To aid you in finding a Cavalier for your family, please review the following:

• DO NOT PURCHASE FROM A PET STORE
  
   
• Your selection of a reputable breeder from whom to purchase your puppy or dog is the most important step you can take in ensuring that you have a better chance of acquiring a healthy, temperament true to breed CKCS.
  
   
• Responsible breeders will do all they can to avoid health and temperament problems by researching pedigrees and screening/testing parent for certain inherited problems before breeding. The breeder should fully disclose all the inherited concerns in this breed!
  
   
• Questioning breeders on health items should not anger them.....They should be pleased that you care about the future health and commitment to your CKCS.
  
   
• Take time to interact with and observe the pup's dam and ask to be provided with photos or a video of the sire if he is with another breeder.
  
   
• Observe how the puppies were raised....where they raised in a home, kennel, barn or backyard. Puppies require human contact and require exposure to a variety of noises and experiences. They should not be removed from their Mom or litter mates before 8 weeks.....I prefer 12 weeks to reduce the possibility of developing behavioral problems.
  
   
• Observe the puppies/or dogs for health...discharge from the eyes or nose, loose stools, foul smelling ears, dull coat with dandruff will indicate cause for concern in the care they have been given.
  
   
• Ask if the breeder is involved in conformation and/or obedience competition with their dogs. This will give them access to others in the breed which will allow them to be familiar with different bloodlines from which to develop and improve this breed.
  
   
• Whether you are looking for a family companion or a prospective show dog......the information gleaned by asking questions and observations will increase your chances of obtaining a good, healthy representative of the breed.
  
   
• Most of all.......if you feel pressured or intimidated....keep looking!

Good luck with your search for your new companion!

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