Dixie’s Legacy
We raise exceptional Cavaliers in a loving and caring family. Our parent dogs are happy, health tested, and the litters are carefully planned out.
We raise our puppies carefully taking the time to provide a rich and nurturing environment so as to give them the best possible start in life. Our goal is to have healthy, happy and confident puppies!
We believe in total transparency, which is why you will find all the tests available. We are open to all aspects of breeding.
Family environment
We have two reproductive females, we are not interested in increasing the number of litters. We are fixed to two litters per year.
While financially it would be beneficial, it would not allow us to look after them in a manner we consider fit.
Our dogs live for life and not for breeding, they are dogs and members of our family first. They enjoy running in the forest, holidays at the beach and lazy afternoons on the sofa.
Testing overview
Our females undergo comprehensive health testing.
The Cavalier King Charles has a predisposition to Heart mitral valve disease (MVD). We use Echocardiographic Evaluation to determine if they are fit for reproduction. They are tested at 18 months of age and every year until they retire.
The eyes are tested by a veterinary ophthalmologist at 18 months. The pupils of the dog are dilated with eyedrops, and once the pupil is fully dilated, the vet illuminates the eye, looking for major problems.
We also work with our local veterinary to test for “Hip Dysplasia” and do frequent bi-monthly checkups.
All our tests are available and can be consulted.
Ethical breeding
Our females take long breaks off after each litter.
We only use females that are capable of bearing puppies. We rehouse females that we believe will struggle to bare puppies.
Our females only have four litters in their lifetime after which they are re-homed into loving families.
They are used to living in a family environment so do not struggle to adapt.
Genetic pairing and testing
We test for Degenerative Myelopathy and Dry Eye / Curly Coat or Episodic Falling Syndrome.
We make parings based on these results to prevent the genetic mutation being expressed. We work very hard to find stud dogs that are genetically clear.
We also do a genetic profile of our females to confirm their pedigree.
Nutrition
Our dogs enjoy daily rationing (ration ménagère). We supply our meat from Saint-Laurent, who provides Zoos.
Their meals consist of a portion of raw meat (Poultry), rice, vegetables and fruits.
And as many dog treats as possible while remaining healthy.
Transparency
While it is a business, we both have full time jobs so we don’t live off the income. This allows us to take better care of them and be more transparent to clients.
All our health tests are available online or via email sarahATdixieslegacyDOTcom.