Puppies
Although our focus is on breeding show dogs, as far as we are concerned the primary role of any Cavalier we place is to be a valued family member. It is the same with the dogs we choose to keep for ourselves; they are our pets and our family members first, and show dogs second. When we undertake a breeding we strive to achieve balance in three areas, these being the type (which encompasses conformity to the breed standard as far as aesthetics and conformation), overall health and longevity behind the ancestors, and exemplary temperament. Breeding Champion dogs should be about more than winning blue ribbons! We are dedicated to our Cavaliers and their lifelong well being.
Where our puppies are raised
The above is a photo of how I use Rover Enclosure Panels to configure a puppy set-up that works for me. I also use the Right Spot (developed by dog trainer, Teri Hamrick) to aid in the housebreaking of my puppies. All our dogs are part of our family and live in our home.
Briarcrest dogs in their new homes
Information for anyone looking to add a Cavalier to their family:
1. Beware of illegitimate registries
In the US, the dog should be registered with the AKC and/or the CKCSC, USA (original, parent club of the breed in the US). Beware of the illegitimate registries like the Rare Breed, Continental Kennel Club, FIC, North American Purebred Dog Registry, Krystle Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, APR, or others (new ones are always cropping up). Usually these breeders are people who have lost CKCSC and/or AKC privileges or who do not qualify. In Canada, the dog should be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club and in England with The Kennel Club.
2. Do not deal with someone USDA registered.
These are commercial breeding farms, commonly referred to as puppy mills. Do not buy from a pet store. They are almost always supplied by puppy mills, no matter what they say. It is specifically against the Code of Ethics of the CKCSC,USA to sell to a broker or pet store, or to supply a dog for an auction or raffle.
3. Buy the breeder first and then the dog.
You want someone experienced and knowledgeable whom you will be comfortable with for the lifetime of the dog. They should be there to answer questions, help with training, etc. They will want to know of any problems you are having and will require you to notify them if you are unable at any time for any reason to keep the dog.
4. Reputable Breeders ask many questions, be sure you do the same.
Ask where the puppies were raised, what the breeder did to socialize them, what clubs the breeder belongs to, why this particular breeding was done, what are strengths of the dogs, what are their weaknesses. If the parents are not being shown (and winning) how was it ascertained that these are dogs possessing the qualities that favor a good breeding? Make sure the answers you receive resonate well with you; if not keep looking the last Cavalier puppy has yet to be born.
5. Be sure to ask about and see certificates of health testing on parents.
The appropriate ones for Cavaliers are:
Heart: The latest research presented at the International Heart Symposium in May 98 says sire and dam should be at least 2.5 years of age and heart cleared by a Board Certified Cardiologist (ACVIM, Cardiology will appear after the DVM designation) within the previous year. Note that this clearance should not be done by a general veterinarian. Their parents should still be heart clear at age 5. Mitral valve disease is a major concern in the breed
Eyes: Sire and dam should have a current (within the last year) CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) test preformed by a Board Certified Ophthalmologist (Again, this cannot be done by a regular vet).
Patellae: Luxating, or slipping, patellae, or kneecaps, are a common problem in toy breeds, including Cavaliers. Patellas should be checked and certified in writing prior to a dog or bitch being used for breeding. Unlike hearts and eyes, this examination can be preformed by a regular veterinarian. Ideally, this certification will be submitted to and recorded with the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of America)
Hips: Hip dysplasia does occur in small dogs. Approx. 11% of Cavalier x-rays submitted to the OFA show hip dysplasia and since the really bad ones are never sent in, they estimate as much as one in three Cavaliers possibly has HD. An x-ray is taken by a regular vet and sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for a grading of Excellent, Good, or Fair, or degrees of dysplasia. A regular vet does not read the x-ray; it must go to the OFA for reading. The OFA website has some excellent info and you can check the status on any dog that has passed (assuming the owner has sent in the results).
6. Ask to see the parents.
When you go to look at a puppy or puppies, you should be able to see the parents or at least the mother. If the sire is not present pictures and copies of his health testing should be available for you to view. If the mother is not present be wary you could be dealing with a broker. You will want to be sure the mother has a good temperament as she will influence the puppies more than the father.
7. Know the basics about Cavaliers.
The Cavalier comes in four accepted colors--Ruby (solid Chestnut), Blenheim (Chestnut and white), Black and Tan (black with tan markings), and Tri color (black and white with tan markings). They are 12-13 inches at the shoulder and 12-18 lbs. Cavaliers are indoor dogs. Although they are sturdy and can thrive in both cool and warm climates they are not dogs to be left outdoors. Leaving a Cavalier outdoors when no one is home would put them at great risk both to predators and being stolen. Cavalier puppies do not do well when left all day without human and canine companionship. They are intelligent dogs and require the same consistent and loving discipline as children. Cavaliers do not thrive in situations where they are left alone for long periods of time; remember they were originally bred to be companion dogs. Cavaliers do shed but not in the way that some double coated breeds do. Proper grooming, which consists of regular bathing with a good quality shampoo for dogs and brushing, will keep shedding to a minimum. Lastly, Cavaliers are in your face dogs, they live for kisses and cuddles, if this is not the sort of companion you want, look for another breed.
8. Know when to be cautious.
Red Flags: Statements such as
- "I have any color, male or female available right now."
- "The whole litter is show quality."
- "The testing is not reliable."
- "If you don't trust my word, I don't want to deal with you."
- "My line is free of health problems."
9. Recommended Reading
Cavalier books by John Evans, Bruce Fields, Sheila Smith, Margaret Workman. Other good ones, not specifically Cavalier, are "Puppy Preschool" by John Ross, "Mother Knows Best" by Carol Lee Benjamin, "The Evans Guide To Housetraining" by Job Michael Evans, "How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With" by Rutherford and Neil.
10. You can expect to pay between $2,200 and $2,500 for a pet quality puppy from a good breeder.
Depending on where the breeder lives it may be slightly more (but not substantially so). Show potential puppies may be more depending on the breeder. Responsible breeders cannot fulfill all of the requests they receive from well qualified homes, hence, you will not see them advertising in newspapers, or on the internet (although they are more than likely listed on breed club breeder referral pages). As has been stated previously, its best to buy the breeder first and then be patient! In the end when you are rewarded with a healthy, well socialized puppy it will be worth having delayed your gratification. For people wanting one of our puppies, being put on our waiting list for just the right puppy is certainly an option, but when waiting does not appeal to a prospective buyer we will be happy to refer them to other equally responsible, conscientious breeders.
11. Contacts
Cavalier Rescue (for a shelter, found, or pre-owned Cavalier) Linda Kornhi at cavlady@mindspring.com. There are also regional chairs. Check out the web sites for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club USA at www.ckcsc.org, or Cavaliers of the West at www.cavaliersofthewest.org .
Why reputable breeders sell on a spay/neuter contract
Sometimes people who are buying a puppy want to know if they can breed it when it gets older. They don't understand why the puppy is only available on a spay/neuter basis. Below are some FAQ's that may help to clarify the reasons why a reputable breeder will not allow his or her puppies to be bred. If you find a breeder who sells puppies without a spay/neuter clause, beware. They are almost certainly breeding without regard to the health of the breed.
Q. I am paying a lot of money for this puppy. Why don't I have the right to breed it?
A. The purpose of breeding is to improve the breed. Understanding how to do that takes years of study. It requires knowing what the breed standard is, and recognizing how well any given dog fits the standard and where it falls short.
Breeders who don't take the time to learn the breed standard can harm the look and health of the breed. You only have to look at puppy mill stock to see how much the look can change, even in one generation. Disregarding the terrible problem of breeding dogs with health problems (because they are never health tested), Cavaliers bred without regard to the breed standard can lose the qualities that make them unique, i.e., soft expression, large round dark eyes, small size, long silky coat, etc
Q. What makes a Cavalier worth breeding?
A. Determining the breed worthiness of a Cavalier is both art and science. Breed type, structure, temperament, health and markings are just some of the considerations weighed by an experienced breeder. Much is determined in the show ring, which is the main venue for evaluating breeding stock, and a serious breeder is always involved in showing. There are also health tests the dog must pass to be considered for breeding.
Q. If I start showing the dog, and it passes all the health tests, can I then breed it?
A. It isn't that simple. There is a learning curve that needs to be followed which takes time. Serious breeders have spent years studying the breed, training puppies for the show ring, examining pedigrees and learning from others. That being said, it is possible that the restriction from breeding could be lifted at some point in the future if the puppy buyer meets certain requirements. These would include (but not be limited to) demonstrating a sincere commitment to learning about the breed by:
a) Attending meetings of COTW and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Southern California (CKCSCSC) or whatever Cavalier club may be available in your area.
b) Attending the health clinics and seminars that these clubs sponsor
c) Enrolling in a handling class to learn how to show a dog
d) Attending dog shows on a regular basis to either show the dog or just observe
e) Testing for heart, hips eyes and patella's at the appropriate time by the appropriate board-certified specialists to determine if the dog is physically sound enough to be bred.
f) Adhering to the CKCSC,USA Code of Ethics