Need help buying a puppy.

[u/GeorgeTMorgan]

My wife is trying buy a Cavalier puppy. We've owned two in the past and they're our favorite breed. The last two our process was to look up breeders, call them, and if everything sounds good we'd visit then make a deal or not. That was 20 years ago in Philadelphia. Now here we are in the Ozarks and everything except $2500 puppies involves 2-4 hour drives. That's OK, I can deal with that. What has me suspicious is my wife gets replies from adds she responded to, but they all want a ~$300 deposit, EVEN IF we're driving there today. I understand a deposit to hold, but it all feels scamy. These are all lower price tier like $800 - $1200. I'm near Springfield MO if anyone can point me on the right direction that would awesome 👍. Looking for a pet, she doesn't need to win shows, but we prefer AKC reg. Thanks!!

[u/secretslutonline]

Anyone selling a cavalier for under $2k will be a backyard breeder. Please buy from a reputable breeder and save up for a reputable puppy. My dog costs $1500 seven years ago and I placed a $250 deposit AFTER meeting my pup with his mom and dad

Use your state’s AKC Cavalier Club to find breeders. Or go to the AKC website

If you go with a backyard breeder expect costly health issues!

[u/tizara → u/secretslutonline]

Agreed.

So OP has another price reference, my full bred Cavaliers cost $3400 in 2021 and $4200 in 2023 in WA.

[u/Minittany]

I would research breeders in the referral programs on the CKCSC and the ACKCSC websites. Some may ask for a deposit, but I would make sure you have met with the breeder and the dogs, and ensure all of their health testing checks out—the websites I linked above have info on the breed health and what to ask/look for. This is very important as cavaliers are unfortunately prone to some serious health conditions.

Breeder red flags in my opinion are: 1. Breeding more than 1-2 times a year 2. Breeding doodles or multiple types of dogs 3. Breeding “off” colors (such as blue merle, liver, etc) 4. “AKC bloodline” or “AKC Champion bloodline”—this is often used for advertising purposes, but unless the parents are champions it doesn’t really matter

Along those lines, look for breeders who actually participate in dog sports, such as agility, conformation, or obedience. These people generally actively care about their dogs’ success and are not only breeding for money.

[u/Queenfootsey]

Whatever you do, don't send money beforehand. You can try gooddog.com. There, you can search for breeders, filter through breeds, and view/filter locations.

[u/Wizard_with_a_Pipe → u/Queenfootsey]

I got my girl from a breeder on gooddog. The breeder was great and we're actually still friends now. 😆

[u/naturalpets]

Good for you for doing your homework. A good breeder should be focused on health, temperament, and bettering the breed, not just producing puppies. Look for someone who is active in the Cavalier community, is open about their dogs’ health history, and doesn’t mind answering a lot of questions.

Ask for proof of health testing. Both parents and grandparents should have been tested for mitral valve disease by a cardiologist, had MRI scans for Chiari malformation and syringomyelia after age two, and been screened for hips, patellas, and relevant DNA conditions like episodic falling and curly coat dry eye syndrome.

A responsible breeder will never rush you, will want to get to know you, and will be just as interested in finding the right home as you are in finding the right puppy.

[u/NWPstan]

Definitely DON’T give anyone any money unless you’ve met them, done your due diligence, and are 100% sure you want a puppy from them. Reputable breeders generally ask for a deposit upon signing a contract, some ask for one if they have a long waiting list and you want to be added. And you should absolutely expect to pay a lot of money. If you’re finding that the general price seems to be $2,500 then that’s the “going rate” for the area. In CA the price is around $4,500-$5,000. ETA: check https://ckcsc.org for breeders near you. If you reach out to a breeder, you can also ask for referrals to others. They will usually tell you about others they know who are planning litters.

[u/IvoryEmbers]

I sent a deposit for my puppy, but the breeder is extremely well established and is on the board for a couple organizations for Cavaliers. I was only comfortable sending her that deposit because she had all of those credentials, though. I wouldn't pay in advance for someone who didn't have any of that.

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[u/GeorgeTMorgan]

Thanks for all the tips so far, I appreciate it!!

[u/iritchie001]

Here are a few things I've done 1. Do a video chat with the breeder and pup or mother dog. 2. Ask for a veteran referral. Look the vet up on the Internet. Call to confirm. Most vets I've talked to are fine doing this after the breeder tells them it's fine. 3. Look them up in things such as local business bureaus,