Genetics tends to give me a headache, all those terms … And what about those words like co-dominance and incomplete penetrance? Sounds like the makings of one of those hot and heavy sexual fantasy books, doesn’t it? Is it important for dog breeders to know at least the basics of genetics? Dog breeding has traditionally
Genetic Diversity in Cavaliers
Perhaps one of the most important considerations in sustainable pedigreed dog breeding today is “genetic diversity” which refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. Why is genetic diversity important in dog breeds? As a breed loses genetic diversity it increases its chances of negative breed specific traits
Estimated Breeding Values
Everything we see or measure from an animal (a dog) is the sum of the genetic predisposition of an animal as well as numerous environmental influences. For breeding, only the genetic predisposition is important. Our own measurements and the performance of an animal are not enough to accurately predict the genetic predisposition of an animal.
General Health Conditions
The following are some more common health issues in dogs, in general and not considered specific to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, nor considered inherited in the breed at this time. Allergies: like people dogs can have allergies. They can manifest in different ways, some dogs may have skin problems, others may have itchy eyes
What You Should Know About Lungworm
So, your Cavalier is coughing and gagging. You’ve had him/her to the vet and they’ve ruled out the usual suspects such as congestive heart disease, kennel cough or something caught it the gullet. Hey that happens particularly in Cavaliers who will eat anything! Your vet is perplexed and you’ve done virtually every test suggested. So,
Mitral Valve Disease
The heart consists of 4 chambers, 2 atria and 2 ventricles, with the atrioventricular valves ensuring that blood flows from the atria to the ventricles when the heart is beating. Blood is supposed to flow one way with the valves working to ensure this …. Chronic Valve Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of heart
Pet Travel Tips for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Plan ahead, book early Majority of airlines allow a select number of pets on each flight, so it is important to book your pet’s ticket as soon as possible. Make sure not to purchase your ticket until after you have called the airline to make sure there is a “seat” available for your pet on
How to Travel with a Cavalier
As I’ve already established, flying with a Cavalier can be tricky. Brachycephalic syndrome can affect dogs with shortened muzzles, creating respiratory issues. Although there are exceptions to airline pet travel, brachycephalic animals have been banned from traveling in the cargo hold on some commercial flights due to the increased potential for asphyxiation. Cavaliers are often
You Don’t Need to Travel to Japan for Heart Surgery—But This Cavalier Did
Earlier this year, one Cavalier spaniel parent did the most for her beloved dog, Remy. During a routine check-up in September of 2017, it was discovered that 8-year-old Remy had a heart murmur. What had seemed like a minor cough revealed a severely enlarged heart. Not uncommon for the breed, it appeared that Remy had
4 Things You Might Not Know About the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers are some of the most popular pets in the world. Everybody knows something about them—whether it’s that they’re affectionate or outgoing, adorable or intelligent. Very few people are unaware of how perfect Cavaliers can be as pets (though I guess I’m a bit biased). However, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an interesting history,