Below we list some suggestions for requirements that you should consider asking for when enquiring about a new puppy to join your family. We hope that you look for a breeder that will be able to offer you most of the items. Remember your puppy is a life time commitment and hopefully you won't get a life time of vets' bills if your puppy's breeder follows some of the procedures below:-

1. Kennel Club registration or the written promise of such

2. Litter screen by Canine Ophthalmologist for the eyes

3. Vet health checked and at least the 1st initial vaccination

4. Micro-chipped and/or tattooed

5. Mother – heart certificated – clear no matter what her age

6. Father – heart certificated clear to at least 5 years of age, thereafter a mild murmur permitted dependant on age

7. Mother – eye certificated (clear)

8. Father – eye certificated (clear)

9. At least one parent should be DNA tested clear for Episodic Falling. to ensure the resulting puppies do not have 'a pair' of the DNA gene for Episodic Falling - this condition is very unlikely to show before 5 months of age. Dry Eye Curly Coat (which also now has a DNA test) should really not be a problem to you as the breeder should know whether the puppies have this syndrome well before you would purchase a puppy.

10. Kennel Club Accredited Breeder

11. Sample of breeding dogs MRI scanned and preferably ‘A’ scored; minimum of ‘D’ score

12. Member of at least one UK mainland CKCS breed clubs

13. Puppies of 12 weeks or more will have had 2nd vaccination and some lead training and be on the way to being house trained

14. Do ask the breeder if you can see all the relevant health certificates
 

Click on the above to go to an interesting forum which has been discussing the best small breed of dog as the initial enquiry came from someone with children - The cavalier comes out TOPS!
N.B. Someone has posted about one of ours too and they own the brother of Teddy Roosevelt who lives in Australia & mum is our Angelina