Healthy Cavaliers start with responsible, science‑based breeding. Every dog in my program is screened for the conditions most relevant to the breed. This includes heart, eyes, patella, and genetic disorders. I follow the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommendations and breed only from dogs who meet our strict health standards.

Also, vaccination is an essential part of raising healthy, resilient puppies but it must be done thoughtfully. I follow a minimal, evidence‑based vaccination approach inspired by Dr. Jean Dodds’ protocol, which emphasizes protecting puppies at the right time with the right vaccines, while avoiding unnecessary immune stress.

Dr. Dodds’ schedule focuses on core protection, Distemper and Parvovirus. Vaccinations are given at carefully spaced intervals beginning around 9–10 weeks of age. The final Parvovirus dose is at 18 weeks to ensure immunity once maternal antibodies have waned. Rabies is administered at 20–24 weeks or older. It is always spaced several weeks apart from other vaccines to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

I vaccinate because prevention matters, but I vaccinate mindfully because your puppy’s lifelong health matters even more. Families deserve dogs who thrive for years to come, not dogs burdened by preventable illness or vaccine‑related complications. By following a conservative, research‑supported protocol, I aim to give every puppy the strongest, safest start possible.

Health testing for breeding:

The CKCSC provides a clear framework for all potential breeders of Cavaliers. With the best intentions of keeping our beloved breed healthy and active well into the future. All health testing from ethical breeders is in keeping with a parent club standard and completely verifiable by third party. A ‘vet check’ is not the same as health testing. Protect yourself by knowing what health testing is expected and that it has actually been done.