Group 9 · Companion dogs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, friendly companion dog that gets on with everyone and loves being with its people. The breeding programme of Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen requires the parent dogs to undergo, among other things, a heart examination (MVD) and an examination for Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (SM).
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 5 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
- 1 heart examination
- 1 other examination
The breeding programme also recommends 2 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (5)
-
Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (SM)
Examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- MRI
-
Congenital keratoconjunctivitis sicca and ichthyosiform dermatosis (DE-CC)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- FAM83H: c.977del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Episodic falling syndrome (EF)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BCAN: c.-13991_466+85delinsGGCCTT
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Mitral valve disease (MVD) (auscultation) (MVD Ausc)
Heart examination Valid for 1 year at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Auscultation + if a heart murmur is present (from grade 1) echocardiography
Recommended examinations (2)
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (SM), Congenital keratoconjunctivitis sicca and ichthyosiform dermatosis (DE-CC), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Episodic falling syndrome (EF) and Mitral valve disease (MVD) (auscultation) (MVD Ausc). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Patellar luxation (PT) and Eye disorders. According to the breeding programme, BOAS is a hereditary condition for which no generally recognised scientific test is currently available. Dogs with severe breathing problems, too short a stop and narrow nostrils (stenotic nares), diagnosed by a vet, are not used for breeding. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Cavalier is happy with ordinary walks, but will gladly come along on longer ones. Its silky coat with feathering on the ears and legs needs brushing a few times a week.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Cavalier is very people-oriented and does not like being left alone for long. It is usually friendly with children and other animals, which makes it a popular family dog. With such a popular companion breed, it is all the more important to see the results of the mandatory examinations of both parent dogs, including the heart examination (MVD) that the breeding programme requires for this breed.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
