Cavalier King Charles Spaniel BreedingFind the Perfect Match

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is an epidemic in Cavaliers - 50% develop heart murmurs by age 5 and nearly 100% by age 10. This polygenetic condition causes the mitral valve to degenerate, leading to congestive heart failure. The MVD Protocol requires breeding dogs be at least 2.5 years old AND heart clear at 2 years, with both parents meeting these criteria. Annual cardiac exams by cardiologists are mandatory. Early-onset MVD (before age 5) is highly hereditary. While treatment exists, there's no cure, making careful breeding selection critical.

Syringomyelia affects 70% of Cavaliers due to their skull being too small for their brain (Chiari-like malformation). This causes fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord, resulting in severe pain. Symptoms include phantom scratching, screaming when touched, reluctance to be petted, and head/neck pain. MRI is the only definitive diagnosis ($1,500-3,000). Breeding guidelines: only breed A (normal) to A, or A to C grades - never D or E. The condition typically manifests between 6 months and 3 years, severely impacting quality of life.

Episodic Falling is a muscle disorder unique to Cavaliers causing temporary rigidity during exercise, excitement, or stress. The dog remains conscious but cannot move, with episodes lasting seconds to minutes. It typically starts between 4 months and 4 years. It's autosomal recessive, so DNA testing is MANDATORY for all breeding stock. Never breed two carriers as this produces 25% affected offspring. While there's no cure, it's manageable with medication. Affected dogs show sudden falling, rigid limb extension, and a characteristic 'deer stalking' gait.

Curly Coat syndrome is a lethal genetic disorder when inherited from both parents. Affected puppies have rough, curly coats instead of silky ones, plus eye abnormalities (microphthalmos, cataracts), kidney and liver issues, and failure to thrive. Homozygous puppies die young. DNA testing is MANDATORY because carriers appear completely normal. Never breed two carriers together as 25% of puppies will be affected and die. The test is simple and inexpensive compared to the heartbreak of producing affected puppies.

The MVD Protocol is mandatory for ethical Cavalier breeding: Dogs must be minimum 2.5 years old AND have clear hearts at 2 years before breeding. Both parents must meet these criteria. Annual cardiac examinations by board-certified cardiologists (not just vets) are required throughout breeding career. Echocardiograms are more accurate than auscultation alone. Retire any dog immediately upon detecting a heart murmur. This protocol aims to delay MVD onset and reduce early-onset disease in offspring. Breeding before 2.5 years perpetuates early MVD.

Primary Secretory Otitis Media (PSOM) or 'glue ear' affects 40% of Cavaliers. Thick mucus plugs form in the middle ear causing hearing loss, head shaking, ear scratching, pain, and balance problems. Diagnosis requires otoscopic examination or MRI/CT scan. Treatment involves myringotomy (surgical drainage), but the condition often recurs requiring repeated procedures. Untreated PSOM can lead to deafness. All breeding stock should be checked for signs, though the hereditary component isn't fully understood.

Cavaliers suffer multiple hereditary eye conditions: cataracts (can appear young), corneal dystrophy (cloudy spots), retinal dysplasia (abnormal development), and microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes). Annual CERF/OFA eye examinations are MANDATORY for all breeding stock. Affected dogs shouldn't be bred as many conditions are hereditary and some cause blindness. Early detection through regular screening helps identify issues before breeding and ensures puppies have the best chance at healthy vision.

Despite their small size, Cavaliers have significant orthopedic issues. Hip dysplasia affects 12% (moderate for their size), requiring OFA or PennHIP testing for all breeding stock. Luxating patellas affect 15%, causing lameness and arthritis. OFA patella evaluation is mandatory - dogs with Grade 2 or higher shouldn't be bred. These conditions can significantly impact quality of life and require expensive surgery. Proper testing helps reduce incidence in future generations.

Cavaliers were nearly extinct after WWI and recreated from a small gene pool in the 1920s, creating a genetic bottleneck. Breeding for extreme features (domed skull, large eyes) contributed to problems like syringomyelia. Popular sire syndrome further reduced genetic diversity. The breed's loving temperament led to popularity despite health issues, with some breeders prioritizing appearance over health. These combined factors created a breed with wonderful temperament but severe health challenges requiring extensive testing and careful breeding.

Responsible Cavalier breeding is extremely expensive due to extensive health testing requirements. Annual cardiac exams: $300-500. MRI for syringomyelia: $1,500-3,000. Genetic tests (EF, CC): $150 each. Eye exams: $150 annually. Hip/patella evaluations: $400-600. Total health testing per dog: $2,500-4,500. Small litters (2-6 puppies) mean high cost per puppy. Add routine veterinary care, quality food, and potential C-sections. Only breed if prepared for these costs - cutting corners perpetuates health problems.