Nicki
Moderator
Karlin, do you think the breeder was just giving me a line about breeding bigger Cavs to improve the breed? I know it's too late now, Brian is mine forever, but in hindsight I'm confused about size vs genetic problems. Larger nosed=better breathing which puts less pressure on the heart valve issues. Larger skulls to accommodate their brains to avoid SM. Longer legs to weed out hip dysplasia. A few more reasons, she said..
I don't think Karlin has seen this, but sadly these are **EXACTLY** the sort of excuses breeders give for producing poor specimens of the breed, and/or using other breeds. Often a Springer stud dog is used, as this gives a much bigger litter, and the puppies still look quite like Cavaliers when small.
I have seen quite a few obvious Springer/Cavalier crosses, they all tend to be long in the muzzle - the US breed standard states Length from base of stop to tip of nose about 1½ inches; much bigger than breed standard - although many Cavaliers do not fit in the standard, they still shouldn't really be much above 25lb at the right weight; tend to have flecking in the coat etc.
You obviously love and treasure Brian and that's the most important thing - sharing your experience may well help other people looking for a puppy to not be misguided in this way.