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About Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Dogs
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
is a breed of small dog originating from the United
Kingdom. The Cavalier King Charles is often confused
with the King Charles Spaniel, but the two can
be distinguished by the Cavalier's longer nose,
flatter skull, and slightly heavier build. The
two breeds are otherwise quite similar in appearance;
the Cavalier King Charles and the King Charles
Spaniel have fairly similar proportions and colorations.
The story of the Cavalier King Charles
breed begins in the early 1700s, when the First
Duke of Marlborough kept dogs similar to the King
Charles for hunting. The Cavalier breed, however,
emerged in the United Kingdom in the 1920s, when
Roswell Eldridge called for a dog show featuring
spaniels of the type of the 18th century. Those
who believed in Eldridge's standard for the breed
created the first Cavalier society, and the breed
was soon formally recognized as a type of King
Charles Spaniel.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically
weigh between ten and 18 pounds and measure 12
to 13 inches in height. While one of the largest
toy breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
is one of the smallest spaniels, and as a fully-grown
adult is the size of many other spaniel breeds
in adolescence. They have somewhat long, silky
coats, which are feathered on their feet and long
ears.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels generally
can be any of four colorations: Blenheim, ruby,
black and tan, or tricolor. Blenheim coloration,
named for the palace of the Duke of Marlborough
who raised the modern Cavaliers' ancestors, features
chestnut-colored markings on a predominantly white
coat. Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend
to be entirely chestnut in color, though some
may have white markings. Black and tan coloration
occurs on Cavaliers with mostly black coats and
tan markings. Tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
are black with white and tan markings.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
has historically been a lap dog, and continues
to be used frequently as a companion dog. They
are very popular in the United Kingdom, and are
growing in popularity in the United States and
in Australia. National breed clubs for the Cavalier
King Charles Spaniel have been formed in a large
variety of countries.
The popularity of the Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel is understandable; the Cavalier
can be described as affectionate, friendly, eager
to please, playful, obedient, and patient. They
tend to be very social and friendly with other
dogs, and deal excellently with people of all
ages. They are also a versatile breed, making
them suited to life in the country as well as
the city.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
is an active breed, and should go for a long daily
walk as well as have the opportunity to play.
Their coat should be brushed weekly, but not trimmed.
Occasionally, it may be necessary to wash or dry
shampoo the Cavalier's coat.
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