Breed Health
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Issues
A gentle, generally friendly breed, though it faces a couple of well-documented, serious hereditary conditions worth understanding well.
Common Hereditary Conditions
Mitral Valve Disease
A heart condition strikingly common in the breed, often appearing earlier in life than in most dogs; regular cardiac screening, ideally annual, is strongly recommended.
Syringomyelia
A neurological condition in which the skull is too small for the brain, causing pain and sometimes abnormal sensations; a breeder screening parents via MRI can reduce the odds in puppies.
Luxating Patella
A kneecap that slips out of place, common in toy breeds; mild cases may need no treatment.
Ear Infections
Long, feathered ears reduce airflow and trap moisture, making regular cleaning an important preventive habit.
Preventive Care
Annual cardiac screening starting young is particularly valuable for this breed given how early and how often mitral valve disease appears. Requesting MRI screening results from a breeder for syringomyelia is worth the extra step, especially for puppies intended for breeding. Weekly ear cleaning helps prevent chronic infections.
Did You Know?
Mitral valve disease affects a majority of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels by age ten, among the highest rates of any heart condition in any breed — which is why so many veterinary cardiologists specifically study this breed.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Gifts
Copyright © 2005–2026 Dog Pound. All rights reserved.