THINGS TO KNOW
MYXOMATOUS MITRAL VALVE DISEASE:
Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) is the most common and serious heart condition affecting Cavalier King Charles. Statistics reveal 79% will be affected.
What is MMVD: If you can visualize a one way door opening, letting the blood flow through to the heart, blood flowing normally via the door, but over time, the door does not seal properly and it starts to leak small amounts at a slow pace, the buildup of the leakage over time eventually causes blood to flow backwards in the heart, where it becomes a big leak and the valve becomes thickened. This, leading to enlargement of the heart. As the condition slowly progresses, the heart may have to work a little harder. Unfortunately, our beautiful breed is so vulnerable, while the disease exists in many dog breeds, Cavaliers are unique in that they often develop it much earlier in life than other breeds. At first, most dogs feel completely normal, they run, play, eat, and enjoy life just like any other dog. MMVD usually develops very slowly, often over many years. It is not caused by exercise, diet, excitement and is certainly not contagious.
NEBL3 Variant:
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 if the dog carries the variant known as the G variant. Dogs that carry at least one G allele (AG or GG) have been shown to be less likely to develop early-onset MMVD.
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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. 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. Other factors contribute to its development, including congenital mitral valve shape, and connective tissue properties, and several genetic and biological pathways that remain under active research. NEBL3 should therefore be viewed as only one component of a broader, approach to improving heart health, rather than a guarantee against disease.
The G variant is rare within the Cavalier population. Current estimates suggest that less than 2% of Cavaliers in Australia carry the G allele. I am fortunate enough, my two boys Max and Teddy both carry one copy of the G variant and could potentially pass this onto their offspring giving them a good start to heart health.
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DNA TESTING:
Understanding DNA, it's 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, others believe if the puppy is a carrier of something, it should be dismissed for purchase considerations, a carrier means it carries the gene or the trait, it cannot get the disease by being a carrier, if you puppy is a carrier of something, this does not mean he is of lesser quality. Some people think that they should only focus on a DNA clear puppy, this should not be the focus point of your decision to buy a puppy, DNA testing is essential to the breeder, to guarantee they will not produce any of those hereditary diseases by carefully selecting the parent dogs. 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. 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 long or short term, any more than they can predict human health. Being 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 regardless of the breed. As we are dealing with a living being, I cannot, nobody can, could possibly guarantee you that something will not turn up unexpectedly. The only guarantee realistically, as a breeder, I 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, I would love 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 are in close contact with my well qualified, well trained puppy handlers - my grandchildren, and adults, puppies 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 favourite, 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 large play areas, all are fenced, safe areas for play, and cater for various weather conditions. All play 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 puppies get to meet the other adult dogs, 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.
BREED MATCH:
It is most important to assess if this breed is really suited to your family and your lifestyle. We do not want any of our puppies dumped, neglected or abused because a buyer found out too late, this was not a good breed fit for them. So please, do all the checking and research needed to ensure this is for you.
Cavaliers are extremely needy in terms of wanting human company. They want to go, where you go, and be with you all the time, some get anxiety if they are away from you for long periods of time, they are considered by most, a true lap dog. They definitely take the award for the best companion dog by far, always by your side - they become your shadow they are the definition of velcro. They love children and they are extremely gentle. They have the biggest personality and the most beautiful temperament.
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However, toy breeds are notorious for being difficult to house train, but cavaliers are easier than most toy breeds to train and will do anything for a treat, being the biggest in the toy breed family. They do take a little bit of looking after in terms of grooming and need regular brushing. They are too small to be a jogging companion but absolutely love to go outdoors and can be suitable for small size yards and just love to play fetch, and very happily will walk on a lead with you. They are extremely friendly and quite willingly they will accept a strangers offer of attention, thus making them a very easy target for a stranger to take them without protest, so they need to have secure fencing and always in your command and watchful eye. ​
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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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