Priority health schemes and tests
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeders must use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice. All other breeders are strongly advised to also use these.
- The Kennel Club's heart scheme for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (supported by the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society)
- Eye screening scheme (BVA/KC/ISDS) - Find results for the pre 2020 MRD open register. This only lists dogs that were diagnosed as 'affected by MRD'. MRD results published after 31 Dec 2019 can be found in their Health Test Results Finder entry
- DNA test – EF - part of The Kennel Club’s DNA Testing Services* (see below). Find lists of tested dogs
- DNA test – CC/DE - part of The Kennel Club’s DNA Testing Services* (see below). Find lists of tested dogs
Important health schemes and tests
We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following schemes, tests and advice.
- CM/SM screening scheme (BVA/KC)
- Check inbreeding calculators
*The Kennel Club’s DNA Testing Services - simple to use and easy to organise all-in-one DNA tests
The DNA tests listed above marked with an asterisk (*) are included in our DNA Testing Services. This includes:
- EF (episodic falling)
- CC/DE (Curly coat/Dry eye)
- DNA profile (SNP ISAG 2020)
Kennel Club Assured breeders and Kennel Club Accredited Instructors receive a 10% discount.
Find out more about our DNA Testing Services.
Find out about a particular dog's results
Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.
You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.
Health issues in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Health screening is one way that responsible breeders are reducing the risk of passing on pre-existing conditions. There are three main health issues currently screened for in Cavaliers:
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
- Syringomyelia (SM)
- Eye conditions
Mitral valve disease
Mitral valve disease is a common health problem in older dogs of all breeds, although it has been found to have an earlier onset in the Cavalier. The disease causes a degeneration of the heart’s mitral valve, often picked up as a heart murmur in younger dogs. Many dogs diagnosed with mitral valve disease continue to live to a good age and enjoy a happy life.
All Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that are being bred from should first be graded under The Kennel Club heart scheme.
Syringomyelia
Known by some as “neck scratchers disease” where the dog is seen scratching in the air near the neck, usually when excited or on a lead. The term syringomyelia is a condition where fluid filled cavities (syrinxes) develop within the spinal cord. While some dogs show no or only mild symptoms, unfortunately, in some cases the condition progresses and deteriorates, causing the dog pain and neurological problems. Medical interventions can help to alleviate health problems, but very sadly in some cases this is not possible.
Diagnosis for syringomyelia is by MRI scan. Veterinary clinics operating low-cost MRI scanning can be found on the Cavalier Club website together with advice and further information on syringomyelia.
Eyes
The main inherited genetic eye conditions in Cavaliers are cataract (congenital and juvenile) and multifocal retinal dysplasia. Fortunately both diseases are now much less common, as reputable breeders test their stock prior to breeding. However, you should check for the condition if you intend to breed from your Cavalier.
Health screening is an important part of illuminating health problems in any animal, but should you have concerns about any area of your dog’s health always seek and follow professional advice from your vet.
Have any questions about health in your breed?
If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.
Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.
To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email
Sheena MacLaine
As its name implies, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is derived from spaniel roots. The European toy dogs were probably the result of breeding small spaniels to Oriental toy breeds such as the Japanese Chin and perhaps the Tibetan Spaniel. These Tudor lapdogs, known as “comforter spaniels,” served as lap and foot warmers, and even surrogate hot water bottles. In addition, they served the vital function of attracting fleas from their owners’ bodies! The toy spaniels became especially popular because they appealed to all members of the family.
In the 1700s, King Charles II was so enamored with his toy spaniels that he was accused of ignoring matters of state in favor of his dogs. The dogs were so closely associated with him that they became known as King Charles Spaniels. After his death, the Duke of Marlborough took over as the major advocate of the breed; the red and white “Blenheim” color, which was his favorite, is named after his estate. The King Charles Spaniel continued to grace the homes of the wealthy for generations, but with time a shorter-nosed dog was preferred.
By the early 1900s, the few dogs that resembled the early members of the breed were considered to be inferior. A twist of fate occurred when a wealthy American, Roswell Eldridge, came to England and offered outlandish prize money for the best “pointed-nosed” spaniels, most resembling the old type. Breeders bred their old-type dogs together in an effort to gain the prize, and in so doing, many came to appreciate the old type. Ironically, these dogs, named Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in honor of the Cavalier King, eventually outstripped their short-nosed counterparts in popularity, becoming one of the most popular breeds in England. They were slower to catch on in America, and many Cavalier owners fought AKC recognition in an effort to control the problems that so often accompany popularity. In 1996, the AKC recognized the Cavalier. Its popularity continues to grow.