One of the goals of reputable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeders is to raise animals that will have as few hereditary weaknesses as possible.
Make appropriate inquiries of any breeder regarding the sire and dam of any puppy you are looking to buy. Under ideal conditions, you would want a certification that both the sire and dam have been examined by a cardiologist for signs of mitral valve disease and found to be clear at age 5.
You may also ask for evidence that the sire and dam’s eyes have been cleared by an ophthalmologist.
- Mitral Value Disease
- Syringomyelia
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Epilepsy or Episodic Weakness
- Flycatcher Syndrome
For further information, consult the Cavalier Health Organization, an organization dedicated to providing easy Internet access to factual information about the health of and severe genetic health disorders which afflict the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.