Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Problems: What Every Owner Must Know

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most beloved dog breeds in America — but like all purebred dogs, they carry specific health risks that every prospective owner should understand before purchasing a puppy. In this guide, we cover the four major Cavalier health conditions, what to look for when choosing a breeder, and how health testing can protect your family from heartbreak and costly vet bills.

The 4 Major Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Conditions

1. Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) — The Most Important Cavalier Health Concern

Mitral Valve Disease is the single most significant health challenge facing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed. Studies show that nearly all Cavaliers will develop some degree of MVD by the time they reach 10 years of age, and approximately 50% show signs by age 5.

MVD causes the heart’s mitral valve to deteriorate, eventually leading to congestive heart failure. The good news: responsible breeding significantly reduces the risk. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club USA recommends the MVD Breeding Protocol, which requires both parents to be cardiac-cleared by a board-certified cardiologist before breeding.

What to ask your breeder: “Have both parents been cardiac-tested by a board-certified cardiologist, and do they meet the MVD Breeding Protocol requirements?”

At Jeff Cavalier Home, all our breeding dogs are cardiac-cleared annually and meet MVD Protocol requirements.

2. Syringomyelia (SM) and Chiari-Like Malformation (CM)

Syringomyelia is a neurological condition where fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) develop within the spinal cord, often caused by Chiari-Like Malformation — a condition where the skull is too small for the brain. Symptoms can range from mild neck sensitivity to severe pain and neurological dysfunction.

Responsible Cavalier breeders MRI-screen their breeding dogs to assess the degree of CM and reduce the risk of passing this condition to offspring. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and Kennel Club provide an official MRI grading scheme.

What to ask your breeder: “Have your breeding dogs been MRI-screened for CM/SM, and what grade were they assigned?”

3. Eye Conditions

Cavaliers can be prone to several inherited eye conditions including cataracts, retinal dysplasia, and multifocal retinal dysplasia. Annual eye testing by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist is recommended for all breeding Cavaliers.

What to ask your breeder: “Do you have current eye test certificates for both parents?”

4. Hip Dysplasia and Luxating Patella

While less common in Cavaliers than in larger breeds, hip dysplasia and luxating patella (dislocating kneecap) do occur in the breed. Responsible breeders hip-score their dogs and only breed those with good hip ratings.

Red Flags When Buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

Unfortunately, not all breeders prioritise health testing. Here are the red flags that signal a puppy mill or irresponsible backyard breeder:

• ❌ Cannot show health certificates for both parents
• ❌ Multiple litters available at once from many different breeds
• ❌ Puppy price is unusually low (under $800)
• ❌ Will ship puppies without meeting the buyer (no screening process)
• ❌ Cannot answer basic questions about the parents’ health history
• ❌ No health guarantee offered

What a Responsible Cavalier Breeder Provides

A reputable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder in the USA will provide:

• ✅ Cardiac clearances for both parents (MVD Protocol)
• ✅ MRI grading certificates for CM/SM
• ✅ Annual eye test certificates
• ✅ Hip scores for both parents
• ✅ A written health guarantee
• ✅ Full vet records and vaccination history for the puppy
• ✅ Microchip registration
• ✅ Willingness to answer questions before AND after purchase

How Jeff Cavalier Home Protects Your Puppy’s Health

At Jeff Cavalier Home, health testing is not optional — it is the foundation of our breeding programme. Every breeding dog is:

• Cardiac-tested annually by a board-certified cardiologist
• MRI-screened for CM/SM
• Eye-tested by a certified veterinary ophthalmologist
• Hip-scored

Every puppy we place comes with our 1-year genetic health guarantee, complete vet records, vaccination history, and microchip registration.

Ready to Find a Health-Tested Cavalier Puppy?

Now that you understand the importance of health testing, you can make a confident, informed decision when choosing your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy.

✅ Browse our health-tested Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale
✅ Start your puppy application — we respond within 48 hours
✅ Ask our breeder team any health questions

Related reading: Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Good Family Dogs? | More Cavalier Breed Guides