Many factors, not the least being the Internet, have led those seeking a
companion to turn from the usual Labrador Retriever or Cocker Spaniel to our
breed. Educated puppy buyers are making decisions based on the breed's
characteristics: the Cocker's coat needs too much care for some, but the
Cavalier's lower-maintenance coat is perfect for them. Some potential owners
like the sporting attitude and sweetness of the Labrador, but need a smaller dog
- like the Cavalier.
Those of us who choose to list ourselves as Cavalier breeders and fanciers
must give up a certain amount of time for phone education, and do it with grace
and a smile as we talk to some of the nicest (and some of the rudest) folks you
will ever encounter. This is appreciated when those who call recognize the fact
that we are volunteering information about the breed that we love - we are not
sales-people on 24-hours-a-day duty.
The fact that our breed fits the bill in so many ways - size, temperament,
beauty, and ease of care - makes it appealing to many people. After all,
Cavaliers are the number-one toy breed in Great Britain. Though American
breeders are not anxious to duplicate that record, the answer does not lie in
denying information to the public, nor in being desultory to those who sound
like less-than-perfect candidates for Cavalier ownership.
Recently I had an inquiry from a lady who seemed indignant from the onset
that I would question where the puppy would live or how it would be raised. I
reminded her of the Cavaliers' lack of "car sense" - that the dogs are terribly
trusting and not afraid of cars, which brings some of them to a bad end. She
haughtily told me that she lived on 50 acres. I countered, good- naturedly, that
it was always that one time the delivery truck comes down the drive that brings
the disaster. She snapped that they didn't accept deliveries there. We, ended
our circular conversation with her disgusted, and still searching for a puppy.
On the flip side, some of our best homes have been with people who were not
great communicators. Had I not been patient and drawn them out a bit, I would
never have known they were willing to devote 16 hours a day to one of my
puppies.
Whether a person has experience in buying a puppy or not, I do expect common
courtesy. Admittedly, phone calls that start "You got any puppies for
sale?" are answered with an icy "No, I don't" and then silence. They either get
the hint or not. I don't answer e-mail inquiries that state "want Cavalier -
send details" and which clearly have been sent to many breeders.
This word-of-mouth education is a slow process but can only do good for the
Cavalier. Whether dispensing Cavalier knowledge or seeking it, patience and
manners go a long way.
