10/03/2026
In my opinion, you're not sorry, just jealous. The breed is prone to many diseases, and not only the sire but also the mother is used to produce puppies. So don't make hasty accusations against a dog if you don't have proof. Besides, kennel clubs have special units that, in the case of a valuable male, can consent to the use of a dog earlier than the regulations stipulate.
It's so very sad that we cannot celebrate a Cavalier reaching the competition for Best in Show at Crufts; even reaching this level has caused an increase in puppy enquries which encourages more irresponsible breeding.
Ch Ellemich American Express has sired 41 registered litters according to the Royal Kennel Club website, including several before a year old and many before the recommended breeding age for Cavaliers [Cavalier Club guidelines]. This raises serious questions about whether established health breeding protocols are being followed.
For a breed already heavily affected by mitral valve disease and Chiari-like malformation, breeders should be doing everything possible to prioritise health and longevity.
We have been contacted by owners of two dogs [from different litters] sired by Dublin that ended up in rescue, both MRI-diagnosed with severe CM pain. They were constantly spinning, which has reduced since starting pain medication. One of these dogs was born with only one malformed eye, which had to be removed, and a large cyst was discovered behind it. Individual cases alone don’t prove causation, but when concerns about health testing, very high stud use at a young age, and welfare outcomes appear together, they deserve serious scrutiny.
What makes this more concerning is that dogs bred under these circumstances can still win major shows, which inevitably drives demand for puppies among the general public.
If a breeder is associated with groups promoting “ethical” or “good” breeding, eg in this case, The Union of Good Dog People set up by Beverly Cuddy in response to the Innate Health Assessment, then it is reasonable to ask: what exactly constitutes a good breeder?
For many of us, that should mean strict health testing, responsible use of stud dogs, transparency, and putting welfare before popularity or show success.
