​IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND:

MMVD (Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease)  Sadly over 75% of Cavaliers suffer from MMVD and most earlier in life. Master Dog Breeders Association is proud to be the instigator, in search of and test for, MMVD  that identified genetic variants associated with increased risk of early-onset of MMVD. It determines a dog's genotype for the genetic variant referred to as NEBL3. Dog's with a G G or A G test result are less likely to be diagnosed with MMVD early in life.  The wild type NEBL 3 prevents heart enlargement in response to valve insufficiency. When the heart enlarges it dilates the mitral aperture, pulling the valve leaves apart, and turning a small leak into a large one. As such NEBL3 doesn't directly impact in the mitral valve, but it does impact on overall heart health and "waters down" the cascade of MMVD degeneration and progression.  However, it is not the only gene involved, there are other traits and pathways at play, such as congenital mitral valve shape and many other factors still in research. It's not a single gene bullet in eradicating MMVD. However, it is one part of the puzzle scientists can now work with. Very few Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have the G variant, and identifying these dogs could help breeders in planning their breeding strategies. It is known that just a tiny portion of the cavalier population in Australia has the G variant. I am very fortunate enough that my beautiful boy Max has the G variant and could possibly pass on to his offspring. You can read more of the study here.  

 

Sadly, every dog breed has health problems associated with it. Every dog, regardless of the breed can develop health issues which are known to affect them. As a breeder we try to avoid known problems, but as we are dealing with a living being we cannot, nobody can, could possibly guarantee you that something will not turn up unexpectedly. The only guarantee realistically a breeder can give you, is the puppy will be fit, healthy and happy at the time of purchase, but most would like to offer you way more than that, but most breeders are genuine and will not tell you something that is simply not true, or something they simply cannot guarantee. It is very unfortunate that DNA testing is widely misunderstood by many, most think if it has been DNA tested it will never have any health issues, quite simply this is not true at all. Not a scientist, not a vet, and certainly not a breeder can predict the dog's health any more than they can predict human health. It is a fact of life; things happen beyond anyone's control, and you must be prepared for this when considering this breed.
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SOCIALISING:

All puppies will be in close contact with my well trained puppy handlers - my grandchildren, and adults, they are familiar with lots of handling, they will not be in contact with other dogs due to their age, they should not be introduced to other animals until fully vaccinated. However, they will be used to different noises, sights and sounds. They have ample play areas, ramps to climb, tunnels to run through and chase each other, they have hanging toys to encourage activity, ropes for tug of war, they have doggy doors in their play area not just for fun running in and out and hiding from each other, but when they go to new homes they are familiar how to use them, they have crates with no doors, for when they want to rest, the plush mattresses are inviting, this also becomes familiar to them to help when they go to their new homes. They have three large play areas, all are fenced, safe areas for play, a lush grassed  out in the open area to enjoy perfect weather conditions, this has a doggy door which they learn to use very quickly, which takes them indoors to a purpose built kennel area. They also have another area, under cover with polycarbonate walls, to protect from rain, but still allowing them to be outdoors, this area has pebbles for ground cover, this also teaches them a different feel under foot,  again with ramps, and tunnels, they have chew toys, ropes and lots of hiding places, a great area for chasing each other, and a heater for extra warmth when needed it also has a large sleeping area for whenever they want to rest, the third area, is quite a large play area, with puppy fencing, that can be moved easily enough at various time throughout the day pending weather conditions, to be in the light warmth of the sun or in a shadow to stay out of the sun, with the shade of trees, all areas have cameras, so at all times, I have a complete view of what they are doing, if human intervention is required, cleap up time is called for, but most of the time, a human is with them while they are outdoors, this is their favourite time and just love the human companionship.

All three of these environments have been designed to give them plenty of room to play and with complete stimulation in mind, regardless of the weather, with a variety of toys for them to play with and not get bored. A tremendous amount of effort has gone into ensuring the puppies have adequate play space and they become very familiar with different settings. They truly have a five-star setting.

RELATIONSHIPS:
Take the time to get involved, it is very rewarding, to have contact with other puppy families of the siblings in your litter, I create a centralised media platform for all puppy families to connect with each other. I encourage you to send photos and share stories of your puppy's new life. I am happy to coordinate catch up days when puppies are about six months old and well settled into their new family, so all our puppies and puppy families can meet and chat with each other, see how they all are progressing with their new lifestyle. I like to keep in touch regularly with all puppy parents to ensure their progress is on track and no concerns. I am always available for support.

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