Heart Disease in Cavaliers: 5 Health Questions Every Oregon Family Should Ask Their Breeder

When you're ready to welcome a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel into your Oregon home, your heart is probably already set on those sweet, gentle eyes and that loving temperament that makes these furry friends such incredible companions. But before you fall completely in love with your potential new family member, there's a crucial conversation you need to have with any breeder you're considering.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are unfortunately predisposed to a serious heart condition called mitral valve disease (MVD), which affects this beloved breed at a rate that's 20 times higher than other dogs. With over half of all Cavaliers developing this condition by age five, and heart disease accounting for more than 50% of deaths in dogs under 10 years old, understanding what questions to ask your breeder isn't just important: it's essential for your future companion's wellbeing.

At Green Acres Nextgen Cavaliers here in Oregon, we believe that informed families make the best decisions for their future furry friends. That's why we're sharing the five critical health questions every Oregon family should ask their Cavalier breeder before bringing home their new companion.

Question 1: What Cardiac Screening Do You Perform on Your Breeding Dogs?

This is perhaps the most important question you can ask any Cavalier breeder in Oregon or anywhere else. Since mitral valve disease is a genetically-based condition, responsible breeders should be conducting thorough cardiac evaluations on all their breeding dogs before they're included in any breeding program.

Ask your potential breeder specifically about:

• Annual cardiac clearances from board-certified veterinary cardiologists

• Echocardiograms (ultrasounds of the heart) performed on breeding dogs

• Documentation of these clearances and their availability for review

• The age at which they begin cardiac screening (should be before breeding age)

A reputable breeder will be proud to share their cardiac screening protocols and will have documentation readily available. If a breeder seems hesitant to discuss this or doesn't perform regular cardiac evaluations, that's a significant red flag for your beloved future companion's health.

Question 2: Can You Provide the Complete Health History of Both Parent Dogs?

Your furry friend's genetic predisposition to heart disease comes from both parents, so you'll want comprehensive health information about the entire family line. This goes beyond just the immediate parents: responsible breeders maintain detailed health records going back several generations.

Request to see:

• Cardiac clearances for both parents from the past year

• Health histories of grandparents and great-grandparents

• Documentation of any heart conditions found in the breeding line

• Ages at which any relatives developed MVD or other cardiac issues

• Overall longevity data for dogs in their breeding program

Here in Oregon, where we value transparency and responsible breeding practices, you deserve complete honesty about your potential companion's genetic background. A breeder who maintains thorough records demonstrates their commitment to improving the breed's health with each generation.

Question 3: What Is Your Health Guarantee Policy for Cardiac Conditions?

Because mitral valve disease can develop at any age in Cavaliers, understanding your breeder's health guarantee is crucial for your family's financial and emotional protection. This question reveals how confident the breeder is in their breeding program and how much support they'll provide if your cherished companion develops heart issues.

Important aspects to discuss:

• Length of the cardiac health guarantee (many reputable breeders offer 2-5 years)

• What specific cardiac conditions are covered

• Whether the guarantee includes partial or full refunds

• Requirements for maintaining the guarantee (such as annual vet checks)

• Support offered for ongoing care if cardiac issues develop

At Green Acres Nextgen Cavaliers, we believe in standing behind every puppy we place with Oregon families. A comprehensive health guarantee demonstrates a breeder's confidence in their breeding practices and their commitment to your furry friend's long-term wellbeing.

Question 4: Do You Work with Veterinary Cardiologists or Participate in Heart Health Research?

The best Cavalier breeders stay current with the latest research and developments in canine cardiac health. This question helps you identify breeders who are actively working to improve the breed rather than simply producing puppies.

Look for breeders who:

• Work regularly with board-certified veterinary cardiologists

• Participate in cardiac research studies or health surveys

• Are members of breed clubs focused on health improvement

• Stay updated on the latest screening recommendations

• Can provide references from cardiac specialists they work with

Oregon has several excellent veterinary cardiologists, and responsible breeders in our state should have established relationships with these specialists. A breeder who's actively engaged with the veterinary cardiology community is more likely to produce healthier puppies for your family.

Question 5: What Ongoing Cardiac Monitoring Do You Recommend?

Since there are currently no reliable early predictors for mitral valve disease in Cavaliers, establishing a cardiac monitoring schedule for your beloved companion is essential. Your breeder should provide guidance on maintaining your furry friend's heart health throughout their life.

Discuss with your breeder:

• Recommended age for first cardiac evaluation (typically 12-18 months)

• Frequency of follow-up cardiac exams (usually annually)

• Signs and symptoms to watch for as your companion ages

• Veterinary cardiologists they recommend in the Oregon area

• Long-term support they provide for health monitoring

A responsible breeder doesn't just hand over a puppy and disappear: they remain a resource for your family throughout your companion's entire life. This ongoing support is especially important for a breed with known cardiac predispositions.

Red Flags to Watch For

While discussing these questions with potential breeders, be alert for these warning signs:

• Reluctance to discuss cardiac health or provide health records

• Claims that their lines are "completely free" of heart disease

• No established relationship with veterinary specialists

• Breeding dogs under two years of age without cardiac clearances

• Inability to provide references from previous puppy families

• Vague or evasive answers about health guarantees

The Oregon Advantage: Finding Responsible Breeders

Here in Oregon, we're fortunate to have access to excellent veterinary care, including several board-certified cardiologists who specialize in small animal cardiology. When choosing a Cavalier breeder in Oregon, look for those who take advantage of these resources and maintain relationships with local specialists.

The Pacific Northwest's commitment to responsible pet ownership aligns perfectly with the careful approach needed when selecting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder. Our Oregon families deserve breeders who prioritize health, transparency, and long-term support.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Asking these five crucial questions helps ensure that your future furry friend has the best possible start in life. While no breeder can guarantee that your Cavalier will never develop heart problems, responsible breeding practices significantly improve your companion's chances of living a long, healthy life.

Remember, a good breeder will welcome these questions and appreciate your commitment to understanding your future companion's health needs. They should be as invested in finding the right family for their puppies as you are in finding the perfect addition to your Oregon household.

The bond you'll share with your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will bring countless adventures and cherished memories to your family. By choosing a responsible breeder who prioritizes cardiac health, you're taking the first important step toward ensuring your beloved companion remains healthy and happy for years to come.

When you're ready to welcome your new furry friend home, these conversations with potential breeders will give you confidence that you've made the best possible choice for your family's next cherished member.