​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. Dogs 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, less than 2% 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.  

 

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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