A Cavalier should always
be wanted primarily as a companion, even one being purchased to show and
perhaps later breed.
Always buy a puppy from a
specialist breeder, where you can expect to see the mother and sometimes the
father. NEVER obtain a puppy from a Pet Shop, Market or Puppy Dealer. Beware of
agreeing to meet people and puppies in public places, always ask to see a puppy
in it's home environment.
The Secretaries of the UK Cavalier Clubs
will be able to give you details of their Puppy Register Co-ordinators, your
local Veterinary Surgery may have names and addresses of reputable breeders.
All Cavalier breeders that are members of a Cavalier Club have to abide by a
Code of Ethics and supply certain information to new owners. The Kennel Club
also has lists of Breeders with Puppies available.
Talk to as many breeders as you can as
well as other owners and get as much additional information about the needs of
a Cavalier as possible.
Cavaliers enjoy company and dislike being
left on their own. Due to their small size as a puppy some breeders are
reluctant to sell a puppy to a family with young children. Children have to be
taught to respect all dogs and not treat them like toys. In some cases an older
dog may therefore be more suitable and a Rescue Cavalier could be considered.
Cavaliers are highly intelligent, are
active little dogs that require regular exercise but not necessarily 5 mile
hikes every day. They are happy in a securely enclosed fenced garden. They are
easy to train but being puppies they do occasionally chew things and until they
are house trained are guilty of sometimes making a puddle !
If you do purchase a puppy then most
responsible breeders will supply you with the following
· A Pedigree showing at least
three generations
· Feeding
Instructions
· Vaccination
Certificate
· Dates of Worming and any
medical treatment currently being received
Finally if you do purchase a Cavalier
consider joining a local Cavalier Club where you will meet many Cavalier owners
and have access to help with all your future questions.
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