Janet York of Piccadil Kennel shares insights on breeding quality Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and preserving breed standards.
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Janet York
1. I am Janet York; I live in New York City and have been breeding Cavalier King Charles Spaniels since 1986. I am the founder of my kennel, Piccadil.
2. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for head type, but along with this it is important that they have good temperaments and structure. These small dogs are very versatile. You can see them not only in the Breed ring but also at all Performance events, even
Dock Diving.
3. I definitely have enough people looking for puppies, as my waiting list is long. I just don’t have enough puppies to offer them.
4. I don’t know if I have implemented new technologies. I have always been very careful in putting together my pedigrees, doing genetic testing and artificial insemination: cervical and frozen semen breedings.
5. Absolutely, yes, the public has the perception that mixed breeds are healthier. How naive? When you breed a purebred, who is fully tested, you will produce healthier puppies with longer lives.
6. In the Breed ring, we are seeing fewer Cavaliers, often of lesser quality, thus putting out cheap Champions. I am seeing a trend in shorter legs being accepted as correct. This is incorrect. The breed is to be “slightly longer than the height at the withers.”
7. I applaud the National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS). Since being introduced, I have enjoyed showing my home-bred dogs.
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