What Registry Should I Buy From:
In the United States, the dog should be registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club) or the CKCSC (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club).  They can be registered with just one of these or both.  In Canada, the dog would be registered with the Canadian Kennel Club and in England with The Kennel Club.

Beware of ones that are IKC,  UKC registered or the registries like the Rare Breed, Continental Kennel Club (CKC), FIC, American Cainine Association (ACA), American Purebred Dog Registry, Krystle Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, or APR.   Most likely these breeders have been expelled from the AKC or CKCSC and this is the only place they can register their puppies.  IKC puppies are usually shipped over by the "litter" from Irish puppy mills.  When buying one of these puppies, you do not know their heritage, how long their parents lived, if the parents had their health clearances, the parents temperaments, environment, etc. and you could be buying a lot of heartache in the future.  Beware of International Champions - they are not a champion from a foreign country (like they want you to think) nor are they an AKC or CKCSC champion.  They are a champion in the United States that is not affiliated with AKC or CKCSC.

The USDA registered puppies come from commercial breeding farms, commonly referred to as puppy mills.  This is usually where pet store owners get their puppies.  It is against the CKCSC Code of Ethics to sell to a broker or pet store, or to supply a dog for an auction or raffle.  And please remember, pet stores do not purchase their puppies from "reputable" breeders, they purchase them from breeding farms where the dogs/puppies live in horrible conditions.

What To Look For In A Breeder:
You want someone experienced and knowledgeable who you will be comfortable with for the lifetime of the dog.  They should be there to answer questions, help with training, etc.  They will want to know of any problems you are having and will require you to notify them if you are unable, at any time for any reason, to keep the dog.  They will offer Heart and Eye Certifications to go with each puppy they sell and will NOT make an excuse as to why they do not have them.  They will give a written health guarantee.  They will not be offended if you ask them as many questions as they ask you.  

If you buy a puppy for breeding, some breeders will require a puppy back out of a sale.  If more than one puppy is required, first analyze the situation.  Look at how many puppies the breeder wants back, who will pay for the stud services, who will pay for the expenses.  See exactly how much you will be paying for the puppy and then make your decision.  Some breeders like the puppy buyers to replenish their breeding stock.  Remember you have the right to select a GOOD breeder just like the breeder has the right to select the RIGHT home.  Don't make a hasty decision right then because this is the only breeder that will work with you.  Think about the situation.  There are many reputable breeders out there and you will find one that suits your needs.

Ask the breeder for references.  Always know that there are people out there that won't like a particular breeder for one reason or another.  It never hurts to listen, but also remember gossip can be very harsh.  Remember too that breeders can say anything to make that puppy sale.  Make sure you are comfortable with the situation.  Everyone says get a written contract, remember too that a contract is only as good as the two people signing it unless you are willing to go to court.  That is why certifications on the parents are very important.

What To Look For When You Visit The Breeder:
Ask to see the parents, or at least the mother.  Be sure the mother has a good temperament.  She will influence the puppies more than the father.  If the adults and/or the puppies are shy or skittish, beware.  This breed is a lovely breed that loves attention and affection.  If they are shy and skittish, then they have not had the attention needed and most likely have been neglected.

Also ask to see the environment where the puppies live.  If they will not let you see the environment, this is a major RED FLAG.  Make sure the puppies do not live in cages,  in a basement, kennel or outside.  Make sure the environment is clean and has no odor.  Make sure the puppies are clean, free of parasites, bright eyed and spunky.  Basically, you would want it as clean as a nursery; after all, they are precious babies.

When talking on the phone to a breeder, beware if the breeder says "I have any color, male or female available right now", "The whole litter is show quality",  "The testing is not reliable",  "If you don't trust my word, I don't want to deal with you",  "My line has no problems", "I sell all of my puppies at 6 weeks of age".  Very seldom the whole litter is show quality.  Proper testing is very reliable.  Don't ever trust anyone's word.  Every line has problems.  Every Cavalier will eventually get MVD.  Stay away from the breeder that lets their puppies go at 6 weeks of age.  That is entirely to young for a puppy to go to their new home.  A Reputable Breeder will hold on to their puppies until they are at least 10 weeks old.

This breed is so special and the unethical breeders are ruining it.  There are so many Cavalier's that don't even resemble the "true look" of a Cavaliers.  Many "so called" breeders don't care about the health problems, breed standards and are just breeding to make a quick buck.  If people keep buying from unethical breeders, importers, brokers, puppy mills, they will never stop breeding.  Make sure before you buy that it is a good choice.  Please remember that the testing on the parents is critical.  You would not want to build a home on a sandy beach - you don't want to buy a puppy from un-tested parents.