I own a delightful cavalier bitch from heart defect free lines and had hoped to buy her a companion from her Mum's new litter from a different Father. Sadly one of the puppies has died at one day old from what the vet believes was a heart defect. I have not received a heart history from the dog [ a show winner]. Am I right to be concerned and are there any checks I can make for peace of mind?

The body systems of a puppy have to undergo some major changes at birth, and it is not unusual for some pups to not make it. The l;oss of a day old pup in a litter would not worrry me, though I would like to know the sires heart results and family history.

As your breeder has been particular about this in her previous litters I woulds expect that she has investigated this sire just as well as your girls Dad.

If the remaining pups grow well and are bright and active, (and if you really want you can have the pups heart listened to at 8 weeks, though slight murmers at this age often resolve), and they vet check OK, th4en I would go ahead.

If the father & mother are both Heart clear tested it will be on the registration certificate