PLEASE NOTE: We do not currently have puppies available.
If you are interested in our puppies, please be sure you have read our website to understand the qualifications of forever families along with our philosophies in breeding. When we do not have puppies, or what we have does not fit with what you are looking for, we will refer you to a reputable breeder in our network as a courtesy to meeting the needs of our puppy inquiries. |
Rosie and Little Beau
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People have asked me - "What should I be looking for when I want a reputable breeder?"
Here is an excerpt from the Cavaliers of the West website:
How Do You Identify A Responsible Breeder?
Good breeders do not breed to make money. They do not sell their puppies to the first person that shows up with cash in hand. They do not knowingly sell even one puppy to a pet shop, broker, or middle man for resale. Breeders who show and breed with concern for the Cavalier can pay thousands of dollars just to get a female pregnant, which does not take into account vet visits, puppy care and feeding, or any C-sections. When one considers that Cavaliers have an average litter of 3-4 puppies, the gain is not great but the investment is HIGH. Review the topics listed below and look for a breeder who, at a minimum, does the following:
Here is an excerpt from the Cavaliers of the West website:
How Do You Identify A Responsible Breeder?
Good breeders do not breed to make money. They do not sell their puppies to the first person that shows up with cash in hand. They do not knowingly sell even one puppy to a pet shop, broker, or middle man for resale. Breeders who show and breed with concern for the Cavalier can pay thousands of dollars just to get a female pregnant, which does not take into account vet visits, puppy care and feeding, or any C-sections. When one considers that Cavaliers have an average litter of 3-4 puppies, the gain is not great but the investment is HIGH. Review the topics listed below and look for a breeder who, at a minimum, does the following:
- Keeps dogs in the home as part of the family, not outside in kennel runs.
- Has adult dogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and do not shy away from visitors.
- Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time, which should be a clean, well-maintained area.
- Encourages you to spend time with the puppy’s parents (at a minimum, the puppy’s mother) when you visit.
- Does not allow the puppy to leave its mother or the litter before 10 to 12 weeks of age (preferably).
- Only breeds one or two types of dogs and is knowledgeable about the desired characteristics of the breed, such as size, proportion, coat, color, and temperament.
- Has a strong relationship with a local veterinarian. Explains the puppy’s medical history and what vaccinations your new puppy will need.
- Explains in detail the potential genetic problems inherent in Cavaliers and provides documentation through organizations such as, but not necessarily, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) that the puppy’s parents and grandparents have been tested to ensure that they are free of these genetic problems.
- Offers guidance for caring and training your puppy and is available for assistance after you take your puppy home.
- Recommends that you promptly take your puppy to your veterinarian for an exam. The responsible breeder’s veterinarian will have already examined your puppy.
- Is willing to provide references from other families who have purchased puppies if you ask.
- Feeds high quality, premium brand pet food.
- Supplements their Cavaliers with vitamins
- Does not always have puppies available.
- Is actively involved with local, state, and National clubs that specialize in the specific breed. Good breeders may compete with their dogs in conformation (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.
- Encourages multiple visits and wants your entire family to meet the puppy.
- Provides you with a written agreement, contract and allows plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly.