CAVALIER INTERVIEWS
natured breed that popularity will soar once word gets around. The up- side to being popular is that people get to enjoy this breed that they would otherwise be missing out on. Placing puppies is never a Problembut finding the right homes can be. The gene pool is growing so there are always dogs to use at stud, the trick is finding the right ones who produce well and have passed their health tests. Is the Cavalier the ideal household companion? Absolutely. They are great apartment dogs due to the fact that they are not barkers. They get along with all kinds of animals and are great with kids. They adapt very easily to almost any situation. What about the breed serves them well in the living room and in the show ring? Given enough exercise, when they come in they like nothing more than to cuddle up on the sofa with their owners. That “Cavalier” at- titude is what makes them great little show dogs The crowds and noises of the shows don’t usually faze them and those tails will wag all day long. At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? I have al- ways said (and I feel this is true of almost any breed) that if they are balanced and still beautiful at four
months, chances are they will stay that way. However most puppies, even the best of them can go off. Nothing is really show quality until they are done growing and have all their adult teeth. Anything promising before that time is only a show prospect.What is it that makes showing dogs all worth- while? When the time comes and you have those special wins at your na- tional specialty. It is such an honor to be recognized and awarded by your peers who are experts in the breed. The other thing that makes it worth- while is when you receive those let- ters and emails from your pet fami- lies, telling you how much they love their dog and how it has made such a positive impact on their family. What is the most important thing about the breed for a novice to keep inmind when judging? First and fore- most that just because it is a Toy dog that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t move well and keep their topline on the move. Also to keep in mind they are Toy Spaniels and the standard calls for no more than 18 pounds. What is my ultimate goal for the breed? For the breed in general, to overcome some of the health issues we have so that in the future they will all live long happy and healthy lives. My favorite dog show memory? Oh I have so many but I would have to say my AOM with a home bred dog at our independent specialty during our national and Best In Futurity with a home bred boy at our national. Both of these judges are very knowledge- able and well respected judges. I feel overall the breed is in good hands as there are many excellent breeders in this country. I am looking forward to see what the future holds for these wonderful little dogs.
CLAUDIA JONES I have been involved in purebred dogs most of my life. I have put champi- onships, obedience titles and agility titles on Shetland sheepdogs, Great Danes, a Pomeranian and Cavaliers. I have bred two MACH Cavaliers a few therapy dogs and others with the new scent work titles. I will be taking out my Great Pyrenees this winter in addition to some new upcoming Cavaliers. I have been involved with Cavaliers for over 25 years and hope to continue for another 25! I live in Dix Hills, New York which is on Long IslandWith the recent come- back of bald eagles on the island, when the weather is nice I love going down to the harbor where their nesting area is and watching them. When my hus- band was alive we went target shoot- ing all the time and the nice weather was used for taking his cobra out for a drive. I quilt when I have the time and I have recently started needle felting. I own a construction company so be- tween the dogs and work I have to find time to squeeze other things in Is the breed’s huge popularity good or bad? I hate the fact that they have become so popular and fallen into the hands of the puppy mills and back yard breed- ers but it is inevitable with any sweet
“The upside to being popular IS THAT PEOPLE GET TO ENJOY THIS BREED THAT THEY WOULD OTHERWISE BE MISSING OUT ON.” 46 • T op N otch T oys , D ecember 2019
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