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I've fallen in love with the Cavalier...but worry about the health problems.

I've been spending the last few months researching dogs, and I've narrowed my potential dogs down to either a Cavalier, a Sheltie, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, or a Norfolk Terrier...and honestly, the Cavalier is THE perfect dog for me. Temperament, size, temperament, exercise needs, looks, temperament...;) But of course there had to be a catch, right? Nothing's perfect. It would be my first dog - my family had a dalmatian when I was younger, but I never helped take care of him and we had to put him to sleep when I was 10 and he was 13 because he had cancer and arthritis. :( And I'm no stranger to taking care of ill pets. One of my cats has been diabetic for the last six years, and needs feedings every four hours, insulin shots every twelve hours, and regular blood sugar testing. My other cat suffers from severe arthritis and an allergy to practically everything. But a breed with so many severe genetic problems sends up little red flags for me, especially since the ones the Cav is affected by seem so hard to avoid. I'm very willing to look for a reputable breeder and minimize my dog's chances of being affected by SM/MVD. I guess what I'm looking for here is testimonials from you guys: what are the symptoms of these? How can they be treated? How expensive on average is it to treat for one dog? Do symptoms normally show up by a certain age? And what's it like to live with a dog who has SM/MVD?

I'm not looking for a young puppy, I want it to be at least six months old. I don't think it would be wise to jump right into having a dog for the first time and have to deal with the housebreaking, basic training, etc. So I want an older puppy, maybe even a young adult, I'm not picky about that. Do you guys have any breeder recommendations in California? I found this woman,

[ admin note: hi :) I removed the link -- if you check the 'Getting Started section, I don't allow direct links to breeders for this kind of discussion or naming them -- but I am always concerned if breeder isn;t openly diiscussing the testing they do and at this time they really must be MRIing. If people want they can PM you to get the link (y) and offer an opinion] ,

and she seems reputable - I mean, if anyone is, she's got to be, right? She doesn't say anything about MRIing her dogs for SM, though, and according to cavalierhealth.org, OFA and CHIC aren't really reliable or trustworthy, so I'm a little concerned. Also, what about the breeders listed on ckcsc.org? Would they be good people to contact?

Sorry about the long post, I have a lot of questions. My first priority is having a healthy dog, and there's so much to consider with this breed that it's a little intimidating.
 
Yeah, I was in (am still in I guess) that boat too. I was so worried about ending up with a sick cavalier. There are breeders out there testing and using protocols but they are few and far to between. I might PM you a name (if I can remember the kennel name...) I decided to go with one of those breeders HOWEVER her waiting list is long so I looked into rescue. You don't seem to mind an animal with known managable health issue so maybe a rescue would be a good place to start. I was extremely lucky and adopted a rescue puppy. I've only had him a few weeks and I do still want to keep my deposit down with the breeder too since I already want another. Keep up your research and hang around here. That's what I did, cavalier talk is great for getting the latest info on protocols and health issues. Plus make friends you never know who will PM you with a lead...thats what they all are you need to check it out yourself. If you post general questions like hey my breeder said____________ is this right? You will get plenty of advice.
Good luck
Melissa
 
Yeah, I was in (am still in I guess) that boat too. I was so worried about ending up with a sick cavalier. There are breeders out there testing and using protocols but they are few and far to between. I might PM you a name (if I can remember the kennel name...) I decided to go with one of those breeders HOWEVER her waiting list is long so I looked into rescue. You don't seem to mind an animal with known managable health issue so maybe a rescue would be a good place to start. I was extremely lucky and adopted a rescue puppy. I've only had him a few weeks and I do still want to keep my deposit down with the breeder too since I already want another. Keep up your research and hang around here. That's what I did, cavalier talk is great for getting the latest info on protocols and health issues. Plus make friends you never know who will PM you with a lead...thats what they all are you need to check it out yourself. If you post general questions like hey my breeder said____________ is this right? You will get plenty of advice.
Good luck
Melissa
thank you for the reply! I would greatly appreciate a PM with the breeder if you can remember it, as long as it's in California. I won't be in the market for one for at least five years, so a long waiting list is no problem. :)
 
Hello. :)
I have an 11 month old puppy named Sonny. When I first got a cavalier I thought I had done my research, but I now realize that I did NOT know very much at all. I actually had not read much about SM at all. I really only knew about MVD. However I do NOT regret getting Sonny at all. He is the sweetest, most playful, loyal, adorable, lovey puppy EVER. He has completely changed my life and I love him to pieces. However I too often worry about the many health issues that are so prevalent in this breed. I don't really have any advice as to symptoms to look for or what age many health issues occur, but there are many others on here that would have much better advice on those things or you could look through the threads on SM and MVD. But I would say DEFINITELY get your puppy insured if possible.

Where are you in California? I am in the Monterey Bay area. If you do get a cavalier. There are lots of fun meet ups in the area.
 
Hello. :)
I have an 11 month old puppy named Sonny. When I first got a cavalier I thought I had done my research, but I now realize that I did NOT know very much at all. I actually had not read much about SM at all. I really only knew about MVD. However I do NOT regret getting Sonny at all. He is the sweetest, most playful, loyal, adorable, lovey puppy EVER. He has completely changed my life and I love him to pieces. However I too often worry about the many health issues that are so prevalent in this breed. I don't really have any advice as to symptoms to look for or what age many health issues occur, but there are many others on here that would have much better advice on those things or you could look through the threads on SM and MVD. But I would say DEFINITELY get your puppy insured if possible.

Where are you in California? I am in the Monterey Bay area. If you do get a cavalier. There are lots of fun meet ups in the area.
I'm definitely going to try and get insurance if I can. I live in Sacramento.
 
Hi, I'm in No Cal too. There are breeders around here but I don't have any recommendations to send you. I just don't know them. I think the CKCS is the best source for breeders to investigate but just being a member isn't a recommendation. Still need to be checked out. Since you're hoping for a health-checked older puppy, you may have to widen your range outside the area. There is a CKCS sponsored health event coming up this summer. I'll be taking my dog therento have her heart and eyes checked by specialists. many breederrs take their dogs to these events and it might be a good place for you to talk to people. If you are interested, I'll PM you the information.

I think you are on the right track, however. I would never trade my Tess for any of The other breeds you have considered! :)
 
Hi, I'm in No Cal too. There are breeders around here but I don't have any recommendations to send you. I just don't know them. I think the CKCS is the best source for breeders to investigate but just being a member isn't a recommendation. Still need to be checked out. Since you're hoping for a health-checked older puppy, you may have to widen your range outside the area. There is a CKCS sponsored health event coming up this summer. I'll be taking my dog therento have her heart and eyes checked by specialists. many breederrs take their dogs to these events and it might be a good place for you to talk to people. If you are interested, I'll PM you the information.

I think you are on the right track, however. I would never trade my Tess for any of The other breeds you have considered! :)

Hi,

I am interested in the CKCS sponsored health event. Is it in Sacramento? Could you pm me the info?
 
I think you are very smart to look into all of this, I find the breeds I am most attracted to tend to have health problems (aside from american eskimo dogs) I looked really hard for a breeder that did all the right tests and breed her dogs for health and to better the breed ect.. but there is a chance she wasn't all she said she was. BUT that said, I wouldn't trade Bentley for any dog in the world. I adore him. I got really deep into sm research for a school project recently and started noticing every scratch and shake, I was driving myself crazy. I finally decided to ignore things like that, and only worry if he starts having constant sm symptoms with pain. other wise Assume he is fine. Other wise you won't be able to enjoy this wonderful gift of the best breed ever!

Even knowing we will have to deal with SM or MVD at some point, we are fine with that. He has brought us so much joy, even knowing he will get sick someday, it doesn't matter, we will cross that bridge when we come to it and for now we will love him and enjoy him. I probably won't have another cavalier unless it is a rescue. I am not sure my husband would agree to pay $3,500 for a cav from the breeder who does MRI, and I am not sure I would want a cav from a breeder who doesn't MRI. I think that is just something that HAS to be done for breeding cavs since they are SO prone to SM. I am planing to get an icelandic sheepdog for my next dog (my neighbor has 4 buff colored ones and I LOVE LOVE LOVE her dogs) But Cavs are always my first loves. I would like to try to have a few over my life time.
 
We didn't have any clue about SM when we acquired our Bentley, although I had read enough online to be aware of heart issues. He's about 18 months old now and the joy of our lives. Our daughter who brought him to us passed away in Dec and he has been such a comfort. I don't know if I'd ever want any other breed. He's adorable, well-behaved, and just beautiful. Sleeping at my feet as I type...
 
Is there anything breeders can/should do to reduce the chances of glue ear, episodic falling, and luxating patellas? Or is it just hips, SM, CM and MVD?
 
Is there anything breeders can/should do to reduce the chances of glue ear, episodic falling, and luxating patellas? Or is it just hips, SM, CM and MVD?

I'm not sure about glue ear but for episodic falling, there now is a DNA test. You would want parents to either be one carrier to a clear or both clear of the gene.

They could have their patellas checked prior to breeding to help limit chance of luxating patellas. http://cavalierhealth.com/patellas.htm tells about breeder responsibilities and what is recommended by both clubs in the USA.
 
I'm not sure about glue ear but for episodic falling, there now is a DNA test. You would want parents to either be one carrier to a clear or both clear of the gene.

They could have their patellas checked prior to breeding to help limit chance of luxating patellas. http://cavalierhealth.com/patellas.htm tells about breeder responsibilities and what is recommended by both clubs in the USA.
Awesome, thanks! I didn't know there was a DNA test for episodic falling, that's good to know.
I think I have the breeder all lined up, she MRIs and everything.

For anyone who wants to answer...

I'm looking at supplies...is there a specific collar length/width that would be good [inches]? Like, do puppies need a skinnier collar since their necks are smaller? How long should the leash be? I heard that you should have a training lead that should be longer: does that mean like 6 feet? I'm petite, only 5 feet tall, so I don't think I'd need a very long leash to give the dog room. How about the leash for walking? Does the thickness of the leash matter at all?

For dishes, I think I'll be ordering spaniel water/food bowls off of Etsy, so that's covered.

And harnesses...I've seen a lot of cavs with this style of harness: http://www.petco.com/product/118854...-for-Dogs-in-Black-And-Gray-Argyle-Print.aspx

Is there a reason that style is better than this style? http://www.petco.com/product/112124/Petco-Easy-Step-In-Pink-And-White-Dotted-Dog-Harness.aspx

Also, is it okay to have a collar on in the house and then switch to the harness when the dog is on a leash, or would just having the collar on at all harm the dog? I assume that when the harness gets put on, the collar comes off: would it then be a good idea to buy a harness with D-rings to attach duplicates of the ID tags to?

For dog beds, does it matter whether the bed has sides? I've read that sides make the dog feel more secure, is that true? Would it be okay to just buy a bed that would fit an adult Cav and let the puppy grow into it, or should I buy one that fits the puppy and upgrade when needed?
 
I started Fletcher out on a Coastal step in harness 5/8" I think, so far its great because its adjusts soooooo much. AND it was pretty cheap. Step in is the way to go with a puppy, even then sometimes Fletcher gives me a hard time. Since puppies grow so fast your going to end up buying a few. I do want a nice one like your first one you have a link for but I'm going to wait until he's grown. Also, I don't see a point to having a dog/puppy wear a collar in the house and a harness outside since you don't want to crate a dog with either.
As for dog beds I bought a few cheap ones (washable type) in off-white thinking they may need a little bleach in the washer too. Some bedsy out there have removable covers, what a pain. I ended up using old bath mats then one of the beds/crate liner type beds....luck for me Fletcher really likes to dunk him soft toys in his water bowl why??? But the bath mats make sure the bottom of the crate don't get wet.

Oh and I prefer a 6 ft leash, its a personal choice I think.


Melissa
 
In the beginning I struggled with what to do about switching the tags from collar to harness and vice versa, but now I leave Sonny's collar on even when he wears his harness. He doesn't seem to mind wearing both of them at all. He always runs over and helps me put his harness on when I bring it out.

I also have heard that the beds with sides are good for them to feel secure and to have a place to rest their head. I think that they like beds their size so that they are all cozy, but I don't know for sure. Sonny has a bed/crate liner in his crate and then I put a snuggly blanket on top of that which makes it easy to wash. Sonny really only has ever slept in his crate, he barely ever used the beds that I put in the living room. We bought little beds for Sonny when he was a baby which he used sometimes and then when he got older we spent a lot of money and got him a really nice bed for adults which he has ended up NEVER using, so it now is basically a glorified toy box:sl*p: .



Awesome, thanks! I didn't know there was a DNA test for episodic falling, that's good to know.
I think I have the breeder all lined up, she MRIs and everything.

For anyone who wants to answer...

I'm looking at supplies...is there a specific collar length/width that would be good [inches]? Like, do puppies need a skinnier collar since their necks are smaller? How long should the leash be? I heard that you should have a training lead that should be longer: does that mean like 6 feet? I'm petite, only 5 feet tall, so I don't think I'd need a very long leash to give the dog room. How about the leash for walking? Does the thickness of the leash matter at all?

For dishes, I think I'll be ordering spaniel water/food bowls off of Etsy, so that's covered.

And harnesses...I've seen a lot of cavs with this style of harness: http://www.petco.com/product/118854...-for-Dogs-in-Black-And-Gray-Argyle-Print.aspx

Is there a reason that style is better than this style? http://www.petco.com/product/112124/Petco-Easy-Step-In-Pink-And-White-Dotted-Dog-Harness.aspx

Also, is it okay to have a collar on in the house and then switch to the harness when the dog is on a leash, or would just having the collar on at all harm the dog? I assume that when the harness gets put on, the collar comes off: would it then be a good idea to buy a harness with D-rings to attach duplicates of the ID tags to?

For dog beds, does it matter whether the bed has sides? I've read that sides make the dog feel more secure, is that true? Would it be okay to just buy a bed that would fit an adult Cav and let the puppy grow into it, or should I buy one that fits the puppy and upgrade when needed?
 
My two have light webbing collars that they wear all the time - a bit stretchy and loose enough, as I don't usually use a lead on them, to be pulled out of easily if they get snagged on anything, but this has never been a problem. This enables them to wear their identity discs at all times, and they have a note on the back of the disc saying they are microchipped, which can deter thieves and also make them easier to find if they do get stolen or lost. You never know when a visitor is going to leave a gate open, or you forget to shut the dogs in when you answer the front door, or a wind knocks down part of your garden fence! For going out they have a harness with a ring at the front, on their chest, which is very good for stopping pulling.

Sounds as if you need the canine version of a Baby Shower!

Kate, Oliver and Aled
 
My family gave me a Puppy Shower!!!! It was fun we did it after I got him, so it ended up being a meet the new puppy event too. My family knew I was picky about buying things like harnesses and bowls so mostly I got gift cards from pet stores. And a few friends gave him toys. It was fun especially since I never had a Baby Shower years ago. I think its perfectly fine for a Puppy Shower! After all I did send out Adoption Notices like you would if you adopted a baby. My husband thought I was nutty but I don't care.

Melissa
 
If I get a cav and have a full time job, would it be okay to hire a petsitter for while I'm at work? Obviously I'd train it myself, housebreak it myself, but would a petsitter be good to keep it company? I'd be living alone, so there wouldn't be anyone there during the say without one.
 
If I get a cav and have a full time job, would it be okay to hire a petsitter for while I'm at work? Obviously I'd train it myself, housebreak it myself, but would a petsitter be good to keep it company? I'd be living alone, so there wouldn't be anyone there during the say without one.


Cavaliers are people dogs. I have heard over and over how you do need to be able to devote time to spending with cavaliers. But with puppies in general they can't be left alone very much at all. An hour 2 maybe for a puppy under 6 or so months?!?!! I have a friend that got a puppy 8 weeks old (not a cavalier) and was working full-time, her plan was to come home everyday on her lunch break the potty/fed/play with the puppy. Well, I didn't think that was a good idea puppies, small breed ones anyway can hold their "potty" that long and a bored puppy is a distructive one. Well, after 3 months of my friend constantly having the clean puppy "potty" from her kitchen floor where she pinned the pup up when she wasn't home and the puppy actually ate one of the kitchen cabinet doors off, my friend was looking to re-home the puppy. This puppy was no more housebroken than a new baby and if she had someone to play with the dog also would have used his energy on good play instead of the kitchen cabinets.

I ended up offering the keep the puppy with me at work (since I have option) Plus what I do offers the puppy lots of socialization. Lucky for her I was able to do that for her and her puppy. The arrangement worked out great, my friend would drop puppy off with me at work and then pick her up after (sometimes I wasn't here but my staff- loved having the dog here so they would help) My friend also enrolled in a good puppy class where she (my friend the owner) learned how to train a puppy.

My friend took in an older rescue of the same breed, right after the puppy turned 1. They share a giant crate during the day now.

Just something to think about.

I have had Fletcher 3 weeks now and have not left him alone yet at all. We are a package deal now he goes where I go.


Melissa
 
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