Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health: what owners should know

Mitral valve disease, a gradual weakening of one of the heart valves, is the breed's most significant health concern and becomes common as Cavaliers reach middle age. The breed is also known for Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia, where the shape of the skull affects fluid flow around the spinal cord. Hip dysplasia, kneecap problems, several eye conditions, dry eye and episodic falling are also recorded.

Careful breeders have hearts checked by a veterinary cardiologist every year, follow a heart protocol that avoids breeding from young dogs with early murmurs, MRI scan breeding stock where possible, and test eyes and hips. Ask to see the paperwork for both parents. Contact your vet promptly if your Cavalier develops a new cough, breathes faster than about 30 breaths a minute while asleep, faints, or keeps scratching at its neck and shoulders.