Breeder or Shelter Conflict

[Christin1994]

Hi everyone. I'm thinking of getting a tri color(love the different colors) female(always had female animals growing up) cavalier. My question is, is a shelter better for adopting an older cavalier or should I go to a breeder? I really want to do what's best for the cavvie. Much thanks.

 

[MomObvious]

Ok so, here's the deal. Not all breeders are good breeders, and not all good breeders are excellent breeders and if you are thinking of getting a pup from a breeder you MUST MUST buy from an excellent breeder!!!!! As you know (or your should) cavalier are very prone to several serious and painful medical conditions and problems. Experts and specialists have come up with some very important breeding protcols to help reduce the risk. IF you buy from a breeder who does not follow these protcols you and only adding to the PROBLEMS of our beloved breed. You would not believe the less than good breeders out to convince you that the science is wrong, its NOT and putting these breeders out of business by not buying from them. They are producing dogs who will suffer greatly, cost you a lot of money, and heart ache. You need to do a lot of research, meaning talking to breeders and asking the right questions. There are a lot of great resources in CT about buying a pupppy, if you haven't please read it.
I personally do not think you are going to just come across a cavalier in a shelter but hey maybe. There are several cavalier breed rescue groups (again listed on CT) that can give you info on adopting.
I would be very happy to adopt from a rescue. These dogs deserve a wonderful home and I know I can provide that. However, I will one day buy a puppy from a breeder. I am already breeder searching and I do not even want to buy one for another year or so. It takes a LONG time!!!! Find the breeder, decided we are ready for a pup, pay a deposit, wait for puppies to be born, wait to meet the puppies and for them to grow because any excellent wouldn't allow a pup to leave its mother before 8-12 weeks. The ENTIRE process can take up to a year or more.
Go read and learn some more. My next cavalier will be a tri and yes I want a girl however with this breed it really does not matter they are all so sweet and perfect.
Good luck

 

[Christin1994]

Thanks. Now for my next question. Is it true that you can't ever find a quality cavalier(healthy & up to breed standard) in a shelter/rescue? I'm only asking because its been bugging me for a while, I also believe this isn't true. Thanks again

 

[dandelos]

Thanks. Now for my next question. Is it true that you can't ever find a quality cavalier(healthy & up to breed standard) in a shelter/rescue? I'm only asking because its been bugging me for a while, I also believe this isn't true. Thanks again

I think the issue is more about whether the shelter/rescue will have sufficient medical history/paperwork for the dog and his/her parents. I would hazard to guess, especially with all the issues cavvies have, that in at least 99.9% of the cases, the answer would (unfortunately) be 'no'.

 

[TomA]

If you live in the US, check out Cavalier Rescue USA. We got our Charlie through them. He does have SM, but we knew that coming in. He was up to date on shots, and we got all his records. We did have to pay a fairly big fee to cover these expenses.

 

[sunshinekisses]

knowing all the health problems this breed can have, I would rather take my chances on a puppy from a breeder that does all health test on parents. The initial purchase cost is much more than rescue but overall you may save money on vet bills. With rescue there is so many unknowns. You may end up with a healthy dog but may not. Any other breed, I would encourage rescue.