Would be interested to have your opinions please.  With the heart health problems in the breed, is it too high a risk to consider rescue cavaliers from unknown lines even via offical rescue channels?  Any advice on possibly reducing the risk?  Thanks. 

It would be pot luck in terms of whether they would develop a heart problem but if they come from a reputable rescue then they should be able to tell you whether they suffer from one already. With the best will in the world even well bred cavaliers from top lines may develop heart problems but they are less likely if they have been responsibly bred.
Have you contacted cavalier rescue?
Is it an older dog that you are looking for as opposed to a youngster

Added - I don't know of any dogs available so am not advertising

Have you contacted cavalier rescue?

I have spoken to them but not yet applied.  They say they don't heart check rescues and unless a problem is obvious, they can only rely on the information supplied about the dog from the previous home.  Don't really have an age in mind, possibly between 3-5 but no fixed ideas at this stage. 

If the heart problem is a real issue for you (which i can perfectly understand) then I would look into contacting reputable breeders instead as they may have older Cavaliers that they wish to re-home. I have to admit that I am really suprised that they don't heart check rescues although I understand if the cost is an issue.

Have you had cavaliers before?

Thanks for that idea Angels2 - it is something I had also been thinking about.  Without wishing to upset anyone though, from things that have been said on here, it sounds as if finding truly reputable breeders may not be all that easy.

No, not had cavaliers before and still undecided at the moment.  Just considering various options

Is it breed club rescue you have contacted? As there are some not so ligitimate rescues that offer to "rescue" cavaliers but sell them on or breed from them.
A reputable breeder may be the way to go. You would be able to check the dog out at your Vets and would be allowed a "getting to know you" time with the dog. After all if the dog did not settle with you, a reputable breeder would not want the dog passed on. I would not expect you to pay some of the "silly" prices I see charged for older dogs either!
Good Luck in your search.

It was the breed club rescue that I contacted Evelyn.  Thanks for your advice.   What sort of silly prices do you have in mind?  I've not seen any so have no idea.

I have seen some rescues for £150 ish , you may pay a bit more from a breeder that may have done some health tests or even could have had the dog neutered.. I have seen some less reputable individuals asking the price of  a puppy or more. Probably reflecting the money that could be made if the dog were bred.

Thanks Evelyn.

Hi

I have three cavaliers - all rescues.  One has quite expensive medical issues that I wasnt made aware of at the time - the other two have a clean bill of health.

If you would like to know any more please pm me,

Edited to Add:  These are mine - adopted from rescues - just meant if you wanted to know anything more about my experiences...

Thanks Maxine.  Have PMd you.