Cavalier King Charles MVD Information

MVD Is not inherent to CKCS bred in the USA. Studies Have been ongoing in other countries as well. Statistics show that this is a health problem which can affect Cavaliers everywhere. Importing your Cavalier from another country does not necessarily mean, you are getting a healthier or better dog. It could be quite the opposite.

If a breeder tells you that their lines are free of MVD or other genetic diseases or that these problems only show up in dogs from other countries, I think you better walk away from them because they are not being truthful to you. Any breeder who is honest will tell you that problems can and do arise even with the best of breeders. Trust the ones who will be honest with you and will tell you how they work within their own breeding program to eliminate these problems. A good breeder will have their dog checked and they will learn as much as possible to keep up with the problem. Always ask to see when their dogs were last checked for MVD or other problems that might arise in their lines.

The Veterinary and genetic communities agree that there is a genetic basis for MVD and therefore the key to decreasing the incidence of MVD lies in selective breeding. To this end, a yearly heart examination is recommended.