Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Calculators

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most gentle, affectionate breeds in existence — a true lapdog descended from the toy spaniels beloved by British royalty. They are consistently ranked among the top 20 most popular breeds in the UK and US. Their silky coat, large dark eyes, and sweet expression make them irresistible, but they carry a significant and well-documented health burden.

Cavaliers weigh 5.9–8.2 kg and have an average lifespan of 9–14 years. They are ideal for families, elderly owners, and apartment dwellers. They require constant human companionship and suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) — Almost Universal

Mitral Valve Disease is the defining health challenge of the Cavalier. The mitral valve degenerates progressively, causing a murmur that worsens over time and eventually leads to congestive heart failure. By age 10, virtually all Cavaliers have some degree of MVD. Some are symptomatic by age 5–6. Annual cardiac auscultation from age 1 is essential. The MVD Breeding Protocol recommends breeding only dogs with clear hearts at age 2.5+ years whose parents also had clear hearts at age 5.

Syringomyelia (SM) and Chiari-Like Malformation (CM)

SM — fluid-filled cavities within the spinal cord — affects an estimated 70–95% of Cavaliers, though not all are symptomatic. Caused by CM (the skull is too small for the brain), the condition causes significant pain and sensory disturbance. Signs include phantom scratching at the neck/shoulder area, air scratching, and sensitivity to touch. MRI is required for diagnosis. Weight management reduces the severity of neurological symptoms.