​IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND:

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) is a significant health concern in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, with studies showing that more than 75% of the breed will be affected during their lifetime, many developing disease earlier than is seen in other breeds. Recent research has identified genetic variants that influence the risk and timing of MMVD onset, one of which is associated with the NEBL3 gene. Genetic testing can determine whether a dog carries the AA, AG, or GG genotype for this variant. Dogs that carry at least one G allele (AG or GG) it has been suggested they will be less likely to develop early-onset MMVD compared to dogs with the AA genotype. The NEBL3 variant does not alter the structure of the mitral valve itself. Instead, it is believed to play a protective role in the heart’s response to valve degeneration. The wild-type NEBL3 variant appears to help limit pathological heart enlargement that occurs secondary to mitral valve insufficiency. When the heart enlarges, the mitral annulus (or ring if you like) stretches, worsening the valve leakage and accelerating disease progression. By moderating this enlargement, NEBL3 may help slow the cascade that drives MMVD progression, reducing the severity and speed of disease development. Importantly, MMVD is not a single-gene disease, it will not stop MMVD, it may slow down. Multiple factors contribute to its development, including congenital mitral valve structure, connective tissue properties, and several genetic and biological pathways still unknown, but they remain under active research. NEBL3 should therefore be viewed as just one component of a broader, multifactor approach to improving heart health, rather than a guarantee against disease. The G variant is exceptionally rare within the Cavalier population. Current estimates suggest that less than 2% of Cavaliers in Australia carry the G variant. Identifying these dogs may assist breeders in long-term, strategic breeding decisions aimed at improving population-wide cardiac health while preserving genetic diversity and overall breed wellbeing. I am very fortunate  that my beautiful boy's Max and Teddy both carry one copy of the gene and could potentially pass this onto their offspring. You can read more of the study here.  

 

DNA TESTING:

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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, so testing is our best defence. However, 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. By testing our dogs for the recommended Orivet Genetics breed profile, what I can guarantee, is for them not to be affected by any of those hereditary diseases by carefully selecting the parent dogs. However, DNA testing does not count for unforeseen illnesses, 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 if you would like a pet. 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, me as a breeder, can give you is, all efforts have been made to eliminate hereditary diseases and every effort has been made to ensure your puppy will be fit, healthy and happy at the time of purchase, as breeders, 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.

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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 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, cushions and rugs to drag around - which is a definite Favorite, 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, and cater for various weather conditions. 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. This will be very evident when you take your puppy home, how happy and well cared for they are, the little ones get to meet our teenage pets, and this also is another learning experience for them. A tremendous amount of effort has gone into ensuring the puppies have adequate, safe play space, adequate heating and cooling, the best diets, and the best rest areas for recharge. 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 centralized media platform for puppy families to connect with each other. I upload regular photos and videos, weight gains, etc. so you get to see your puppy's progress from the time they are born to the day you take them home, previous families love this space and can't wait for their daily updates to come through. Once puppies leave me, I encourage you to send photos and share stories of your puppy's new life. I coordinate a catch-up day 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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