Grandville Cavaliers-Puppy Buyer's Guide

Thinking of Buying a Puppy?

“I wish people would realize that animals are totally dependent, helpless, like children:
a trust that is completely put upon us.” —James Herriot

Here are some things to consider before purchasing your pup:

Where the pup comes from, and what is the pup's pedigree of origin; registries are not all equal . . . read on to learn more.

Commercial kennels/shops:

We have all probably seen those cute adorable pups in a pet shop window and been tempted to take one home. However, the pups usually sold in these stores most likely come from large commercial breeders or puppy mills. There might be an exception, but it is rare. The background of these pups remains uncertain, as well as the health and temperament of their parents, all of which can be hereditary, passing on to your pup. Because you will never meet the breeder or the parents of the pups, you will not be able to see any potential issues to beware of.

These businesses usually produce large numbers of various breeds or mixed breeds, in facilities set up for this purpose. The breeding stock usually live in small,cramped filthy cages, with little or no human contact. They literally become breeding machines, with no thought taken for their well being. Sick and malnourished, sitting in their own fecal matter, living in pain and emotional distress, they are bred until they are of no use, then killed or sometimes sold to labs for experimentation. Granted there may be all levels of abuse, some not as bad as others, some cleaner then others, but the point is this, the parents of those pups are not being treated well, and being made to endure horrors no living creature should endure, all for the sake of financial profit.

The pups are usually taken away from their mom and siblings way too early, before they are weaned and properly socialized, all so they arrive at the store at that most appealing young age to ensure the best sale.

Before you chose to buy from someone other then a reputable breeder, just remember the horrors the parents of puppy mill pups most likely endure each day. Buying that pup will only promote the horror.

Please visit these links to learn more. They are excellent, a must read:

http://www.ckcsc.org/ckcsc/ckcsc_inc.nsf/Founded-1954/importers.html

http://www.idausa.org/campaigns/puppymills/index.html

Backyard breeders:

These are usually pet owners who have chosen to breed their pet for various reasons:

-They might want to recoup the cost of buying their pet.
-They might need a way to gain some extra income.
-They might want their kids to get the experience of seeing pups being born.
-They might feel it is a cheap way to get another dog.

The reasons stated above might seem valid to some, however, they are not in the best interest of the breed itself. Most backyard breeders are probably genuinely nice people who love their pet, but who just haven’t thought about all the consequences of their actions. They are only thinking of their immediate interests, not those of the breed.

They usually know little to nothing about the AKC breed standard with regard to type and structure, or the health issues specific to that breed. Furthermore, they most likely do not health test their pet for hereditary diseases, either out of ignorance or in order to gain the maximum profit from the sale. Most do not belong to any breed club, nor adhere to any “code of ethics.” A code of ethics is common to a breed club. It is there in order to protect and to enhance the breed. Those who are members are supposed to adhere to the code.
Backyard breeders are accountable to no one. Backyard breeders also usually do not attend dog shows or breed seminars to learn more about the issues related to their breed.
It may be tempting to buy from a back yard breeder, especially if it is cheaper, and they seem to cherish the beloved pet they have bred, which is well cared for and lives in their home. However, keep in mind, there is a lot more that goes into proper breeding selection then the obvious, getting a male and female “together.”

Reputable breeders spend their lives researching about the breed, studying structure and breed type, pedigrees/lines, health issues, socialization, training, and so forth, all in the hopes of enhancing the breed, as well as protecting it. The aim of a reputable breeder is to produce quality pups that are as close to the breed standard as possible, while working to reduce health issues in the breed. Breeding correctly is very costly and time consuming, it’s a pastime that takes a lot of love and passion, and most of all, love.

Please take the time to find a reputable breeder that has dedicated his/her life to protect and enhance the breed. Please read the “code of ethics” of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed club of which I am a member:

Cavalier King Charles Club, USA, Inc. Code of Ethics:

I believe that the welfare of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is of paramount importance. It supersedes any other commitment to Cavaliers, whether that be personal, competitive, or financial. Therefore I agree to act in accordance with the following Code of Ethics at all times, and I understand that actions contrary to the Code may be grounds for disciplinary measures to be taken by the Board of Directors of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA, Inc. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA, Inc. (hereafter referred to as CKCSC) is a Club composed of members devoted to the continued betterment of the breed, who put this interest well ahead of any commercial consideration. The following Code of Ethics is predicated upon this fundamental philosophy.

Here is a link to read the rest of our code of ethics:
http://www.ckcsc.org/ckcsc/ckcsc_inc.nsf/Founded-1954/ethics.html

Cavalier Rescue:
Don’t forget the rescue organizations: There are lots of dogs that still need homes.
Here is our Cavalier breed rescue link:
http://www.cavalierrescueusa.org

Last Thought:
There is a valid place for those breeders who are working hard to protect a specific breed. Breeding correctly protects a species and ensures its survival. Decide exactly what you are looking for, and then invest your time in searching for the breeder or organization that can help you find what you are looking for. Pure breeds are bred to have specific traits that you can hope to find in your pup, where as a mixed breed is a little less certain what you might get. Somewhere out there is a dog waiting to find a home, only make sure that your home and lifestyle is good for that breed. A good breeder will help you make the right choice for you and your family.

Click these links to read about how we raise our pups and about our adoption process.