Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Controversy at Crufts Explained

March is the highlight of the dog lover's calendar in the UK, with the famous Crufts dog show held at Birmingham's NEC. Participants from across the globe gather to compete for prestigious titles. However, alongside the celebration, controversies have shadowed the event, especially regarding certain pedigree dog breeds.

Since the 2008 BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed aired, it has shone a light on unhealthy breed standards and welfare issues, highlighting breeds prioritised for appearance over health, like the English bulldog and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

Understanding the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's Health Issues

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a beloved small breed, known for its affectionate nature and suitability as a lapdog. Unfortunately, selective breeding for appearance has led to exaggerated features causing health complications.

Primarily, this breed is prone to syringomyelia — a neurological condition where cysts form in the spinal cord due to the cranium size affecting nerve pressure, resulting in chronic pain akin to migraines in humans. Another prevalent concern is mitral valve disease, a heart condition linked to hereditary factors.

Thankfully, screening tests for these conditions exist and are crucial. However, they require dogs to reach a certain age to provide reliable results, meaning responsible breeding necessitates waiting until dogs have tested clear before breeding. Adhering to these tests could dramatically reduce these diseases' occurrence over generations, but commitment from reputable breeders is vital.

The 2025 Crufts Best of Breed Controversy

This year's winner for Best of Breed was a young two-and-a-half-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel, who had already sired seven litters. Notably, mitral valve disease testing cannot reliably be conducted before this age, raising concerns about breeding young dogs without confirmed health clearance.

This decision sparked criticism from dog welfare supporters and campaigners, who also presented a petition signed by over 30,000 individuals urging The Kennel Club to mandate health testing before registering litters. Despite these appeals, the Kennel Club declined to enforce mandatory screening, leaving many concerned about the breed's wellbeing.

The award also contradicts the Cavalier Club’s own breeding standards and guidance, revealing a gap between official advice and show ring decisions. This disconnect fuels the ongoing debate about ethical breeding and show practices.

Promoting Responsible Breeding and Ownership

As an aspiring Cavalier owner or breeder, it's vital to prioritise health and welfare over appearance. When seeking a Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy, always choose reputable breeders who test for hereditary conditions and abide by recommended breeding guidelines.

Ensuring dogs are bred responsibly helps preserve the breed’s charm while safeguarding their quality of life. Pet owners should also be aware of the signs of syringomyelia and heart disease and work closely with their vet for regular health monitoring.

Why Has the Controversy at Crufts Persisted?

Quick Answer: The ongoing controversy stems from health issues inherent in the breed due to selective breeding and inconsistent enforcement of health screening in competitions like Crufts.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's health challenges, combined with the breed standards that have historically emphasised appearance, have led to inherited diseases such as syringomyelia and mitral valve disease. Though screening tests exist, their implementation is not always compulsory, especially in show dog registration and judging decisions. This results in situations where young dogs with uncertain health status are awarded top titles, contradicting responsible breeding principles. The public and welfare groups continue to advocate for stricter health checks to align breeding practices with canine welfare, which remains a key issue at Crufts and similar dog shows.