Cavalier Talk

As a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder, I know first hand some of the pitfalls a family can run into when trying to locate a reputable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder. I have listed a few questions below that I believe should be questions a family should ask any Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder before purchasing a puppy.

Is the Cavalier breeder a member of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed club? There are two clubs in the United States and they are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA (CKCSC) and the American Kennel Club (ACKCS). I am a member of CKCSC and my dogs are all dual registered with AKC and CKCSC.

Where do you advertise your puppies available for adoption? I advertise with my website and ckcsc.org along with breeder/friend referrals. I do not place ads on all-breed websites or newspapers. I recommend that you check websites like puppyfind, pets4you, puppydogweb, terrificpets, nextdaypets, pupcity, qualitydogs, k9stud, and cyberpets to see if a breeder you are interviewing does advertise there and if so make sure you carefully screen them since 95% are backyard breeders or worst case…puppy mills.

How many different breeds of dogs is the breeder raising and breeding? It takes years to become knowledgeable in one breed. I would be very leary of any breeder breeding more than 2 different breeds, but prefer to stay with a breeder that concentrates on one specific breed only. I only raise and breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Are you AKC inspected? If you believe “yes” is the right answer I personally disagree and here is why: AKC only inspects breeders who breed seven or more litters per year. I do not see how any single breeder can breed seven litters and possibly find the time to handle each puppy and raise each litter underfoot giving them the proper socialization that is needed to raise a litter properly.

Are you involved in any sporting events with your Cavalier King Charles Spaniels? If your not involved in any sporting events what would give you the desire to breed structurally sound Cavaliers over just pairing two Cavaliers and placing the puppies in pet homes in an attempt to make a buck? I currently show my Cavaliers in the conformation show ring where they are evaluated by a judge. I have also started obedience training, which deals more with sound mind and temperament. I want to win when I compete with my dogs so I carefully examine each pairing and keep detailed journals on each litter so I can use the data I collect to improve each breeding in the future.

Do your Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live in your home or in a kennel? Cavaliers that are raised in a kennel may not have the exposure of everyday sounds and activities that go on in a home setting and may tend to be shy, startled at sudden noises, and not very comfortable around people. My Cavaliers live in my home and have their own bedroom with access to a doggy door to go outside into their backyard.

I have also added more questions and answers on my website dealing with health certifications so if you are interested in obtaining further information about this subject please visit our website at http://www.cruisincavaliers.com/questions-to-ask-a-cavalier-breeder.htm