Cavaliers are generally a happy, healthy breed of dog. However, as with many other breeds, there are genetic health problems. A lot of scientific research is being carried out on cavalier health issues and some breakthroughs have already to the fore.

 

Any owner of a cavalier who wishes to breed from a cavalier should be health testing for all the know conditions

The main health problems in the breed are:

• Mitral Valve Disease of the heart (MVD) - Click this link to open the Cavalier Club's page on MVD
  
  

• Syringomyelia (SM) - Click here to download a pamphlet
  
  

• Chiari-like malformation (CM) - Click here to download a pamphlet
  
  

• Eye – Hereditary Cataract & Multi-focal Retinal Dysplasia (MRD) - Click here to open the Cavalier Club's page on MRD
  
  

• Dry Eye and Curly Coat (DE/CC) - Click here to download a pamphlet
  
  

• Episodic Falling (EF) - Click here to download a pamphlet

Click here to download the Kennel Club press release on the DNA test

More detailed information can be found at the UK Cavalier Clubs website http://www.thecavalierclub.co.uk/health/helthintro.html

Cavaliers for life is an International Genetic Research Program

Click on this line to go to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel International Breeding program

Click on this line to download the 2012 Newsletter 

When buying a cavalier, one should check that the parents have been tested for various health tests.

Health tests for breeding cavaliers

To discuss any cavalier issue, to seek advice, or simply to read other people’s advice on cavalier ownership, visit Cavalier Chat. This forum is dedicated to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and its members are pet owners, show and breeders with a wide range of knowledge and years of experience.