Health Testing Explained (OFA Heart, Eyes, Patellas): What Puppy Buyers Should Ask

When you’re searching for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, it’s easy to fall in love with a cute face first. But one of the most important parts of choosing a puppy is understanding the health practices behind the breeding program. In this post, we’ll explain common OFA health testing for Cavaliers—especially heart, eyes, and patellas—and share a simple list of questions you can ask any breeder. At Lockwood Cavaliers in Maynardville, Tennessee, we believe transparency builds trust, and we’re happy to talk through our health testing and care.

What is OFA?

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) is an organization that records health screening results for dogs. OFA listings help buyers and breeders track health evaluations over time.

Why health testing matters

Health testing helps reduce the risk of passing on certain inherited conditions. No breeder can promise “perfect health,” but responsible testing and careful pairing are a strong foundation.

Common Cavalier screenings (plain-English)

• Heart (cardiac): Cavaliers can be prone to heart issues, so cardiac evaluations are important.

• Eyes (ophthalmology): Eye exams help identify inherited eye concerns.

• Patellas (knees): Patella evaluations check for kneecap stability.

What to ask a breeder (checklist)

• Which health tests do you do on your adult dogs?

• Are results recorded with OFA (or another recognized registry)?

• Can I see the parents’ test results (or links/screenshots)?

• How often are dogs re-evaluated (if applicable)?

• What is your policy if a puppy develops a serious hereditary condition?

• What vet care do puppies receive before going home?

Our approach at Lockwood Cavaliers

Our adult dogs are AKC registered and health tested with OFA certifications for heart, eye, and patellar conditions. We raise puppies indoors and focus on early handling and socialization to support confident temperaments.

Contact us

If you’d like to ask questions about our health testing or upcoming puppies, reach out here: https://www.lockwoodcavaliers.com/contact