Since you are reading this, we know you have started the right way. You have already read the page on Choosing a Breeder.  If not, please go back and read it! You are RESEARCHING the breed BEFORE you buy, so you will have the knowledge to choose a puppy that has the best chance of leading a decently long and healthy life and have a typical temperament. Now you understand how breeding correctly improves the chances of the offspring inheriting the genetic makeup to become a decently healthy dog. You also understand that Reputable Breeders are the best breeders to buy a puppy from as they are the ones who have the knowledge to breed in such a way so as to be most likely to produce decently healthy puppies. Now you have to find some breeders, and then you need to ascertain whether or not they are reputable. Let's look for some breeders!

Below are links to the two major club breeder lists in the United States.

CKCSC, USA Breeder List
ACKCSC Breeder List

1. Go through the lists and pick out some names of breeders--possibly some of those who are closest to you.

2. CONTACT or E-mail each of them that you are interested in a puppy and want to know a good time to CALL them to discuss this further. Reputable Breeders will insist on talking to you at some length before putting you on their waiting list. You may have to e-mail them a few times. Reputable Breeders are often out of town at dog shows, plus they get a LOT of inquiries about puppies. They are very busy people. If you don't hear back from one, try back again in a few days.

3. CALL the ones who respond back to you favorably. (Don't call those who respond in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.) Talk, listen and respond to both questions and statements from the breeder. Refer to the SEVEN PRINCIPLES of a Reputable Breeder stated under Choosing a Breeder and ask questions to find out where each breeder you talk to stands in regards to those SEVEN PRINCIPLES. In most cases, there will be a few breeders that you *click* with immediately. Record those breeder's names for later reference. If you live close enough--VISIT one or more of the breeders you have made contact with. HANG UP if you ever feel uncomfortable talking to any breeder!!

4. STUDY your options after you have spoken with and/or visited with several breeders.  Narrow your list of breeders down to about 3-5 who you feel comfortable with, who will be having puppies within a reasonable length of time, and who say they are willing to sell a puppy to you.

5. CALL BACK those breeders you have decided you wouldn't mind getting a puppy from and tell them you are VERY interested in a puppy, what you are interested in (sex/color, if any) and ask to be put on their waiting list.

6. KEEP IN TOUCH!! This is VERY important. Cavaliers are very popular. Most Reputable Breeders get quite a few inquiries! It is very hard to keep an official list because of this and prospective buyers ARE forgotten if too much time has lapsed between the time of call and when puppies are born or are ready to go to new homes. We suggest calling or e-mailing about once a month if the litter has not been bred yet, contacting them about once every 2 weeks when a litter is on the way, and once the litter has been born--once a week is probably about right. Don't let them forget you or *your* puppy will be sold to someone else who did keep in contact! Often e-mail is the best way to do this. Just write a simple sentence such as "How is --- (dog) doing? I am still interested in a --- (color/sex). You might also want to add a couple of particulars about yourself to remind the breeder who you are.

7. You might want to join a Facebook group for Cavaliers. It is fun, educational, and can sometimes help you in your search for a puppy. If that is your interest, please do a search for some Cavalier Facebook groups.

8.  If you follow these guidelines, you are quite likely to find a responsibly bred puppy from a Reputable Breeder within an acceptable length of time. If you are a little lax on keeping in touch--it may take YEARS!!

A FINAL NOTE to those of you who feel sorry for that puppy in the pet shop or the poor, unhealthy looking puppy the Broker offers you--just remember, neither would be selling puppies if no one would buy from them. If you buy one, they are sure to replace it immediately with another one. YOU can help stop the cycle!

The following site has some wonderful information!

East Coast Cavalier Breeders (a CNE, Cavaliers of the Northeast, site)