Start your puppy search by finding a breeder who is a member in good standing of either the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club – USA or the AKC Club, and who has agreed to abide by the CKCSC’s code of ethics or the AKC’s ethical guidelines, both of which specifically prohibit selling puppies through retail outlets such as pet stores and outline the responsibility their member breeders have to the dogs they produce and the people who purchase them. Choose a breeder who is not only willing but insists on being a resource as you train and care for your new dog throughout his life.
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Whether you find your next family member through us or another breeder, we feel it is important for any prospective new dog owner to consider these recommendations.
Look for a breeder who at a minimum:
1. Keeps her dogs in the home and as part of the family--not outside in
kennel runs.
2. Has dogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and
don't shy away from visitors.
3. Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time--an area that is clean and
well maintained.
4. Encourages you to spend time with the puppy's parents--at a minimum, the
pup's mother--when you visit.
5. Breeds only one or two types of dogs, and is knowledgeable about what is
called "breed standards" (the desired characteristics of the breed in areas such
as size, proportion, coat, color and temperament).
6. Has a strong relationship with a local veterinarian and shows you the
records of veterinary visits for the puppies. Explains the puppies' medical
history and what vaccinations your new puppy will need.
7. Is well versed in the potential genetic problems inherent in the
breed--there are specific genetic concerns for every breed--and explains to you
what those concerns are. The breeder should have had the puppy's parents tested
(and should have the results from the parents' parents) to ensure they are free
of those defects, and she should be able to provide you with the documentation
for all testing she has done through organizations such as the Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals (OFA).
8. Gives you guidance on caring and training for your puppy and is available
for your assistance after you take your puppy home.
9. Provides references of other families who have purchased puppies from her.
10. Feeds high quality "premium" brand food.
11. Doesn't always have puppies available but rather will keep a list of
interested people for the next available litter.
12. Competes with her dogs in conformation trials (which judge how
closely dogs match their "breed standard"), obedience trials (which judge how
well dogs perform specific sets of tasks on command), or tracking and agility
trials. Good breeders will also work with local, state, and national clubs that
specialize in their specific breeds.
13. Encourages multiple visits and wants your entire family to meet the puppy
before you take your puppy home.
14. Provides you with a written contract and allows plenty
of time for you to read it thoroughly. The breeder should not require that you
use a specific veterinarian. You will get established with a veterinarian team that you like and that you trust and become a team with them and they're going to help keep your pet healthy.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In addition to the above criteria, you'll want a breeder who
requires some things of you, too. A reputable breeder doesn't just sell her
puppies to the first interested buyer!
The breeder should require you to:
Responsible Breeder – Responsible Buyer – they go hand-in-hand for a wonderful relationship.
Each should have a strong commitment.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Whether you find your next family member through us or another breeder, we feel it is important for any prospective new dog owner to consider these recommendations.
Look for a breeder who at a minimum:
1. Keeps her dogs in the home and as part of the family--not outside in
kennel runs.
2. Has dogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and
don't shy away from visitors.
3. Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time--an area that is clean and
well maintained.
4. Encourages you to spend time with the puppy's parents--at a minimum, the
pup's mother--when you visit.
5. Breeds only one or two types of dogs, and is knowledgeable about what is
called "breed standards" (the desired characteristics of the breed in areas such
as size, proportion, coat, color and temperament).
6. Has a strong relationship with a local veterinarian and shows you the
records of veterinary visits for the puppies. Explains the puppies' medical
history and what vaccinations your new puppy will need.
7. Is well versed in the potential genetic problems inherent in the
breed--there are specific genetic concerns for every breed--and explains to you
what those concerns are. The breeder should have had the puppy's parents tested
(and should have the results from the parents' parents) to ensure they are free
of those defects, and she should be able to provide you with the documentation
for all testing she has done through organizations such as the Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals (OFA).
8. Gives you guidance on caring and training for your puppy and is available
for your assistance after you take your puppy home.
9. Provides references of other families who have purchased puppies from her.
10. Feeds high quality "premium" brand food.
11. Doesn't always have puppies available but rather will keep a list of
interested people for the next available litter.
12. Competes with her dogs in conformation trials (which judge how
closely dogs match their "breed standard"), obedience trials (which judge how
well dogs perform specific sets of tasks on command), or tracking and agility
trials. Good breeders will also work with local, state, and national clubs that
specialize in their specific breeds.
13. Encourages multiple visits and wants your entire family to meet the puppy
before you take your puppy home.
14. Provides you with a written contract and allows plenty
of time for you to read it thoroughly. The breeder should not require that you
use a specific veterinarian. You will get established with a veterinarian team that you like and that you trust and become a team with them and they're going to help keep your pet healthy.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In addition to the above criteria, you'll want a breeder who
requires some things of you, too. A reputable breeder doesn't just sell her
puppies to the first interested buyer!
The breeder should require you to:
- Explain why you want a dog.
- Tell her who in the family will be responsible for the pup's daily care, who
will attend training classes, where the dog will spend most of her time, and
what "rules" have been decided upon for the puppy--for example, will the dog be
allowed on furniture? - Provide a veterinary reference if you already have pets or, if you don't
have other pets, she should ask which practices you are considering for your new
puppy. - Provide proof from your landlord or condominium board (if you rent or live
in a condominium complex) that you are allowed to have companion animals. - Sign a contract that you will spay or neuter the dog unless you will be
actively involved in showing him or her (which applies to show-quality dogs
only). - Sign a contract stating that you will return the dog to the breeder should
you be unable to keep the dog at any point in the dog's life.
Responsible Breeder – Responsible Buyer – they go hand-in-hand for a wonderful relationship.
Each should have a strong commitment.
REMEMBER
Cavaliers are Bred For Kisses and Hugs
When forming the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, dogs were bred with the ideal lap dog in mind. The Cavalier is the ideal pet for those who love the sporty look of a Spaniel breed, but want a smaller dog they can cuddle indoors. They are decidedly unsporty in their preferences. Most Cavaliers would rather spend the day snuggled up to mom or dad than running around in a yard outdoors.
They are the consummate house dog and make pretty terrible guard dogs. The Cavalier is not one to bark at an intruder, but would rather approach to make friendly introductions. Because of their sweet personalities, they make ideal pets for families. Small children do need to be taught to be gentle with this tiny dog, but the Cavalier’s happy-go-lucky personality helps them adapt to children and other pets easily. They are a great match for the type of dog owner who wants a friend to take with them everywhere, as Cavaliers hate being left alone all day. Cavaliers love their people so much that it makes them easy to train. They love to please their humans, and will work hard to learn whatever you are asking of them
Cavaliers are Bred For Kisses and Hugs
When forming the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, dogs were bred with the ideal lap dog in mind. The Cavalier is the ideal pet for those who love the sporty look of a Spaniel breed, but want a smaller dog they can cuddle indoors. They are decidedly unsporty in their preferences. Most Cavaliers would rather spend the day snuggled up to mom or dad than running around in a yard outdoors.
They are the consummate house dog and make pretty terrible guard dogs. The Cavalier is not one to bark at an intruder, but would rather approach to make friendly introductions. Because of their sweet personalities, they make ideal pets for families. Small children do need to be taught to be gentle with this tiny dog, but the Cavalier’s happy-go-lucky personality helps them adapt to children and other pets easily. They are a great match for the type of dog owner who wants a friend to take with them everywhere, as Cavaliers hate being left alone all day. Cavaliers love their people so much that it makes them easy to train. They love to please their humans, and will work hard to learn whatever you are asking of them
Adding a puppy to your family is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. You’ll want confidence in the breeder that they have put the health and welfare of the puppy first. When that jumble of joy arrives at your new home, how will you know if you have done your homework to find a breeder you trust? Research to find responsible breeders can take place just about anywhere. Check websites, breed clubs, trainers, or Facebook groups, even word of mouth from your veterinarian, friends, or family can help locate a breeder. But once that initial contact is made, what are the best questions to ask, and what’s the best way to know you are getting a healthy puppy?
A Passion for Puppies
Responsible breeders are passionate about raising happy, healthy puppies. While you want to know about the breeder’s experience, don’t be surprised if they ask you to fill out a questionnaire about your previous dog-owning experience, too, especially if you haven’t owned a certain breed of dog before. You’ll want a breeder who screens you as much as you screen them. Here are some questions to ask of the breeder to gauge their experience:
- How long have you been breeding dogs, or a certain breed?
- Do you show your dogs, or compete in agility, obedience, or participate in other dog sports?
- Do you have references from other breeders, your veterinarian, or previous puppy buyers?
- Do you have a contract I could review, and will you take the puppy back if I am no longer able to care for it, no matter the reason?
If you are within driving distance of the breeder’s home, ask if you can come for a visit. A prospective buyer needs to feel they trust the breeder and are comfortable with the surroundings where their puppy will be born and raised. During the visit make note of cleanliness, temperament of the dogs at the home or kennel, and safety features. If the breeder is willing, and it’s understandable in this age of the pandemic it might not be possible, maybe an online meeting can be arranged. Before you visit be sure to ask the following:
- Can I visit the mother of the puppies, and the father if on the premises?
- Can I visit the area where the puppy’s will be raised?
- Can I visit the puppies when they are old enough for visitors, but before they are ready to go to their new homes.
- What safety precautions do you require before I come to visit, especially if the puppies are unvaccinated before my visit?
The health of any puppy starts with the parents. There are a variety of breed-specific health screenings, like hip x-rays with OFA, heart, ears, eyes, and more, and genetic tests that breeders should conduct on the parents of a potential litter.
- What health issues are common in your breed?
- What breed-specific health tests do you perform on the parents?
- Do you provide a copy of the results, and the parent’s results certificates from the health registries?
- Do you DNA test the parents to determine genetic health
Every breeder should provide important information about the puppy to a new puppy buyer. Ask the breeder what they offer. Many times they will have the puppy visit their vet, and also require the new owner take the puppy to their vet within 72 hours of arrival for proof of health at the time of transfer. Breeders should provide information which includes vet visits, worming schedule, vaccinations, and a feeding schedule, at a minimum.
- What is outlined in your contract that provides proof that you have bred a healthy puppy?
- Do you provide a detailed medical history?
- Do you provide a sample of the puppy’s current food to aid in the transition to his new diet in his new home?
- Are you available for questions or advice on my new puppy after I take her home?
