts about such things as how much it's going to cost me to own a dog (insurance, pet food, care and so forth) and what kinds of things I feel are acceptable, or not, in terms of what a puppy needs. Very extensive. Also had to agree and sign a contract to not breed and that the deposit would be refunded to me if puppy is found to have any of the heritable conditions the breed is known for - the sale won't proceed in other words. I was delighted to have her agree to sell me one of her dogs (a male).
So since then DD is telling me all about the heart conditions etc (which I already know about as I did research before I decided on the breed). I know she is having a reaction to my not going down the cavapoo type route but it's really upset me and makes me doubt myself. I'm in the best position now to have a companionate dog as I've just retired from a very demanding public sector job, I have a lovely home and garden and live in a very dog friendly part of the uk with all kinds of dog safe spaces and walking areas. But its more about the bond between me and my (proposed) dog that I'm interested in. That's why I chose this particular breed and will be getting lifetime insurance.
I mean, there are no guarantees but where does someone draw the line with whether to go into dog ownership, particularly when a breed comes with these seemingly massive 'health warnings'?