In a candid social media revelation that has resonated with pet lovers across the UK, a British veterinarian has declared there is one dog breed he would never own, despite his deep affection for them.
Dr Ben Simpson-Vernon, widely known online as Ben The Vet, used his TikTok platform to share his conflicted feelings about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He described the breed as his absolute favourite, praising their sweet nature and exceptional temperament with children, but stated that, professionally, he could never bring one into his own home.
The Heartbreaking Health Issues
The primary reason for his stance, Dr Simpson-Vernon explained, is the prolific and severe health problems that plague the breed. He emphasised that these conditions are widespread, painful, and a direct result of the way the dogs are bred.
He pointed out that the very features that make Cavaliers so endearing—their large, expressive eyes and domed heads—come at a significant cost to the animal's welfare. A skull that is too small to properly accommodate the brain leads to a condition known as Chiari-like malformation.
"Sufferers describe headaches or a throbbing, stabbing or sharp pain in the back of your head, neck or shoulders," the vet said, drawing a parallel to the human experience of the condition. He revealed that a staggering 92% of Cavaliers show evidence of this malformation when examined with an MRI scanner.
The Domino Effect of Painful Conditions
This cranial issue frequently leads to a secondary, even more painful condition called syringomyelia, where fluid-filled cavities develop within the spinal cord. This can cause symptoms such as sudden yelping, phantom scratching at the air, neck and back pain, and unsteadiness.
Furthermore, Dr Simpson-Vernon highlighted a critical genetic problem within the breed. All Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will develop a heart condition called mitral valve disease, with approximately 50% ultimately dying from the resulting heart failure.
"I've lost count of how many cavaliers I have treated with this problem and it breaks my heart," he admitted. The breed's limited gene pool also predisposes them to a higher risk of other ailments, including periodontal disease, corneal ulcers, epilepsy, and chronic kidney and liver disease.
A Global Concern and a Path Forward
The severity of these inherited problems is so well-documented that Norway took the drastic step of prohibiting the breeding of Cavaliers in 2022. Breeders in several Scandinavian countries are now attempting to improve the breed's health by crossbreeding them with other dogs.
For those who still feel strongly about owning a Cavalier, Ben the Vet issued strict guidance. He urges potential owners to only consider breeders who conduct a comprehensive suite of health tests on both parent dogs, covering the heart, eyes, knees, and specifically screening for Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia.
However, his final piece of advice was unequivocal: "Prioritise your dog's future health and comfort over your desire for a particular dog, and consider a different breed if you're buying a puppy. Let's make healthy the new cute."
