these pages will
allways be under
revision
Selecting / Choosing your Cavalier
Dogs are not disposable commodities, and recently a bumper sticker tried to make this point - "Dogs are for life, not just Christmass".
How to Select a Breeder is almost an art into itsself. Breeders who are concerned about the welfare of their dogs and this breed will ask you many questions. Some of these questions may seem intrusive, many breeder will basically give you the third degree. Please don't be offended, just understand that as a breeder they are trying to make the right match for both the dog and the new owner. If a breeder DOES NOT ask you any questions and is only interested in your money, please do not buy from that person. Please check out Prospective Owner Questionnaire, also there is a listing of Questions to ask the Breeder.
Health Questions - because this breed has heath problems its something that many in the breed are very senstative about. Cost of maintaining your cavalier is also something that a prospective owner needed to think about. Some breeders and owners are very open with information about their dogs, others are only open with people who own animals from them, some breeders have become very closed minded about the entire thing. The degree of information that you require before you make your selection/purchase is something that only you know. The method in which you approach is health issue is also important. Please realize that as breeder - we do not have all the answers, there is an science in breeding dogs - however there is also an art. Some would call it luck, other faith, others call it life. Many breeders and even rescue folks for the most part will tell you what they know, the problem is we don't know everything, no breeder has a crystal ball, and life is a gamble both for us humans and our cannine companions.