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Screens their dogs for genetic health
problems by certified specialists. They should be able to tell you
about the genetic problems in the breed and be able show proof that
the parents of the litter are free of those problems prior to
breeding.
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Will usually insist puppies sold as
pets be spayed/neutered and placed on an AKC limited registration.
The limited registration makes the dog exempt from having any of its
offspring registered by the AKC.
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Will usually take back any dog of their
breeding at any age. Reputable breeders do not want to find out
a dog they bred has been left in a pound or dumped by the roadside.
They assume a lifetime. responsibility for the canine lives they have
put on this earth.
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Would never sell puppies through a pet
shop, animal broker, or laboratory. They would NEVER import
puppies from other countries to resell.
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Does not breed "puppies for
profit" or so "our children can experience the miracle of birth." A
reputable breeder breeds to advance their breeding program and for
their love and devotion to Cavaliers.
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Usually only breeds a litter if they
intend on keeping something out of the litter. They are breeding to
further improve their breeding program, not just to produce puppies
for pet buyers.
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Should be knowledgeable about the breed
standard.
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Should be able to provide you with a
pedigree of the puppies, not just a copy of the parents registration
papers. A pedigree usually has at least three generations of the
puppy's ancestors listed.
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Does not breed a volume of puppies or
multiple breeds (more than two) and NEVER breeds "designer"
mixed breed puppies.
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Usually participates in some sort of
dog related events such as dog shows, obedience, agility, etc..
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Is willing to refer you to other
reputable breeders if they don' t have what you are looking for.
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Will ask you questions about your
family and home to determine if your lifestyle is suited
to the personality of a Cavalier. Some breeders require you to
have a fenced yard with secure fencing for the puppies protection.
The breeder is always looking for the ideal situation for the puppy.
They want the owner and the puppy to be happy.
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Believes in service after
the sale. If a puppy buyer has grooming questions, feeding
questions, or training questions, the breeder will be there for you
long after the puppy is no loner a puppy.