The CKCS Club are running a breed specific seminar, run in accordance with KC Guidelines, on 7 October 2012 at Berkswell Reading Room, Meriden Road, Berkswell, Solihull CV7 7BE. The cost for the seminar will be £30 and there will be limited availability. If you wish to book a place please email the including a brief overview of your judging experience to date. Details and Map

The entry for CRUFTS 2012 has been announced as 164 Dogs giving 186 Entries and 183 Bitches giving 200 Entries. Congratulations to all qualifiers and best wishes for a good day.
Judging of Cavalier Bitches is now scheduled to start at 08:30 am.

If you are travelling via the M4 / M5 interchange at Bristol, known as the Almonsbury Interchange, then please be aware that for the next two (2) years there will be extensive roadworks with lane restrictions and speed limits and you should allow extra time for your journey.

This month’s edition features the work of Maureen Melvin the author of the ‘Paws for’ series of Cavalier books and articles on whether dogs have a sixth sense, KC Good Citizen Scheme and much more. Click to read

Simon Swift (Northwest Surgeons) & Anne French (Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies) are to look in more detail at the incidence of heart disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels using echocardiography in combination with auscultation. As a result, they will be visiting different parts of the country over the next year to examine dogs with a portable echocardiography machine that was bought partly with generous funding from the Club. – Read more about this Research and how you can help.

The Club has been advised that The German Spitz Breeeders & Owners Club are hosting a talk on Patella Luxation to which all are invited. Click for further information Additional information can be found on the GSBO Club website www.gsboc.co.uk

The RVC is conducting a study to validate the use of a new ultrasound scoring system to grade the severity of DMVD. Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) is available to vets in general practice as well as in specialist centres, so that if proves to be accurate, this scoring system for valve disease could be widely adopted. Can YOU help? Read about the Study.

The RVC are carrying out a Clinical Trial into the comparison of two different treatment options for the management of neuropathic pain in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs with Chiari-like Malformation/Syringomyelia. They are asking if you would let your dogs take part at no cost to you. Full details can be found in their proposal here.

We are being given the opportunity – and for a change – at no cost to us – to provide ACCURATE statistics for the incidence of Dry Eye/Curly Coat Syndrome and Episodic Falling. As responsible breeders there are no excuses as to why you cannot submit a cheek swab – there are no risks; there is no anaesthetic or sedation. All that willing participants need to do is submit the name of their dog or bitch to Annette Jones (email or phone 01490 430554) who is compiling a list. You may think that your Cavalier’s breeding is not unique – JUST PUT THE NAME FORWARD. One Cavalier born after 2005 per breeder – the cost would normally be £48 and this has been waived. (If you require a certificate there is a £10 charge.)

Many of you have felt that the statiscal picture for the incidence of CM/SM in our breed is warped by the number of unhealthy Cavaliers submitted. You have an opportunity to produce an accurate picture. THE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS from this project will be STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

This is important please don’t ignore this request. For full information please read the AHT Study details.

If you are travelling overseas with your dog then Defra have announced that with effect from 1^st January 2012 the regulations relating to overseas travel for Dogs from the EU wil be made easier and restrictions for travel from non-EU Countries will be eased. – Download the Defra leaflet on Bringing Pets Into The UK. For full information visit the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/

THE PROMISE
All of us who have had a cherished dog put to sleep recognise a great many things. Not the least of which is how difficult it can be – and yet how we start to know that the time is coming near.
The FTR team have learned a great deal from the neonatal tissue that breeders have provided to them and would now like to be able to compare those findings in older dogs. They are asking that breeders and owners, if they feel able, make a promise to donate their older dogs after death. As in life, so in death – each dog and owner is individual, and the relationship special. Cavaliers are special. The FTR team recognise that fact, and arrangements will be tailored to suit that relationship. Your dog will go on to help other dogs and – again as in life – will also help humans.
“The Promise” can be made at any time, and you are asked in the first instance to contact Sheena Stevens ( – 01884 821080) who will liaise with you and the team when you find you are able to fulfil it.
Thank you.