How many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels die each year?

Although heart disease in Cavalier King Charles spaniels is well recognized, these statistics give further insight into the impact of this cause of death in this breed.” In the United States, out of 300,000 dogs, 5% died fo MVD while 50% of the cavaliers died of MVD.

Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a lap dog?

Yes, they’re lapdogs, but they’re also sporting dogs. Cavs retain their original hunting instincts and can be off like a shot after small creatures or if they catch a scent. They may be so intent on the chase that even a well-trained dog may not come when called.

How old do you have to be to breed a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Due to the pervasiveness of MVD in the breed worldwide, cavalier King Charles spaniels under the age of five years should not be bred (with one limited exception — see MVD Breeding Protocol ). Also, no cavalier should be bred after age five years if it developed an MVD murmur before the age of five years.

How old does a King Charles Spaniel have to be to have MVD?

For nearly all other breeds, MVD is an old-age disease, and the age of onset is between 10 and 15 years of age. In most dogs affected with MVD, the disease seldom progresses to heart failure.

What’s the average lifespan of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

The breed is generally friendly, affectionate and good with both children and other animals; however, they require a lot of human interaction. Since they are family dogs, it is recommended to not leave one alone for long periods at a time. The expected average lifespan of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between nine and fourteen years.

How old is the oldest King Charles Spaniel?

There is no exact record of the oldest Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This may be down to the fact that most dogs change owners a couple of times throughout their lives. This can make it difficult to track, and throughout these exchanges, age may not be the concern anymore.

How did Cavalier King Charles Spaniel get its name?

Too small to be a reliable hunting companion, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred as lap dogs and become quite popular with royals. The breed is named for King Charles II who was rarely seen without his Toy Spaniels.

What kind of heart disease does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have?

About 10% of all dogs suffer from some form of heart disease. Mitral valve disease is the most common heart disorder in older dogs of all breeds. However, in the cavalier King Charles spaniel, the prevalence of MVD is about 20 times that of other breeds. Also in cavaliers, the onset of the disease typically is much earlier in the life of the dog.