Cavacazz

Good question and a difficult one to answer... a breeder who had Cavs from the late 60s told me that they did not know what Mitral Valve was in the early days and there was not a "test" available back then.... She also told me that none of her dogs died at a young age....she had dogs who lived into their mid teens. So I guess as the technology was not in place back then it is hard to say

I have been owned by Cavaliers for over 20 years...my Cavs have lived long and healthy lives...I recently lost my special dog at the age of 12 years and 11 months...she had a stroke (geriatric murmur at 12 sp). Her Mother died at the age of 13 years one month from Cancer (clear heart sp)and her Mother died in her sleep at 15 years from causes unknown (clear heart Vet). I also have a male who will be 12 next month...he developed a murmur at age 7, aside from being a skinny old man he is active and happy. There are issues that can affect all mammals, how many people over the age of 60 do you know who are not on any medication? Think about that for a moment.... as 10 in dogs is about equal to 65 in humans. The International Protocol for MVD is clear at five. As a mere breeder I try to have as healthy a bloodline as I possibly can, sometimes Mother Nature takes a hand and deals some cruel blows....we cannot control that, but we can control our the choice of dogs in our breeding programmes. There are healthy Cavaliers out there, you need to look in the right places :)

I really like Percy as it is very British and aren't Cavaliers VERY British No offense... The name "Charlie" , although cute for a Cavalier is EXTREMELY common and everyone who names their Cav "Charlie" thinks it is unique A bit like Rough coated Collies named Lassie :D

Same thing happened to my girl...came into season in June and a month later in mid July....This was her third season. Hopefully she will have a proper season in January as I would really love for her to have her first Litter...will be watching her from now on until she comes in ! This is what my girl did on her last season. It was her second season, her first season was text book. She is due in again in either Dec or Jan (last season started in June and then again in July). I am hoping to mate her this season. Leanne

Same :laugh: Mine had nothing left to drop at that stage! That was at the height of her "naked summer" look as her puppies were born in September.

No way would I get my Cav girls back in the ring within six months....the tail takes the longest, my dogs are fed the best, so nutrition is not an issue with them...they just seem to give EVERYTHING to their babies.

Very cute, all the best with her My 2011 hopeful has absolutely exceeded all of my expectations, and will be having a very well deserved break in 2012. All going well I should have a new bundle of fluff ready to debut at the NYE shows I also have a bundle of gorgeous white fluff heading my way :D and planning to debut second week of January! Pictures soon hopefully! OOOH How exciting !!! ;)

Here is my "Rising Star"...."Peyton" aka Kahleyvale Florentine Magic. :D Her half brother and sister are currently No 1 Rising Star Cavalier Male and Female in Qld 2011 and their Daddy was also No 1 Rising Star when he was a Puppy

Thank you all...you are wonderful!!!! I can sleep tonight now :p Until I have to start stuffing envelopes with numbers that is Thanks again!

Hi all.....I am co-ordinationg a dog section at an Ag show for the first time....The helpers have asked me how big I would like the rings...and No...they wouldn't accept from me to there, they want to know actual measurements in feet or metres!! Can anybody help me? I have asked Dogs Qld and searched the ANKC website and asked Google...but no luck so far! The show is this Friday!!!

Must go and have a look... I have braided leather leads from "Luscious Leads" they include a gorgeous bead or two or three, your choice. I have a few now, one for each dog LOL. http://www.facebook.com/LusciousLeads

+1 What does that mean ..... sorry if it is obvious and I am being blonde +1 means "me too"! Aaaah of course <DOH>

+1 What does that mean ..... sorry if it is obvious and I am being blonde

Websites are a good starting point, but a schmick website doesn't mean a good breeder. What is in the shop window isn't necessarily what is behind the counter. A breeder can say ANYTHING on their website, but it doesn't mean that they believe them. Many will say what they think people EXPECT them to say. If you've been reading any of the threads in General recently, there is mention there of a breeder saying one thing on her website but apparently practicing differenly in real life. The best thing you can do is to meet the breeders, at the least talk to them on the phone. Establish a rapport with them and use your intuition to decide whether or not you believe in them. I think I know the thread or should I say threads you are referring to in the Genral section! I hope that doesn't happen too often! I do have a breeder on my FB who is also heavily involved in showing and with the QLD club for that breed. She also lives close to me so she seems like a perfect fit but I don't know if she has any more litters planned for this year... Breeders heavily involved with their breed club are usually a good place to start. Most get involved with a breed club because they wish to do what is best for the breed. also if she doesn't have any litters planned, she can probably recommend someone else that does. Oh goody! I've sent her a PM on FB to ask if she has any litters planned. I really want someone close by so I can go visit my puppy she he/she grows. I wonder though if breeders allow that? Hmm... I wouldnt allow it.. No one comes and see's the pups till they have their first shots of needles I take photos every week and share those photos with potential new owners.....I do not allow visitors until they have had their first needle...unless I know them well and I do not take a deposit either, until they have been to their first Vet visit. I always suggest that people come to a show/pet day and meet me on common ground and get to meet my dogs AND other peoples dogs as a comparison. : )

That's very thoughtful....Jed would like that!!!!!! She would be devastated if they were thrown away like that.... I can also help out with the Cavs if needed...... I have a Cav friendly home

I thought of that too....

I live on a property with plenty of feed and water...it would easily cope with two more horses....the only problem is that I live about an hour and a half away from Caboolture. But if it helps, I am more than happy to have them here.

What a tragedy....my heart goes out to this person. It is my worst nightmare, that a fire breaks out... as my dogs are inside too. Will DOL start some kind of fund to help out?

I think this will vary quite a bit depending on area. I think most good breeders around Sydney are charging around $900 to $1000. The price range is the same in Queensland....from $900 to $1000 for a puppy on the Limit (or Pet) Register. The health testing of the parents does not change the ammount that Breeders charge...it is something that breeders absorb. Do your Homework...it is your choice who you purchase from and have your own personal "selection criteria".

QUESTIONS 1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) I have been breeding and exhibiting Cavaliers for 20 years. 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? Cavaliers were first recognised as a breed in the 1920s in England, but they have been around since before King Charles II reign and known as a Carpet Spaniel or Blenheim Spaniel. The Duke and Duchess of Marlborough lived in Blenheim palace and bred their spaniels to flush small birds during the hunt. Their popularity died with King Charles and they "morphed" into what we know today as the King Charles, which has a pug like face. A purse was put up by a wealthy American at "Crufts", for the dog and bitch that most resembled the Spaniels in the painting "The Cavalier's Pets" and the rest ...as they say...is History. The Amererican Kennel Club has only recently accepted them as a registered breed. 3. How common is it in Australia? They are an extremely common breed in Australia and have been voted on several TV programmes as the Number one small dog. Our club is always inundated by people when we have our educational stands at Pet Expos. Their popularity has almost been their downfall, with BYB's "cashing in" on that popularity 4. What is the average lifespan? The average age is 10-15 years, unless the dog has MVD and their life expectancy is shortened... 5. What is the general temperament/personality? They are a happy, gentle breed and very adaptable...happy to snuggle on the sofa or go for a romp on the beach. They are also VERY intellegent!!! 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Like humans, that varies with the individual Cavalier...but with a tendency to gain weight, they do need regular, light excercise. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? Yes...I believe it is. Easy going, easily trained, good size, only needing light exercise and easily groomed, with no clipping or trimming needed. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? They are a people dogand do not like to be alone for extended periods, so probably not suited to people who work long days. They do cope better with a friend. 9. How much grooming is required? Again individual....some dogs have silky, easy care coats that rarely tangle, while there are others who grow a thick wavy coat that needs more grooming. Attention should be paid to the ears and feathering, they should be given a regular combing as they tend to matt more easily. I do not recommend clipping off in Summer as they coat up to the seasons....if you MUST, then the Cocker clip is all that is needed, otherwise it can grow back even more unruly. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? Care and supervision need to be undertaken with small children as they can harm the Cavalier because they usually do not retaliate. Any breed of dog needs to be trained to be well behaved around small children and puppies are naturally boisterous..... 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? Like any breed...Cavaliers have their share of problems....these include Mitral Valve Disease, luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, dry eye/ingrown eyelashes, Syringomylia.... 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) The most important tests for Cavaliers, in my personal opinion, are hearts and eyes. Dogs should be tested from the age of 2. The international protocol for MVD in breeding Cavaliers is clear at five years of age. Certificates (by a Cardiologist for hearts and an Opthomologist for eyes) should be available for viewing. Be aware that it is pointless in asking for clear heart certificates for the puppies as this is not an early onset disease....Patellas are generally checked by the vet at the annual vaccination routine and often there is no certification for that. I like to see a hip score as well, even if it is only for the sire. SM is not as prevalent in Australia as MVD and the test is very expensive and is done by MRI...if the certification is present...wonderful...if not, I would not be overly concerned. Ask the age of the parents...Mum should be around 18 months if a first timer and should have no more than four Litters in her breeding career. Ask how long they have been breeding Cavaliers and what their involvement in the breed is....ideally they should show their dogs...how else does a Breeder know what a good Cavalier looks like and if theirs is suitable for breeding...Ask if you can see the dogs parents and other relatives and if the breeder is open to visits after the pups are old enough...they should be. Do not be put off if you cannot see the sire as sometimes an outside stud dog is used, but you should be able to meet Mum and the puppies. Just a PS after reading Gretel's comment below....Cavalier puppies should be raised in a home environment and not out the back in a shed...puppies raised amongst the usual hustle and bustle of a home with all the noises that go with it, generally have a more stable temperament. This is only my own personal opinion...

Hello J (gownchick) I was so shocked and saddened to hear that you lost your special mate Moses...It is a cruel twist of fate that a strange dog took his life when you had done so much research into having a puppy who would get along with birds... I hope that Josh is as wonderful a friend as Moses was....