Toy spaniels were a favorite European royalty as far back as the of fifteenth century . At that time they were known as "comfort spaniels" or "ladies spaniels". Their main function was as warm snuggly lap dogs to the ladies at court. Their secondary function was not so glamorous; they attracted the royal fleas from their owners onto themselves.
These little spaniels appear in paintings of Van Dyck, Titian, Stubbs, Landseer. and Gainsborough. Many times they were depicted playing with the royal children or laying at the feet, or on the laps of the royal family of England. Although favored and popularized by Mary Queen of Scots, Charles I, and Charles II, and the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, the "long nosed" spaniels were replaced in the public and royal court's affections by the King Charles Spaniels with their shorter muzzles, and domed heads. It seemed the "long nosed spaniels" would be lost to posterity.
Rescue and Revival of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
In 1925, an American, Roswell Eldridge, having seen the longer nosed spaniels depicted in paintings and statues, was instrumental in rescueing the old Cavalier type. Mr Eldridge offered £25 at the UK Crufts Dog Show in 1926 for winners of the Cavalier class best depicting the old type long nosed spaniel.
The English breeders accepted the challenge, and after considerable effort the Cavalier was saved and developed into the charming toy spaniel we recognize today as the "Cavalier King Charles Spaniel". In 1928 the UK Cavavlier King Charles Spaniel Club was founded. The first Cavaliers were sent to the USA in 1952. In 1996 the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was fully recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and has been gaining steadily in popularity ever since.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the commitment of these early English breeders, as well as the present day breeders.
St Jon Happy Hooker
"The Baby"
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Today
Today the Cavalier is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after breeds, due to their sweet dispositions and elegant appearance. The Cavalier is a happy little dog that loves children, adults, and other pets. Their small size (11-13 inches and 13-18 pounds) make them ideal for apartment dwellers, and their sporting background allow for the curiousity, ruggedness and stamina for long romps in suburbia or country surroundings.
This charming breed will steal your heart with their loving nature. You will find that your lap will be their preferred spot in your home. They want nothing more than to be your constant companion.
WARNING!!
Cavaliers can become addictive.
They're just like potato chips - you'll find it hard to stop with just one.
AKC Standard
Cavalier Colors -
Cavaliers have four distinctive color patterns recognized in their standard.
Blenheim: Shades of red, brown, or chestnut on a pearly white background. Some blenheims display the "blenheim spot" on their foreheads.
Tri-Color: Patches of black, well broken, over a opalescent white background. Dark brown or chestnut marking should appear on the cheeks, over the eyes, inside the ears, and under the tail.
Black and Tan: Base color is deep velvety black with rich chestnut markings on the muzzle, cheeks, over the eyes, inside the ears, on the feet and under the tail.
Ruby: As implied, the dog should be a solid red red over the entire body.
The AKC and CKCSC, USA standards go into more detail on color specifics. No one color should be more desirable than the next. We all have our own preferences.
