After my post on breeding one of the comments I received was from Zoey’s breeder, Bonnie Sands affix: Jewelcroft. She sent me an email directing me to have a look at this chart known as the Breeder Matrix. I had a look and think it is an excellent reference point to anyone who just wants to take a glance and figure out what they want and what they might end up with a dog breeder. Although I haven’t had any puppies yet, I believe I am someone who is firmly in the “Hobby breeder” category and will be for years to come.
Bonnie was my start in Cavaliers and I thank her for entrusting me with Zoey and introducing me to both the Cavalier King Charles Club of Canada and the Cavalier Fanciers of Southern Ontario where I have met many good friends and have learned a lot over the past 3 years. I got very lucky with Zo and the timing was right. I had contacted soooo many breeders just trying to make initial introductory contact and hadn’t had any luck trying to get one to respond, and those who did didn’t have puppies and didn’t plan to for awhile – as is often the case. Bonnie passed all my “tests” and I guess we passed all hers too as Zo came home not long after. She has been everything I believe a Cavalier should be. She loves everyone – some would say a little too enthusiastically, is extremely athletic and loves to go go go be it for a frisbee (her fav), a ball or any other toy. She has been very healthy and has many relatives with years of health clearances behind them. For all of those things, we are very thankful.
I love this chart. Is there some way I could get a copy of that please. Two of our dogs came from Reputable experienced breeders but the other one I can see now was definitely from a backyard breeder. She called herself a hobby breeder but there was none of those elements in her breeding and he is not the breed standard. We love him still of course, but I wish I had this chart when I was looking for my puppies. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I loved it too I think it is awesome! Thank you for all your wonderful comments on my blog. I've really enjoyed putting it together so far. I'll gladly give you a copy of this chart. I figure the more people who see it the better. Does the email in your profile work? I'll test it out anyways. 🙂
I first saw the Breeder Matrix years ago at an educational segment of either a CKCSCC or CFSO meeting. I knew immediately what kind of breeder I was striving to be. I still consider myself a hobby breeder, 10 years later. It takes time to make a great difference in any breed. However, when your goals are firmly set, you will achieve them. As a result, I do believe that there are varying degrees of "reputable breeders" too. Those who follow the Breeder Matrix are fulfilling a breed achievement and are improving upon the breed, step by step. I am honoured that you chose me as a Cavalier breeder, as I definitely think I chose the perfect Cavalier owner. 🙂
Hi Mary Beth,
We just stumbled onto your blog – what a great find! We'd love you to re-post on our site (www.DogHeirs.com) if you have the time. We're trying to help committed dog lovers connect and learn more about keeping our canine friends happy and healthy!
Keep up the great work!
Kind regards,
The DogHeirs Team