Timokym

Blackdogs, we purchased our fist Cavalier when I was five (many moons ago). We've had very few litters, and have never had any of the health problems mentioned in a previous post.... There is hope. I promise! Just make sure you purchase from someone who is registered with the Canine body of their state (or your state) and make sure they are a member of their local Cavalier Club. This should help safeguard you from serious health problems..... Meet with plenty of breeders and find one you are comfortable with.... And please, don't use DOL as a reliable form of reputable breeders. In the past eight years, I have seen so MANY registered 'backyard breeders' (people who breed for the money and don't exhibit) pop up online, many of whom I've never heard of!

And THERE lies the problem. People decide they want a Cavalier, but will not invest in the general cost of adopting a pedigree, well bred dog. Thus, they are bought cheaply from backyard breeders and pet shops where dogs where the dogs are bred and bred, regardless of the health issues. The new owners then decide they want to have 'just one litter', and the cycle of backyard breeders and poorly bred dogs with high health issues continues Honestly, it's about education. A repoutable breeder will charge anywhere from $600 - $1000 for a well bred, health tested dog. These costs purely reflect the money invested into breeding and health testing for strong, healthy lines..... I'll get off of my soapbox now!

Blackdogs, you are correct. I just realised that and went to correct my comments, but you'd beaten me to it. There were a number of posts from a different poster that were very negative, and for some reason, I assumed it was from the initial poster. My apologies for the confusion. Clearly it's time for my bed ;)

I must say, I really am quite shocked and appalled by the posts and attitude towards the breed. No, the breed is not 'too far' gone. My apologies for my first post, I confused a number of posts as being additional posts from the first poster. We have had Cavaliers for almost 25 years now, and I am yet to come across half of the issues you have mentioned that are apparently 'common' for the breed. All of our dogs have lived to anywhere between 10 - 15 years of age. As a registered breeder, I know I speak for the majority of the Cavalier world when I say we breed to improve the breed and erradicate known health problems. I find it almost incredible that you have come across so many Cavaliers with such a dramatic display of health issues, and wonder whether the health issues you've seen are in fact from pedigree dogs/registered breeders, or perhaps puppies purchased from pet shops and backyard breeders, who do not health test or screen for the wellbeing of their puppies. The reverse sneezing as you call it,is something that is common in many Brachycephalic dogs (dogs with short noses) - not a genetic, or significant health issue. It is unlikely that you would be able to purchase a show quality dog as a pet (conforming to your standards of coat, shape, size, movement etc) as these dogs are kept by their breeders to better the breed.