Buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A Good Breeder Will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smelling of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC CM/SM screening scheme (Chiari-like malformation/syringomyelia)
- mismatch in size between brain (too big) and skull (too short) causing pain and neurological signs/pockets of fluid in the spinal cord
- KC/VCS Heart Scheme for Mitral Valve Disease MVD (parents and grandparents)
- early onset leaking heart valve, can cause heart failure
- BVA/KC screening for eye disease; full ophthalmological testing before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited diseases)
Other Diseases
No current health scheme or DNA test available.
- Brachycephaly (shortened face) can cause difficulty breathing and cooling
- ear infections
- more likely in dogs with long, hairy ears
- epilepsy and other neurological conditions
- Luxating patella
- abnormal kneecap causing pain & lameness
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- can become acute and painful
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- CC/DE – Curly Coat/ Dry Eye
- severe and painful condition affecting skin, nails, eyes
- Episodic Falling Syndrome
- exercise-induced neurological disorder
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- hind leg weakness/paralysis
Other Tests
- Putnam scoring for patella luxation
Further Information
Cavalier Matters Website – Detailed Cavalier Health Information
Cavalier Puppy Website – How to Choose a Cavalier Puppy