Being an informed owner means understanding the health conditions a crossbreed like the Cavoodle can potentially inherit from either parent breed.
Mitral Valve Disease
A heart condition more prevalent in older Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Annual veterinary heart checks throughout your dog's life help catch early changes, and breeders who cardiac-screen their Cavalier breeding lines help reduce (though not eliminate) inherited risk.
Hip and Patella Issues
Screening breeding parents' hips and patellas (kneecaps) for soundness reduces the likelihood of joint problems in puppies. Keeping your adult Cavoodle at a healthy weight also significantly reduces joint stress over their lifetime.
Eye Conditions
Conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can occur in Poodle and Cavalier lines. DNA testing and annual eye certification of breeding dogs by a veterinary ophthalmologist is the best available safeguard.
Ear Infections
Cavoodles' floppy ears reduce natural airflow, making ear infections more common than in prick-eared breeds. Regular cleaning and prompt vet attention to any redness, odour or scratching helps manage this.
Dental Health
Small breeds, including Cavoodles, can be prone to dental crowding and plaque build-up. Regular teeth brushing and dental chews, alongside professional cleans as recommended by your vet, support long-term dental health.
How We Manage Risk at Chloe's Cavoodles
Our breeding dogs are DNA health tested, vet-checked for hip and patella soundness, and our Cavalier lines are eye-certified annually. Every puppy also receives an independent veterinary health check before going home, backed by a written health guarantee - see our Pricing & Adoption Process page for full details.
