When buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you need to do your homework. You want the best chances at getting a healthy, happy puppy and there are some wonderful breeders out there that are doing what they can to better the breed. Facebook makes the search easier. I am a member of many groups and have met a bunch of great Cavalier lovers as friends. Of course some are breeders and post their pictures of the beautiful puppies that were born. I can see people fall in love with the pictures and all the questions and homework are forgotten.
Here are some of the things to look for as far as health testing goes. Make sure they are able to provide you with certificates!
1) Are both parents over 2 1/2?
*Mitral Valve Disease breeding protocol requires both parents be over 2 1/2 and grandparents over 5, examined by a board certified Cardiologist and free of a heart murmur
2) An MRI on both parents and have followed the recommended Breeding Protocol?
3) Eye testing by an ophthalmologist on both parents. They should have CERF certificates
4) Hip Displaysia- Both parents' hips should have been x-rayed after age 2 years and cleared of HD by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
5) Patellar Luxation- Both parents' patellas should be examined and cleared by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
CHIC
The Canine Health Information Center has specific tests to qualify for a certificate. A certificate is not mandatory but it shows that the breeder has done the minimum tests that are recognized for this breed. It also is a database you can search which can help you in your search. According to the ACKCSC,
"Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Requirements
To qualify for CHIC, Cavaliers must be screened for Hip Dysplasia (OFA, Penn HIP or OVC),
Cardiac (OFA - exam performed by Board Certified Cardiologist. Recommended Annually.),
Patellar Luxation (OFA), and
have a CERF eye examination. Although it is not required, it is recommended that an initial CERF exam be performed at 8-12 weeks, with a follow up exam once the dog reaches 12 months of age, annual exams thereafter until age 5, and every other year until age 9."
OK now for the good. Facebook brought me Elton. Without meeting a friend on Facebook, I would have never known about her fostering Elton and I would be without this great Cavalier that I adopted. Also Facebook has been able to start groups when dogs are lost and people ban together for their return. I have seen so much good also.
There is a lot more in buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I really like this blog post.
I also like the brochures the Cavalier Fanciers of Southern Ontario did.
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.” Author unknown
About Me
- AnnieMac
- The moment I first held Ella, my world changed. She has touched so many people giving love as a therapy dog but now it is time to give back. No matter how hard she tries to give, her eyes show sadness and pain.
Showing posts with label Buying a Puppy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buying a Puppy. Show all posts
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Be Part of Solution, Not Part of Problem
How can one not fall in love once they see a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy? Those big puppy eyes looking at you, then you give in because they are too hard to resist. Check out this email that was sent to a Charlotte Meet-Up Group along with puppy pictures attached.
"Just wanted to let everyone know that we have 6 gorgeous babies, soon to be available, from 2 litters.
3 Ruby boys, parents are 12 and 10lbs each.
2 Blenheim boys, parents are 12 and 11lbs each.
Boys are $750 each, and will be up to date on shots and deworming before going to their new homes.
Both fathers are AKC registered and one is champion sired, but mothers are both CKC registered, as will be the pups.
I have one female, she is a rare little thing. She is white, tan and SABLE instead of black. Some also call this chocolate. This is a very rare, and has happened once before with one of this mother's previous litters. As the others online that I have researched report, the pup from the previous litter was the same: her sable coat grew out with puppy hair and it was replaced with a VERY deep dark red. She is gorgeous, and extremely unique. I am asking $895 for her.
I am attaching pictures of all, please pass this along to anyone you know who may be looking for the perfect family pet this summer! They are 5 weeks today, so there is still a couple of weeks before they can go to their new homes, but I am accepting deposits to hold a puppy of your choice"
Then my friend replied to me:
"OMG I WANT ONE SOOOOOOOOOOOO BAD"
So she sent to a friend of hers and sure enough, it worked and a puppy had a new home.
There are several things that immediately stand out to me. I will get into more details on choosing a puppy later, but want to point out some basics.
1). CKC registered. Stay away from breeders that advertise puppies from any registry other than CKCSC USA or AKC. Actually, you would want to make sure that the breeder is a member of one or both Cavalier breed clubs in the USA: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA. (CKCSC, USA) and The American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (ACKCSC).
2) Advertised weight. This weight is actually BELOW the breed standard. http://www.ckcsc.org/ states:
"Height 12 to 13 inches at the withers; weight, proportionate to height, between 13 and 18 pounds. These are ideal heights and weights; slight variations are permissible, and a dog should be penalized only in comparison with one of equal general appearance, type and quality. The weedy specimen is as much to be penalized as the oversized one."
Many potential Cavalier buyers want a SMALL Cavalier. This is why they advertise weight. Not only is it below what they should be so I would either think its false or worse, they have poor living conditions.
3) "one is Champion sired". Even if this is true (which I doubt), this was added to make them seem more attractive. Many will put pictures of other Champions on websites to attract buyers. This should not be any consideration when buying a puppy.
4) "I have one female, she is a rare little thing. She is white, tan and SABLE instead of black. Some also call this chocolate. This is a very rare," I have never heard of this at all. There are 4 colors of Cavaliers: Blenheim, Tri-Color, Black and Tan, and Ruby. Even if this is true which she "researched", a reputable breeder would know about the breed. But since this is "rare" she is charging more.
5) "I am attaching pictures of all, please pass this along to anyone you know who may be looking for the perfect family pet this summer!" This is one thing I see, "perfect Christmas present"...etc. Reputable breeders would not advertise as being a present, good for the summer, etc. They would want to make sure that their puppies are going to a good home and actually want to make sure that you are right for them. They would not consider (even in rescue) it a good idea to get one as a present.
Last weekend, another "breeder" that was on the email list sent out email about having puppies. I heard she came to the meet-up at the park with puppies and was trying to sell them.
All the emails and information I sent about Cavalier Health, went to the same people but did this matter? They wanted to make money. She even advertised she had an older boy just turned 2 that has been a perfect stud dog. So let me sell a cavalier that was bred too young to another to use to "make money". No reputable breeder would do this. I would not even call this person a breeder. They are a damage to the breed. They may have one litter a year to make money, but know nothing about the breed or health. Even if they do, they choose to ignore it.
You don't know the history, if the breeder did any health testing, how they were raised, if they are registered, but you do know that the puppy is just too cute and all that does not matter. Then reality hits and the puppy may develop a health problem, has temperment issues, etc. but can you call the breeder for health? You didn't care about all that information, all you looked at was the adorable puppy.
In Mary Beth Squirells post Embee Cavaliers: Buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy: she sums up what I have been thinking:
"People buying cavalier puppies are just as responsible for this breeds welfare as those breeding them. If you are not purchasing Cavaliers from responsible breeders you are not doing your part to protect and help this breed."
I highly suggest reading her blog because it has several good health links, information, with some fun pictures and posts mixed in. She is a breeder that is doing what she can to help the health of the breed. She has organized scan days for help with CM/SM research and had MRI scans for her Cavaliers. Check out her post about Breeding and MRI's in Canada. Did you know that she also SHOWS her Cavaliers. Reputable breeders show Cavaliers in some aspect, confirmation, agility, obedience, etc. so they can compare to others. They are involved. Roycroft Cavalier Information Center has a lot of information on selecting a reputable breeder.
If you love the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed, then do your research and make sure that you are part of the SOLUTION and not adding to the PROBLEM.
"Just wanted to let everyone know that we have 6 gorgeous babies, soon to be available, from 2 litters.
3 Ruby boys, parents are 12 and 10lbs each.
2 Blenheim boys, parents are 12 and 11lbs each.
Boys are $750 each, and will be up to date on shots and deworming before going to their new homes.
Both fathers are AKC registered and one is champion sired, but mothers are both CKC registered, as will be the pups.
I have one female, she is a rare little thing. She is white, tan and SABLE instead of black. Some also call this chocolate. This is a very rare, and has happened once before with one of this mother's previous litters. As the others online that I have researched report, the pup from the previous litter was the same: her sable coat grew out with puppy hair and it was replaced with a VERY deep dark red. She is gorgeous, and extremely unique. I am asking $895 for her.
I am attaching pictures of all, please pass this along to anyone you know who may be looking for the perfect family pet this summer! They are 5 weeks today, so there is still a couple of weeks before they can go to their new homes, but I am accepting deposits to hold a puppy of your choice"
Then my friend replied to me:
"OMG I WANT ONE SOOOOOOOOOOOO BAD"
So she sent to a friend of hers and sure enough, it worked and a puppy had a new home.
There are several things that immediately stand out to me. I will get into more details on choosing a puppy later, but want to point out some basics.
1). CKC registered. Stay away from breeders that advertise puppies from any registry other than CKCSC USA or AKC. Actually, you would want to make sure that the breeder is a member of one or both Cavalier breed clubs in the USA: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA. (CKCSC, USA) and The American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (ACKCSC).
2) Advertised weight. This weight is actually BELOW the breed standard. http://www.ckcsc.org/ states:
"Height 12 to 13 inches at the withers; weight, proportionate to height, between 13 and 18 pounds. These are ideal heights and weights; slight variations are permissible, and a dog should be penalized only in comparison with one of equal general appearance, type and quality. The weedy specimen is as much to be penalized as the oversized one."
Many potential Cavalier buyers want a SMALL Cavalier. This is why they advertise weight. Not only is it below what they should be so I would either think its false or worse, they have poor living conditions.
3) "one is Champion sired". Even if this is true (which I doubt), this was added to make them seem more attractive. Many will put pictures of other Champions on websites to attract buyers. This should not be any consideration when buying a puppy.
4) "I have one female, she is a rare little thing. She is white, tan and SABLE instead of black. Some also call this chocolate. This is a very rare," I have never heard of this at all. There are 4 colors of Cavaliers: Blenheim, Tri-Color, Black and Tan, and Ruby. Even if this is true which she "researched", a reputable breeder would know about the breed. But since this is "rare" she is charging more.
5) "I am attaching pictures of all, please pass this along to anyone you know who may be looking for the perfect family pet this summer!" This is one thing I see, "perfect Christmas present"...etc. Reputable breeders would not advertise as being a present, good for the summer, etc. They would want to make sure that their puppies are going to a good home and actually want to make sure that you are right for them. They would not consider (even in rescue) it a good idea to get one as a present.
Last weekend, another "breeder" that was on the email list sent out email about having puppies. I heard she came to the meet-up at the park with puppies and was trying to sell them.
All the emails and information I sent about Cavalier Health, went to the same people but did this matter? They wanted to make money. She even advertised she had an older boy just turned 2 that has been a perfect stud dog. So let me sell a cavalier that was bred too young to another to use to "make money". No reputable breeder would do this. I would not even call this person a breeder. They are a damage to the breed. They may have one litter a year to make money, but know nothing about the breed or health. Even if they do, they choose to ignore it.
You don't know the history, if the breeder did any health testing, how they were raised, if they are registered, but you do know that the puppy is just too cute and all that does not matter. Then reality hits and the puppy may develop a health problem, has temperment issues, etc. but can you call the breeder for health? You didn't care about all that information, all you looked at was the adorable puppy.
In Mary Beth Squirells post Embee Cavaliers: Buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy: she sums up what I have been thinking:
"People buying cavalier puppies are just as responsible for this breeds welfare as those breeding them. If you are not purchasing Cavaliers from responsible breeders you are not doing your part to protect and help this breed."
I highly suggest reading her blog because it has several good health links, information, with some fun pictures and posts mixed in. She is a breeder that is doing what she can to help the health of the breed. She has organized scan days for help with CM/SM research and had MRI scans for her Cavaliers. Check out her post about Breeding and MRI's in Canada. Did you know that she also SHOWS her Cavaliers. Reputable breeders show Cavaliers in some aspect, confirmation, agility, obedience, etc. so they can compare to others. They are involved. Roycroft Cavalier Information Center has a lot of information on selecting a reputable breeder.
If you love the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed, then do your research and make sure that you are part of the SOLUTION and not adding to the PROBLEM.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Is it the right time for a puppy- learn from my aunt and uncle
My last post was about my aunt and uncle and how they fell in love with Ella but due to her medical situations made them reconsider if they would ever get a Cavalier. I need to clarify this just a bit because there are also some things to learn from them too.
I called and talked to my Uncle about Robyn because I think that Rescues are awesome and need great homes like theirs would be. One thing about Cavalier Rescue USA and other great breeders are they would want to meet the potential owners and make sure it was a fit. They would never let me get a rescue or a puppy for someone else because they would want to know the dog would be taken care of and in a great family.
My uncle said that if the dog was anything like Ella then I bet she is special but now is not the right time for a dog. They are building a house in Florida and driving down there a lot to do things and would want to get into the home and make sure it would suit a dog and with traveling it would be okay. This is one question people should ask themselves. Think about these things because a dog is a huge responsibility and to be a responsible pet owner and buyer, you need to take several things under consideration.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club USA have several things about finding a breeder and some helpful tips including questions to ask yourself. When I read some of these points it made perfect sense why he would want to wait. Here are the questions they have on their website. I put in bold some things that stood out that were especially why my aunt and uncle want to wait until they are settled.
Are you prepared to ………
Take full responsibility for this dog and all its needs for the next 10 – 15 years? This is not a task that can be left to children!
Invest the considerable time, money and patience it takes to train the dog to be a good companion? This does not happen by itself.
Always keep the dog safe -- no running loose, riding in the back of an open pickup truck or being chained or penned outside.
Spend the money it takes to provide proper veterinary care including, but certainly not limited to, puppy vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spaying or neutering, dentistry, and annual checkups?
Become educated about the proper care of the breed; correct training methods, and how to groom?
Take your questions to the breeder or other appropriate professional before they become problems out of hand?
Have the patience to accept (and enjoy) the trials of Cavalier puppyhood and each stage afterwards?
Continue to accept responsibility for the dog despite your inevitable life changes such as new babies, children going off to school, moving, or returning to work?
Accept responsibility for the dog’s inevitable changes due to old age and/or ill health?
Resist impulse buying and instead have the patience to make a responsible choice?
Install fencing, even if you live outside of an urban area? Cavaliers are notorious for being hit by cars. If you allow a Cavalier to run in any area where a moving vehicle may pass by, there is a huge chance that your Cavalier will be killed. Many are killed by their owners in their own driveway. Cavaliers are perpetual adolescents and require constant vigilance in unsecured and unfamiliar areas.
If you answered YES to ALL of the above, you are ready to start contacting breeders. Remember, the right puppy IS worth waiting for! "
Now with Christmas coming think about how my aunt and uncle reacted to that Christmas morning. It is a huge responsibility and something that only the person taking care of the dog could answer. They are going to be the ones walking the dog in the middle of the night, puppy training, etc.
Although my aunt and uncle are well settled and it ended up okay, I know that many children want a cute puppy for Christmas. I did. When I was in 4th grade my mom and dad got me a Cocker Spaniel. I liked to dress Flip up, hug and kiss him, but it was my parents that lived with the vet bills, walks, training etc. They unfortunately did not take the time to find a great breeder. Even though we went to the persons house and saw the puppies, they did not ask any questions to the breeder. My Christmas present ended up getting countless surgeries becoming blind and deaf and lived with many health problems. That one Christmas present could have paid for my college tuition, a new car, because I can not even count up the money they spent on his health problems.
So I guess you can learn from both of us. Don't feel like you need to have a puppy under the Christmas tree. Take time to find a good breeder, know if the time is right, and it will pay off in the long run!
- Is a puppy a good present for someone?
- Puppies are so cute and you may fall in love with a dog (Ella) but it is not something to buy on impulse without asking yourself is it the right time for a puppy.
I called and talked to my Uncle about Robyn because I think that Rescues are awesome and need great homes like theirs would be. One thing about Cavalier Rescue USA and other great breeders are they would want to meet the potential owners and make sure it was a fit. They would never let me get a rescue or a puppy for someone else because they would want to know the dog would be taken care of and in a great family.
My uncle said that if the dog was anything like Ella then I bet she is special but now is not the right time for a dog. They are building a house in Florida and driving down there a lot to do things and would want to get into the home and make sure it would suit a dog and with traveling it would be okay. This is one question people should ask themselves. Think about these things because a dog is a huge responsibility and to be a responsible pet owner and buyer, you need to take several things under consideration.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club USA have several things about finding a breeder and some helpful tips including questions to ask yourself. When I read some of these points it made perfect sense why he would want to wait. Here are the questions they have on their website. I put in bold some things that stood out that were especially why my aunt and uncle want to wait until they are settled.
"QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
You should be able to answer all of the questions below affirmatively before you begin your search for a Cavalier.
Are you prepared to ………
Take full responsibility for this dog and all its needs for the next 10 – 15 years? This is not a task that can be left to children!
Invest the considerable time, money and patience it takes to train the dog to be a good companion? This does not happen by itself.
Always keep the dog safe -- no running loose, riding in the back of an open pickup truck or being chained or penned outside.
Make sure the dog gets enough attention and exercise?
Live with shedding for the next 10 – 15 years?
Spend the money it takes to provide proper veterinary care including, but certainly not limited to, puppy vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative, spaying or neutering, dentistry, and annual checkups?
Become educated about the proper care of the breed; correct training methods, and how to groom?
Take your questions to the breeder or other appropriate professional before they become problems out of hand?
Have the patience to accept (and enjoy) the trials of Cavalier puppyhood and each stage afterwards?
Continue to accept responsibility for the dog despite your inevitable life changes such as new babies, children going off to school, moving, or returning to work?
Accept responsibility for the dog’s inevitable changes due to old age and/or ill health?
Resist impulse buying and instead have the patience to make a responsible choice?
Install fencing, even if you live outside of an urban area? Cavaliers are notorious for being hit by cars. If you allow a Cavalier to run in any area where a moving vehicle may pass by, there is a huge chance that your Cavalier will be killed. Many are killed by their owners in their own driveway. Cavaliers are perpetual adolescents and require constant vigilance in unsecured and unfamiliar areas.
If you answered YES to ALL of the above, you are ready to start contacting breeders. Remember, the right puppy IS worth waiting for! "
Now with Christmas coming think about how my aunt and uncle reacted to that Christmas morning. It is a huge responsibility and something that only the person taking care of the dog could answer. They are going to be the ones walking the dog in the middle of the night, puppy training, etc.
Although my aunt and uncle are well settled and it ended up okay, I know that many children want a cute puppy for Christmas. I did. When I was in 4th grade my mom and dad got me a Cocker Spaniel. I liked to dress Flip up, hug and kiss him, but it was my parents that lived with the vet bills, walks, training etc. They unfortunately did not take the time to find a great breeder. Even though we went to the persons house and saw the puppies, they did not ask any questions to the breeder. My Christmas present ended up getting countless surgeries becoming blind and deaf and lived with many health problems. That one Christmas present could have paid for my college tuition, a new car, because I can not even count up the money they spent on his health problems.
So I guess you can learn from both of us. Don't feel like you need to have a puppy under the Christmas tree. Take time to find a good breeder, know if the time is right, and it will pay off in the long run!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
buying a puppy is and should be like buying a car part 1
When I was little, I wanted a puppy. Several surgeries and years later, that puppy could have paid for my college tuition and a new car.
The puppy I wanted to dress up, kiss and hold, became a dog my parents took out, fed and ended up spending a lot of money on due to all the health conditions resulting from a poorly breed dog.
A new puppy will be with you as long as a new car if not longer, yet more people do research before buying a car that is not a life and does not hurt when a part breaks.
Before buying a puppy, think about what you might do before buying a car.
Does the dog (car's) characteristics (features) fit your lifestyle.
Sure that pretty convertable may look nice next to a minivan, but ask my sister after a long car trip what she feels about the DVD player for the restless kids.
Think about 3 hyperactive kids crammed in a car for several hours with no stimulation or breaks. I think havic. Now picture an active dog needing lots of exercise in a small space for several hours. I can see some scratched doors, broken items, maybe even holes in the walls.
You might not be the right fit for a particular dog (car) needs.
The puppy I wanted to dress up, kiss and hold, became a dog my parents took out, fed and ended up spending a lot of money on due to all the health conditions resulting from a poorly breed dog.
A new puppy will be with you as long as a new car if not longer, yet more people do research before buying a car that is not a life and does not hurt when a part breaks.
Before buying a puppy, think about what you might do before buying a car.
Does the dog (car's) characteristics (features) fit your lifestyle.
Sure that pretty convertable may look nice next to a minivan, but ask my sister after a long car trip what she feels about the DVD player for the restless kids.
Think about 3 hyperactive kids crammed in a car for several hours with no stimulation or breaks. I think havic. Now picture an active dog needing lots of exercise in a small space for several hours. I can see some scratched doors, broken items, maybe even holes in the walls.
You might not be the right fit for a particular dog (car) needs.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Top Ten Questions to ask Breeders
I can not tell you how much helpful information http://www.cavalierhealth.org/ has. Check out what they said about the top ten questions to ask breeders and also you can look at the excuses that breeders use. http://cavalierhealth.org/questions_for_breeder.htm
There are so many breeders out there and it is important for the health of our dogs, that the ones that are doing the most to produce healthy Cavaliers are the ones breeding. It is tough because I know that Cavaliers can be expensive but some of that is because of the cost it takes to make sure that the puppies are healthy. It hurts me to think about or see people selling Cavaliers online like they are an item. These are dogs that have health problems and even though there are no guarantees, responsible breeders take measures to ensure less risk for certain problems to develop. You can't discount a dog like a pocket book. I just hope people are responsible and understand what health issues this wonderful breed may have and the precautions that breeders are doing to help reduce risk. It is an amazing thing and I am not a breeder but it is not just putting two dogs together. There are a lot of other factors to make sure to have the most healthy puppy possible. One breeder told me that as long as she goes to sleep at night knowing she did everything she could to make the most healthy puppies, then she is doing the right thing.
There are so many breeders out there and it is important for the health of our dogs, that the ones that are doing the most to produce healthy Cavaliers are the ones breeding. It is tough because I know that Cavaliers can be expensive but some of that is because of the cost it takes to make sure that the puppies are healthy. It hurts me to think about or see people selling Cavaliers online like they are an item. These are dogs that have health problems and even though there are no guarantees, responsible breeders take measures to ensure less risk for certain problems to develop. You can't discount a dog like a pocket book. I just hope people are responsible and understand what health issues this wonderful breed may have and the precautions that breeders are doing to help reduce risk. It is an amazing thing and I am not a breeder but it is not just putting two dogs together. There are a lot of other factors to make sure to have the most healthy puppy possible. One breeder told me that as long as she goes to sleep at night knowing she did everything she could to make the most healthy puppies, then she is doing the right thing.
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