Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Testing Requirements for Stud Dogs

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are among the most afflicted breeds in the world — virtually all Cavaliers will develop Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) by age 10, and a significant proportion carry syringomyelia, a painful neurological condition caused by the breed's skull structure. Health testing Cavalier stud dogs is urgent and morally non-negotiable.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club USA (CKCSC) and American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (ACKCSC) both maintain health protocols that are among the most demanding of any breed.

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) — The Primary Health Crisis

MVD causes the mitral valve in the heart to slowly deteriorate, leading to heart murmur and eventually congestive heart failure. It is the leading cause of death in Cavaliers.

The MVD Breeding Protocol (established by European researchers and adopted by major Cavalier clubs) requires:

• Both the stud dog AND dam must be at least 2.5 years old with a clear cardiac examination (no murmur) by a board-certified cardiologist within the past 12 months
• Both the stud's AND dam's parents should have been free of a heart murmur until at least 5 years of age

This protocol — known as the "MVD Breeding Protocol" or "BVA/KC/CKCS Heart Protocol" — has demonstrated measurable reduction in MVD prevalence when followed. Any Cavalier stud dog not meeting these criteria represents a significant cardiac risk to the breeding program.

Syringomyelia/Chiari-Like Malformation (SM/CMLM)

SM/CMLM is caused by the Cavalier's dome-shaped skull being too small to contain the brain, causing herniation of the cerebellum through the skull opening and subsequent fluid buildup in the spinal cord. It causes severe pain, scratching at the neck area, and neurological deficits.

MRI Screening is the only way to evaluate SM/CMLM status. The BVA/KC SM scheme uses a grading system:

• Grade 0: No CM or SM
• Grade 1: CM present but no SM
• Grade 2: SM present with syrinx

Stud dogs should ideally be MRI Grade 0. At minimum, Grade 1 dogs should only be used with Grade 0 partners and with full disclosure. Grade 2 dogs should not be used for breeding.

CHIC Requirements for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

• OFA Cardiac Evaluation (by cardiologist, following the MVD Breeding Protocol)
• MRI for SM/CMLM
• OFA Eye Examination (CAER)
• OFA Hip Evaluation

Eye Conditions

Hereditary cataracts, retinal folds, and other inherited eye conditions occur in Cavaliers. Current CAER examination is required.

Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS)

EFS is a unique paroxysmal movement disorder in Cavaliers causing episodes of muscle stiffness and falling. DNA testing is available. Autosomal recessive — Carriers can be bred to Clear dogs safely.

Summary

A responsible Cavalier King Charles Spaniel stud dog must meet the MVD Breeding Protocol (clear cardiac by cardiologist at 2.5+ years with cardiac-clear parents to 5+ years), have MRI Grade 0 SM/CMLM status, current CAER eye exam, EFS DNA testing, and OFA hip evaluation. The MVD Protocol is not a formality — it is the most important tool available to slow the cardiac disease burden devastating this breed.