OFA Health Testing

🫀 Health Testing & OFA Certifications

At Comfort Royalty Cavaliers, health testing is not a checklist — it is the foundation of every pairing we plan. 

As our program matures, our commitment is to meet and exceed Cavalier preservation guidelines by completing comprehensive Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certifications on each of our breeding dogs at the appropriate ages.

Cardiac Testing – The Heart of the Cavalier

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is the most significant health concern in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which is why cardiac screening is our highest priority.

There are two levels of cardiac evaluation, and both play an important role:

Cardiologist Auscultation (Stethoscope Exam)

This examination is performed by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist and evaluates the heart for the presence of a murmur.

First performed at 12 months of age for our young, coming-of-age dogs

Repeated yearly to monitor ongoing heart health

Submitted to OFA for official certification

This yearly screening allows us to track heart health over time and ensure that only dogs with continued clear results remain in our breeding program.

Advanced Cardiac Echocardiogram (Echo)

An echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound of the heart that provides a detailed, real-time view of the valves and heart function. This test can detect structural changes before a murmur is ever heard, making it the most advanced cardiac screening available.

Our current sires and dams are now reaching the ideal age for their baseline echocardiograms, and these results will become a cornerstone of our program as we continue to level up our health testing.

By incorporating echocardiograms in addition to yearly auscultations, we are moving beyond basic screening and into truly proactive, preservation-focused breeding.

Patella Evaluations

All breeding dogs will receive OFA patella certifications to confirm proper knee structure and function, helping to ensure sound movement and long-term orthopedic health.

CAER Eye Examinations

Annual eye examinations performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist screen for inherited and non-inherited ocular conditions. These results are also submitted to OFA for official certification.

Our Rising Generation:

Our young, future breeding dogs begin their health testing journey at:

12 months: Cardiologist auscultation (OFA cardiac – initial certification)

Appropriate maturity: Advanced echocardiogram

Yearly thereafter: Cardiologist auscultation to maintain current heart clearances

This structured approach allows us to monitor heart health throughout their development and make responsible, data-driven breeding decisions.

A Program That Is Growing With Intention

As a newer preservation breeder, our goal has never been to produce “just pet quality puppies,” but to continually improve, invest, and raise the standard for our program and for the breed we love.

Every completed health test represents a step forward — not only for our dogs, but for the families who trust us and for the long-term future of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Health testing is a journey, and we are proud to be building a program rooted in transparency, education, and lifelong dedication to doing things the right way.