Patchworkpony
Well-Known Member
My research is showing me that so many have heart problems that I am now scared to buy one as I don't want to lose a young dog. How many make old bones I wonder?
I'm not sure what a heart murmur would mean - is it foolhardy to deliberately buy a breed that has health problems or do most dogs have health problem these days? They certainly seem more prone to inherited problems than horses.Lovely dogs. I have them and I have known plenty. Never met one that I didn't like.
One of mine is about 10 now and is just as active as she was as a puppy despite always having a minor heart murmur. Mine have never had health problems except one who has had ear infections once or twice.. But she is nearing on 5 so can't really complain if that's all the ailments she has ever suffered.
I'm not sure what a heart murmur would mean - is it foolhardy to deliberately buy a breed that has health problems or do most dogs have health problem these days? They certainly seem more prone to inherited problems than horses.
Thanks Elsiecat - that is reassuring to know. I wish someone could PM me with some reliable breeders. Was about to look at puppies from a so called top breeder and it turns out she imports puppies from Ireland that have health problems!I think if you are to look objectively that any and every dog breed has it's list of problems. I think if you look carefully and find a dog with health tested parents, then you can't go too far wrong.
Despite cavaliers being fairly prone as a breed to health issues, I will never be without one of them. Take from that what you will!
Thanks Elsiecat - that is reassuring to know. I wish someone could PM me with some reliable breeders. Was about to look at puppies from a so called top breeder and it turns out she imports puppies from Ireland that have health problems!
…….. . It is now just a matter of finding the right breeder.
My vet (who is very doggie) has advised against buying a cav unless I 'have very deep pockets for vet's bills' - now I don't know what to do. I love the breed but she said there are enormous health problems with them. Grrr..
My vet (who is very doggie) has advised against buying a cav unless I 'have very deep pockets for vet's bills' - now I don't know what to do. I love the breed but she said there are enormous health problems with them. Grrr..
Thanks Levrier - my OH says enjoy one now and worry about the future if and when something goes wrong. He's probably right, it's just that I lost my beloved fell pony very young from a genetic problem and have never completely got over it.Lévrier;12680330 said:Yeah vets always do say this - a little knowledge is a dangerous thing I think the quote goes I have racked up way more in vets bills for my 4 rescue greyhounds over the past few years than my relative has for her 9 or so CKCS, and my greyhounds dont have any genetic health problems.....
These little dogs are SO difficult to find as all the breeders round here have waiting lists!
There seem to be some offered on Preloved, or Pets4Homes - not puppies but some as young as a few months. Probably the product of puppy farms though, you could ask to get them health screened if you were worried
Lévrier;12714108 said:I wouldn't touch them with the proverbial bargepole unfortunately - you can be sure they will be from puppy farms
I have homed two who came this route, neither in the first flush of youth, and neither with expensive health issues. One whose owner had owned from a puppy butwas having to move into non dog accommodation and another whose circumstances had also changed and could no longer keep her beloved dog. Only one was ex puppy farm (as a brood bitch) and she is a real charmer, so pleased and grateful to have a real home with room to run and play. Beware of generalisations - you can find lovely dogs through ads, I know a good many who have. Lots of rehoming charities pick them up and then charge a hefty adoption fee, because cavvies are so appealing and sought after. Many Tears do, as do Pendle Dogs in Need. Just ask all the right questions - where did it come from, did they see the dam when they bought it, has it all the relevant innoculations and pedigree, etc etc.
Depends whether you want to do it for the dog or for yourself really I guess.
I totally agree with everything you say.Lévrier;12714606 said:My generalisations were based on the fact that the OP has repeatedly expressed her concerns about potential health issues with CKCS - a puppy farm is not the way to go if you are looking for a healthy pup
I totally agree with everything you say.
Thank you so much for that but this is exactly what I have found so reluctantly I have decide to forget this breed and think about something else as there seems to be too much stress attached to even finding a puppy.Lévrier;12715215 said:Thanks PP I rang my mum again tonight, she has been asking around for tricolour bitches but there is nothing out there - anyone who is breeding are selling their pups before they are born.