Well look at you!  You are doing your research and understanding the importance and necessity of it when looking for the right breeder/puppy. That's the first step in the right direction!  We have some guidelines on our site about what to look for, as well as what to look out for, when purchasing a puppy.  Our club feels that this is very important information for potential puppy buyers.  Please refer to:

Puppies

There are many fine, positive attributes of the Cavalier but it does have some health issues that you should familiarize yourself with.  Cavaliers are very gentle, extremely needy dogs.  They require significantly more attention than most other dogs.  They do not do well if left alone for long periods of time.  

A few good information sites:

http://www.premiercavalierinfosite.com/index.htm

http://www.ackcsc.org/health/chicarch.html

Our breed has become quite popular and there are many disreputable, unscrupulous people selling Cavaliers and/or likewise have slick, good looking websites who want to do nothing more than to take your money for a Cavalier with no regard for the betterment of our breed.  They have the lingo expertly down pat to make themselves sound legit.  Don’t be fooled by the word adoption, they want your money.  Adoption is reserved for rescue (abused/neglected) dogs. 

PLEASE do not buy your puppy off the internet, from a backyard breeder, broker (puppies without their birth mother), newspaper classified ad, at a pet shop, or through any type of advertisement.  Never have a puppy shipped without you accompanying it (most reputable breeders would not allow this).  Indiscriminate breeding has the potential for heartbreaking consequences.  What you might save in purchase price, you'll likely pay many times over in vet bills or in training an unsocialized dog. Run; don’t walk from a so called ‘breeder’ giving a “health guarantee”!

Your Cavalier will become a cherished member of your family for many years to come.  Needing, wanting or having to have a Cavalier right now is not the right way to go about adding to your family.  Demand for Cavaliers far out strips supply.  It takes time and patience.  PLEASE work with a reputable breeder.  How do you find out if a breeder is reputable?  Ask for their club affiliations (don’t be taken or fooled by fake registries) and if they follow a Code of Ethics.  Ask to see documentation.  Verify with the organizations they claim to be a member of.  Ask them about their health testing protocol.  Health testing MUST be done by Board Certified Veterinary Specialists; specifically cardiologist and ophthalmologist, not a regular Veterinarian.  What do they know about the health history of the parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents (three generations) of the breeding pair?    

 Another option when looking for a puppy and a way to meet lovers of our wonderful breed is to attend one of our meetings.  Our club is comprised of people who show their dogs, breeders and those who have Cavaliers as their dear pets.  Please see the events page on our website.  Visitors are welcome and encouraged.  Lastly, attending a dog show is a good idea when looking for a puppy. 

Remember that solely showing a dog does not legitimize one that breeds, it is just another component along with all the other aspects mentioned above.  The newest twist with people breeding who shouldn’t be breeding is to enter a dog show, therefore making themselves appear to be involved in the show ring.  They feel this gives them credibility, and therefore duping the unsuspecting puppy buyer.  Visit http://jbradshaw.com/ for upcoming local show information. 

While each breeder below has pledged to follow our Club's guidelines and ethics, the Club is not responsible for any actions of its member-breeders.  With that in mind, here are a few names for you:

These breeders have been regular club members in good standing for at least two years.  While each breeder below has pledged to follow our Club's guidelines and ethics, the Club is not responsible for any actions of its member-breeders.  With that in mind, here are a few names for you:

 

 

Good luck with your search! Please be patient with these breeders.  You may have to inquire more than once.