Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies Color Colour Blenheim When you breed a Blenheim to a Blenheim you always receive Blenheim puppies. The genetic make-up of a Blenheim is ee:ss. Blenheim is the easiest color genectic make-up for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. When you breed Blenheim to Tri Color you can receive both Blenheim or Tri Color. When a Blenheim is being bred to a Ruby which does not carry the white gene all the puppies will be ruby and some white mismarking is possible. When a Blenheim is being bred to a Ruby with the white gene then both Ruby and Blenheim colored puppies are possible and some white mismarking on the Ruby colored puppies is possible. Whan a Blenheim is being bred to a Black & Tan that does not carry the white gene then both whole colors are possible and some white mismarking is possible. If the Blenheim is being bred to a Black & Tan that does carry the white gene then all four colors are possible and some white mismarking is possible on the whole colors.

When you breed a Blenheim to a whole color (black/tan or ruby) the offspring will automatically carry the white gene giving the whole color offspring the ability to produce all 4 colors if bred to a Blenheim or tri color or if bred to another whole color that carries the white gene as well. Sometimes when you breed a Blenheim to a rich dark ruby you can greatly improve the rich dark red coloring in the Blenheim offspring. *** Characteristics *** Obtaining the desired shape of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel head seems to be easier to obtain in the Blenheim colored Cavalier over the other colors. While you do find good head shape in the other colors...the consistency within the Blenheim seems to rank higher. Cruisin Peek-A-Blue ICU (2 1/2 years) Our "Sadie" is a little character and her spaniel instincts are alive and keep her very active. She is always on the move or should I say prowl for a flying bug of some kind and I cannot tell you how many she manages to catch. She is extremely light footed as she flows across the yard following an unsuspecting bug with great detail.

She can turn on a dime and stay right with them for extended periods of time and if they do not rise up higher than she can jump she will surely catch them. She also talks to me during feeding time as she patiently waits for her bowl to be delivered. Cruisin Princess TallyHo (7 weeks) Resides in a companion pet home in Oklahoma Cruisin Cinnabon Roll (7 weeks) Resides in a companion pet home in Florida Cruisin Cinderella (10 weeks) "Ella" resides in Texas with her owner, Susan Skaggs. Ella began showing at the CKCSC-NT Sweepstakes Event on September 17, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. Ella has also earned her Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification and Susan hopes to be able to to continue on so she can become a therapy dog. Blenheim Dog Dictionary of Phrase and Fable — B Blenheim Dog A small spaniel; so called from Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, where the breed has been preserved ever since the palace was built. Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable , E.

Cobham Brewer, 1894 Blenheim Cavalier King Charles dog breed March 3, 2011 by George 3 Comments King Charles II was a big fan of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel breed and preferred to play with them rather than take care of important ‘kingly’ matters or so the story goes. Who can blame him I ask you! One look at these absolutely adorable little dogs and nothing else matters as much! When the King died, John Churchill the Duke of Marlborough took up where the King left off, caring for the breed. Blenheim coloured spaniels were his favourite and were in fact named after his estate. Blenheim Breed Characteristics The Blenheim coloured Cavalier King Charles is characterised by rich chestnut coloured markings on a clear white background. The ears are chestnut coloured and the chestnut colour you will find is spaced out in an even manner on the head and surrounding eye areas. The white blaze between the eyes and ears is typical and the ‘Blenheim’ spot a chestnut coloured marking in the centre of the head is unique.

The chestnut colour is clearly divided on either side of the dogs head by the white that runs from the top of head clear through to the muzzle and down to the paws. The chestnut colour is spread from the top of the head down completely over the ears and around the eyes. It’s a beautiful sight to see how well proportioned the colouring is for these dogs. The rest of the body is white with chestnut markings spread over the back and sides. The tail and paws are generally pearly white and this colour combination is so beautiful it makes the Blenheim a very popular choice. Show Dog Characteristics For show dogs, the Blenheim Cavalier King Charles’s coat should be of moderate length, silky soft and without curl. The feathers on the ears, chest, legs and tail should be naturally long and the feet should be feathered as it is a characteristic of the breed. For show dogs, trimming is not permitted and dogs that exhibit signs of trimming or clipping will be disqualified from competitions. Only the hair growing on the undersides of the paws may be trimmed. If you plan on showing your dog the Blenheim spot is quite desirable and special.

On the other hand, if you plan to keep the dog as a companion, the colour spread or the spot does not really matter. You will be hard pressed to find a more loving, adorable and cute dog; completely loyal and totally lovable. Next time we will discuss finding a reputable Cavalier King Charles breeder . Till then, bye from George ‘woof’. Do you have a Blenheim Cavalier King Charles? If so, leave a comment and let George know. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breed Information and Pictures Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a well-proportioned little dog. The head is slightly rounded, the muzzle full, tapering a little with a shallow stop. The nose is black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The dark brown eyes are round and set well apart with dark eye rims. The long ears are set high with abundant feathering. The topline is level. The tail is sometimes docked by 1/3, but is usually left natural. Dewclaws may be removed. The silky coat is medium in length with feathering on the ears, chest, legs and the tail.

Colors include tricolor, black and tan, blenheim (red and white) and ruby (rich mahogany red). Temperament The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an eager, affectionate and happy dog, always seeming to be wagging its tail. Outgoing and sportive, these fearless lively little dogs are eager and willing to please. They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and therefore are usually easy to train and respond well to gentle obedience training. They are said to be naturally well behaved and get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets . Cavaliers love people, enjoy companionship, and need rules to follow and limits to what they are allowed to do. They are not suited to kennel life and should not be left alone all day. If you do need to leave them, be sure to take them for a pack walk before you leave to put them in a natural rest mode. Do to their hunting background they have an instinct to chase. Do not allow this sweet dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome , human-induced behaviors where the dog thinks he is pack leader to humans. This can cause a varying degree of behavior problems , which are not Cavalier traits, but are brought on by the way they are being treated.

They are recommended with older considerate children, simply because most small dogs are treated in such a way they start to believe they rule the home. In addition to being the dog's leader, socialize well to avoid them being reserved with strangers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a pleasant companion dog. They have remarkable eyesight and sense of smell and can be used in short hunts in open country. They do well in competitive obedience. Height, Weight Height: 12 - 13 inches (30 - 33 cm) Weight: 10 - 18 pounds (5 - 8 kg) Health Problems Prone to syringomyelia, hereditary eye disease such as cherry eye , dislocating kneecaps (patella), back troubles, ear infections, early onset of deafness or hearing trouble. Sometimes hip dysplasia. Don't overfeed. This breed tends to gain weight easily. Also prone to mitral valve disease, a serious genetic heart problem, which can cause early death. It is wise to check the medical history of several previous generations before choosing your puppy. Living Conditions Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are good for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.

The Cavalier does not do well in very warm conditions. Exercise Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need a daily walk . Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off-lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. Life Expectancy About 3 to 5 puppies Grooming Comb or brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. The hair between the pads on the feet needs to be trimmed. Prone to tangling and matting on the ears, and should be brushed often. Clean the inside of the ears regularly. Always make sure the dog is thoroughly dry and warm after a bath. Check the eyes carefully for any signs of infection. This breed is an average shedder. Origin Named for King Charles II, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is descended from the King Charles Spaniel .

In the late 1600s the King Charles Spaniels were interbred with Pugs , which resulted in a smaller dog with flatter noses, upturned faces, rounded heads and protruding eyes. The consequence of this breeding is what we know today as the King Charles Spaniel (English Toy Spaniel) .In the 1920s an American named Roswell Eldridge offered prize money during a Cruft's Dog Show in London to any person exhibiting King Charles Spaniels with long noses. He was looking for dogs similar to those appearing in Van Dyck's paintings of King Charles II and his spaniels, before the Pug was bred in. A dog called Ann's Son, owned by Miss Mostyn Walker, won the Eldridge prize, however Eldridge had died a month before the show opened and was not there to present the award. His ideas lived on in American breeders. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed, as we know it today, is the product of the American breeders of the late 1920s, though this 'modern' breed is the true heir of the royal spaniels of King Charles II.

By the 1940s these dogs were classified as a separate breed and were given the prefix Cavalier to differentiate them from their forebears. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was shown in the Toy Group of the AKC beginning in 1996. Group ACA = American Canine Association Inc. ACR = American Canine Registry ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc. CKC = Canadian Kennel Club DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc. FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc. NKC = National Kennel Club NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club UKC = United Kennel Club Paris the tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at 2 years old—"Paris is a very loving dog. No one is a stranger to her. She enjoys playing with children and running around the back yard. Her favorite sleeping toy is a lamb, which she received as a Christmas present." Boz the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at 7 months old—"This is Boz carrying around his favorite toy when he was a puppy.

Boz is now an adult and is such a great companion. Boz enjoys going for walks and going for car rides. But above all, his favorite thing to do is to meet humans! He isn't really fond of other dogs , except for the other 3 dogs we have. When Boz was a little over a year old, we got a Shih Tzu , Molly, because we noticed Boz wanted a friend to play with. He couldn't have been happier! Boz is a great cuddler and a very loyal companion." Boz the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at 7 months old—"This is Boz carrying a treat in his mouth." "Tessie is a 2½-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Her Christmas picture was taken to raise money for vet care for homeless animals at Old Derby Animal Hospital in Hingham, MA. Tessie loves attention and loves people of all ages. She loves going to Pawz Rules Doggie Day Care why we are working to play with other dogs less than 25 lbs. On weekends she loves walking with us at Castle Island in South Boston or the Boston Common in downtown Boston meeting new people, meeting new dogs and just running around.

She especially loves meeting and kissing young children who come over to pet her. Tessie loves resting on the couch as close as possible to us and even likes watching the Dog Whisperer with us. She likes to bark at the other dogs she sees on TV. We met Tessie shortly after she was born and being big Red Sox fans, named her after the Dropkick Murphy's song “Tessie" which was played at Fenway Park during the 2007 baseball season. Tessie doesn't have a mean bone in her body and is the PERFECT PET." Chip the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at 9 years old Chip the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at 9 years old Jewel the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel This is Charlemagne and his litter of 7 brothers and sisters . Charlemagne is the first pup on the left. Danny and Ben (father and son)—after their bath they are both sat by the fire drying themselves.

Lucky the ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy at 10 weeks old Lucky the ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy at 10 weeks old Breed History The History of the Breed Pictured above is detail from a painting of the 9th Duke of Marlborough and his family including their Blenheim Toy Spaniels. This portrait of the family at Blenheim Palace in the United Kingdom was painted by John Singer Sargent . EARLY HISTORY The Cavaliler King Charles Spaniels that we know and love today are direct descendants of the toy spaniels that were found in Italy, France and Holland in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The origin of these toy spaniels is shrouded in mystery and evidence of their existance is seen over many centuries and in countries far removed from one another. Lady Wentworth, in her book “Toy Dogs and their Ancestors” (published in 1911) concludes, after much research, that the Red and White Toy Spaniel is the oldest breed and was brought from China to Italy early in the 13th. Century, at a time when brisk trade was carried on between the two countries.

There is evidence of a small type of spaniel that was used to round up small game birds into nets in earlier centuries and the little spaniels were also appreciated by gentlemen in the 1800's for their working ability. The 'Sportsman's Review', published in 1820 describes them as "very delicate, small or carpet spaniels which have exquisite noses and will hunt truly and pleasantly". Whatever their origins the small spaniels were popularas 'lap dogs' and 'comforters' with the royal and noble families of Europe for generations, and when brought to England they quickly became favourites in the courts of King Charles I and amongst royal and aristrocratic families. King Charles I was very attached to his toy spaniels and it is said that his little dog even walked with him when he was executed at Whitehall. It was due to his love for the breed that the name, King Charles Spaniel became widely used by the public to describe the small spaniels. King Charles II shared his predecessor's passion for the small spaniels and it was he who apparently decreed that the little dogs should have the freedom to enter every public building in the land.

Toy spaniels have appeared in the works of many artists and some of the earliest examples can be seen in the frescoes in Italian Churches which date back as far as the 13th. Century. Many famous artists included toy spaniels in their paintings of royal and aristocratic families and oil paintings and tapestries like the above work of art can be found, even today, in many of the castles and ancestral homes in Great Britain and Europe. In later years, Queen Victoria had a small tricolour spaniel called "Dash", but during her reign, shorter nosed dogs became fashionable and the little spaniels were bred with shorter and shorter faces until they became like the present day King Charles Spaniels with flat faces and domed heads. Meanwhile, the original, longer nosed spaniels with flat topped skulls almost disappeared. FORMATION OF THE BREED Interest in the earlier type of King Charles Spaniel was revived in 1926 by an American gentleman, Mr. Roswell Eldridge, who came to England hoping to see toy spaniels of the type depicted in many old paintings.

He was disappointed to find very few of the original type toy spaniels, so offered a prize of twenty five guineas each (almost a small fortune in those days) for the dog and bitch exhibited at Crufts Dog Show which most resembled the little spaniels in the paintings. The prizes were offered at Crufts for three years and in response a group of dedicated breeders set about reviving the breed which we now know as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The word "Cavalier" was added to "King Charles Spaniel" in 1928 to differentiate between the two distinct types and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was formed. However, Cavaliers were not granted seperate registration with the British Kennel Club until 1945. Anne's Son ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BREED The first winners of the twenty five guinea prizes at Crufts were a Blenheim dog called Anne's Son and a bitch by the name of Ashtonmore Flora. When the new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was formed the committee used Anne's Son as their model when they devised the breed standard (a description of what the breed should look like).

Progress in re-establishing the breed was slow but numbers gradually improved and in 1946 the English Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club held its first Championship Show with 28 entries. In 1928 the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel became recognised as a breed in its own right in England and in that same year a group of breeders formed the first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club in the United Kingdom. Daywell Roger, a Blenheim dog, was the first champion of the breed. MORE RECENT HISTORY Slowly breed numbers and popularity of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel increased, and more people became involved in breeding and showing these delightful little dogs. In 1963 a Blenheim bitch, Ch Amelia Of Laguna, made history by winning Best of all the Toy breeds at the Crufts Dog Show. Just 10 years later history was made again when a Blenheim dog, Ch Alansmere Aquarius, won Best (of all breeds) In Show at Crufts, and in doing so, became the first dog of any Toy breed to win this prestigious award in over 50 years.

Nowadays the Cavalier is one of the most popular breeds in England, Australia, USA and other countries, both as a family pet and in the show ring. They also compete successfully in Obedience, Agility, Jumping, Flyball and other activities as well as being ideal 'Pets As Therapy' dogs. CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIELS IN AUSTRALIA The history of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in Australia began in December 1960 when "Soyland Begonia", a blenheim bitch in whelp, was imported from New Zealand to Melbourne by Mrs Ester (Oakland Kennels). She later became the first Australian Champion of the breed. Shortly after her arrival another bitch, Scarlett, arrived from the UK with her owners, Mr & Mrs Philpott (Lancresse). The first dog to come to Australia was Justice Of Eyeworth. He was imported from England to Sydney by Mr & Mrs Dixon (Dai Jon). Further dogs were imported from New Zealand and England over the ensuing years and Cavalier numbers quickly built up as more and more people became enamoured with these delightful, attractive little dogs.

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was formed in New South Wales in 1968 and during 1971 another club was started in Victoria. In 1971 Ch Gaysprite The Regent became the first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to win a Best In Show award in Australia. The first Best In Show by a Cavalier at a Royal Show went to Ch Amantra Bohemian Rhapsody (Imp UK) at the Canberra Royal Show in 1981. Early in 1990 Cavalier breeders in South Australia met to form the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of SA Inc. and a club was also started in Canberra in 1991. More recently a Queensland club was started in 2002 and a Tasmanian Club in 2009. The Breed - Brookside Cavalier Brookside Cavalier NuVet Supplements About the King Charles Cavalier Breed did you know cavalier means follower of the king Country of Origin: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (affectionately known as a ‘Cav’) is an offshoot of the King Charles Spaniel.

The King Charles Spaniel was created by crossing small Spaniels with a short snouted breed such as the Pug or Japanese Chin. It was brought to Scotland from Continental Europe (possibly by Mary, Queen of Scots) in the 1500’s or 1600’s, where it became a fashionable lap dog and companion for the noble class. King Charles Spaniels were also popular lap warmers (and flea magnets) for the lower class. King Charles II, for whom the breed is named, grew up with a pet King Charles Spaniel (then known as the Toy Spaniel), and was such a big fan of the breed that he was accused of neglecting his official duties to spend time with his pet Spaniels. He once issued a decree that the breed could not be forbidden entry to any building, including Parliament! Some King Charles Spaniels, such as the red and white ‘Blenheim’, served as hunting dogs, but most strains were bred for appearance rather than work capacity. Over the years, the breed became smaller with a shorter nose.

In the 1920’s, a wealthy American man named Roswell Eldrige traveled to England and offered 25 pounds, a large sum at the time, for an ‘old style’ or ‘pointed nose’ version of the breed, similar to Charles II's actual dog. The effort was successful, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel eventually surpassed its short nosed cousin in popularity, achieving American Kennel Club recognition in 1996. Size: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a shoulder height of 12-13 in at the shoulder and weighs 12-18 lbs. It has a large muzzle, large eyes, and long, highly set ears. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a flat back and breed-characteristic feathered feet. Unlike most Spaniels, they have a long, feathered tail which is carried high and moves when the dog runs. Coat: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has long, soft, silky hair which is lightly waved.

There are four color types which were formerly considered separate breeds: tricolor (‘Prince Charles’), red and white (‘Blenheim’), black and tan (‘King Charles’) and red (‘Ruby’). The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has average shedding. Character: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loves to be with its family and craves attention. It is cheerful, playful, and intelligent—an ideal dog to carry with you and share your time with. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not bark frequently. They are generally well behaved, but can sometimes be timid or stubborn. Temperament: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gets along well with children (older children are preferable), other dogs, and any household pets. It is friendly, happy, and loving. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are devoted to loved ones but suspicious around strangers. Care: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel must be brushed several times a week. It should be bathed only when necessary. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a life span of 10-12 years.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are susceptible to mitral valve disease (a heart condition) and syringomyelia (a spinal condition), which afflicts many members of the breed. They may have a soft spot in the skull, which closes by adulthood and is not considered a risk. Fused toes are also not considered a health risk. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may be sensitive to anesthesia and hot weather. Training: The intelligence of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes training fairly easy. This breed requires a gentle approach. Activity: The exercise needs of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are uncomplicated. It enjoys walks, but its needs can usually be met with indoor play; it will adapt itself to the activity level of your family. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is well suited to apartment life. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should be leashed or watched closely around roads as it tends to give chase to small animals. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed General Appearance The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an active, graceful, well-balanced toy spaniel, very gay and free in action; fearless and sporting in character, yet at the same time gentle and affectionate.

It is this typical gay temperament, combined with true elegance and royal appearance which are of paramount importance in the breed. Natural appearance with no trimming, sculpting or artificial alteration is essential to breed type. Size, Proportion, Substance Size - Height 12 to 13 inches at the withers; weight proportionate to height, between 13 and 18 pounds. A small, well balanced dog within these weights is desirable, but these are ideal heights and weights and slight variations are permissible. Proportion - The body approaches squareness, yet if measured from point of shoulder to point of buttock, is slightly longer than the height at the withers. The height from the withers to the elbow is approximately equal to the height from the elbow to the ground. Substance - Bone moderate in proportion to size. Weedy and coarse specimens are to be equally penalized. Head Proportionate to size of dog, appearing neither too large nor too small for the body. Expression - The sweet, gentle, melting expression is an important breed characteristic. Eyes - Large, round, but not prominent and set well apart; color a warm, very dark brown; giving a lustrous, limpid look. Rims dark.

There should be cushioning under the eyes which contributes to the soft expression. Faults - small, almond-shaped, prominent, or light eyes; white surrounding ring. Ears - Set high, but not close, on top of the head. Leather long with plenty of feathering and wide enough so that when the dog is alert, the ears fan slightly forward to frame the face. Skull - Slightly rounded, but without dome or peak; it should appear flat because of the high placement of the ears. Stop is moderate, neither filled nor deep. Muzzle - Full muzzle slightly tapered. Length from base of stop to tip of nose about 1½ inches. Face well filled below eyes. Any tendency towards snippiness undesirable. Nose pigment uniformly black without flesh marks and nostrils well developed. Lips well developed but not pendulous giving a clean finish. Faults - Sharp or pointed muzzles. Bite - A perfect, regular and complete scissors bite is preferred, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square into the jaws. Faults - undershot bite, weak or crooked teeth, crooked jaws.

Neck, Top line, Body Neck - Fairly long, without throatiness, well enough muscled to form a slight arch at the crest. Set smoothly into nicely sloping shoulders to give an elegant look. Top line - Level both when moving and standing. Body - Short-coupled with ribs well spring but not barreled. Chest moderately deep, extending to elbows allowing ample heart room. Slightly less body at the flank than at the last rib, but with no tucked-up appearance. Tail - Well set on, carried happily but never much above the level of the back, and in constant characteristic motion when the dog is in action. Docking is optional. If docked, no more than one third to be removed. Forequarters Shoulders well laid back. Forelegs straight and well under the dog with elbows close to the sides. Pasterns strong and feet compact with well-cushioned pads. Dewclaws may be removed. Hindquarters The hindquarters construction should come down from a good broad pelvis, moderately muscled; stifles well turned and hocks well let down. The hind legs when viewed from the rear should parallel each other from hock to heel.

Faults - Cow or sickle hocks. Coat Of moderate length, silky, free from curl. Slight wave permissible. Feathering on ears, chest, legs and tail should be long, and the feathering on the feet is a feature of the breed. No trimming of the dog is permitted. Specimens where the coat has been altered by trimming, clipping, or by artificial means shall be so severely penalized as to be effectively eliminated from competition. Hair growing between the pads on the underside of the feet may be trimmed. Color Blenheim - Rich chestnut markings well broken up on a clear, pearly white ground. The ears must be chestnut and the color evenly spaced on the head and surrounding both eyes, with a white blaze between the eyes and ears, in the center of which may be the lozenge or "Blenheim spot." The lozenge is a unique and desirable, though not essential, characteristic of the Blenheim. Tricolor - Jet black markings well broken up on a clear, pearly white ground. The ears must be black and the color evenly spaced on the head and surrounding both eyes, with a white blaze between the eyes.

Rich tan markings over the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears and on underside of tail. Ruby - Whole-colored rich red. Black and Tan - Jet black with rich, bright tan markings over eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest, legs, and on underside of tail. Faults - Heavy ticking on Blenheim's or Tricolors, white marks on Rubies or Black and Tans. Gait Free moving and elegant in action, with good reach in front and sound, driving rear action. When viewed from the side, the movement exhibits a good length of stride, and viewed from front and rear it is straight and true, resulting from straight-boned fronts and properly made and muscled hindquarters. Temperament Gay, friendly, non-aggressive with no tendency towards nervousness or shyness. Bad temper, shyness, and meanness are not to be tolerated and are to be severely penalized as to effectively remove the specimen from competition.

Approved Date: January 10, 1995 Effective Date: April 30, 1995 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rosebury + Hohenzollern Duke of Marlborough family with two Cavaliers Early History of the Breed In the last five hundred or more years, small dogs of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-type have brought immense pleasure to the lives of royalty, world leaders and countless ordinary men, women and children. Few other breeds can claim an ancestry dating back to the 13th century; records of canine companions of humble peasants are virtually nonexistent. However, the Cavalier - or the small toy Spaniel as it was described - was the companion of the most aristocratic members of society, and they frequently included their beloved pets in family portraits, providing breed historians with excellent visual records. A nother theory dates back to 900 A.D., when the Emperor of China sent a gift of two of his Pekingese to the Dalai Lama of Lhasa. Some believe that these two dogs are the ancient ancestors of the Toy Spaniel and that the breed was then brought to Spain by Portuguese explorers. We can be sure that the Toy Spaniel was in England by 1554.

A painting by Antonio Moro (which now hans in Woburn Abbey) whow Queen Mary I and Philip of Spain with a couple of Toy Spaniels at their feet. Earlier than this, Henry VIII had made a decree that only "some small spaniels for the ladies" cold be kept at court. I n 1570, an essay entitled De Canibus Britannicus was produced by Dr. Johannes Caius, Queen Elizabeth I´s chief physician. It catalogued all breeds of dog known at the time. He included "Spaniell gentle or comforter - a delicate, neat and pretty kind of dog ... chamber companions, pleasant play fellows" - words just as appropriate today. The doctor also attributed strange healing powers to the dogs. "We find that these littledogs are good to assuage the sickness of the stomach ... ". I n 1587, a small black and white spaniel was ruputed to have been unable to save her cherished mistress´s life. After Mary Queen of Scots´execution, her little dog was found hiding beneath her petticoats, loyal to the last.

In 1648, when the second civil war led to Charles I´s being held captive in Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight, his Toy Spaniel "Rogue" was by his side. When Charles I was beheaded the following year, Rogue was taken by one of the Roundheads and flaunted around London. However, it was from King Charles II that the King Charles Spaniel took its name. On the day the King returned to England from exile, Samuel Pepys recorded in his diary: "The King was rowed ashore in the Admiral´s barge, while I followed in a smaller boat with Mr. Mansell, one of the footman and a dog that the King loved." In fact, Charles was rarely seen without his dogs, causing Mr. Pepys to write that he was always in trouble for "playing with his dogs all the while, and not ninding his business." It is a popular myth that King Charles II passed a low giving every dog of the breed special rights and privileges. C harles´s brother, James II, succeeded him, and he proved to be another dog lover.

When he was forced to abandon ship off the Scottish coast, he gabe the order "save the dogs," addding "and Colonel Churchill" after a pause. Luckily, Colonel Churchill was saved. He later became the Duke of Marlborough and wnt on o keep his won red and white Spaniels. While abroad fighting in the Battle of Blenheim, his wife Sarah the Duchess is reputed to have been ina very anxious state at home, waiting for news. For comfort, she stroked one of their Spaniels that was soon to have puppies. She repeatedly pressed her thumb on the bitch´s head. When news of the great battle victory arrived, five puppies were born bearing red thumbprints on their foreheads. This mark became known as the Blenheim spot. Blenheim Palace I n the second half of the 19th century, breeders began to hold shows and think seriously about breeding the Toy Spaniel to a desired type. It was at this time that the breedï¿½s appearance started to alter. A shorter face found favor with the breeders, a sdid a domed head and longer, low-set ears (the King Charles Spaniel).

The old type of toy spaniel had almost completely disappeared by Edwardian times. In 1886, the Toy Spaniel Club was founded. Rebirth of the old-type Toy Spaniel can be traced to an advertisement in the catalog of Charles Cruftï¿½s Dog Show in 1926: "Blenheim Spaniels of the Old Type, as shown in the pictures of Charles IIï¿½s time, long face, no stop, flat skull not inclined to be domed, with a spot in the centre of skull. The first prizes in classes 947 and 948 are given by Roswell Eldridge, Esq., of New York, and will be continued for five years. Prizes go to the nearest to type required." 25 pounds was an enormous amount of money in those days and it ensured that his whim was not completely ignored. In the years 1926 - 1929, the winner of the money for the best dog was Annï¿½s Son, a key figure in the breedï¿½s history. Annï¿½s Son was a Blenheim of such outstanding quality that he attracted many new admirers to the breed.

The ancestry of all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels today can be traced back to this dog. Annï¿½s Son was also used as a live illusration of the type required. Breeding away from the short flat face of the King Charles was giong to be difficult. It is thought that the introduction of some drop-eared Papillon blood was responsible for the revival of the long nose and the desired flat-top head. T he Kennel Club didn´t separate the registration of the King Charles from the Cavalier King Charles until 1945. In the intervening years the two breeds have changed places in the popularity ratings quite dramatically. The Cavalier is quite regularly in the top five most popular breeds in Britain. In 1973, Alansmere Aquarius became the first Cavalier and the first Toy dog to win Best in Show at Cruft´s - a remarkable achievement, only six generations on from Ann´s Son. Cruft´s Dog Show still remains the most prestigious conformation competition in England. The media exposure the breed received resulted in a population explosion. The Cavalier was hailed as the ideal pet - it needed no trimming unlike the once-fashionable Poodle and it was such a convenient size.

People breeding for cash were attracted and pet shops and dealers tried to buy up breeding stock. Somehow, the special qualities that made the breed so special have managed to survive. H istory has repeated itself and the Cavalier has found its place once more in the royal household. Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret had a Cavalier called "Rowley" who quite often appeared with his mistress in photographs. Another very prominent Cavalier was the attractive Blenheim that shared the White House with President Reagan and his wife. Claudia Hollweg Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Full of fun! - Dogs Monthly Home › Private: Monthly breed feature ›Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Full of fun! Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Full of fun! Breed facts: Toy group In association with the Kennel Club, Dogs Monthly provides you with all you need to know about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Discover if this gentle and happy breed could be the canine companion you’ve always dreamed of!

Descended from the Toy Spaniels of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and depicted in paintings by Gainsborough, Landseer and Stubbs, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has long been prized as an affectionate lap dog and devoted companion by kings, queens and commoners alike. During the 18th and 19th centuries there was a special strain of red and white Toy Spaniels bred at Blenheim Palace by the Dukes of Marlborough, which were famous for their sporting abilities as well as suitability as ladies’ companions. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Today, the ‘Blenheim’ colour is now one of the four recognised colours of the breed. It wasn’t until 1944, however, that the breed gained Kennel Club status, having been secured as a breed in its own right, separate from the flat-faced and smaller King Charles Spaniel. Other breeds, such as Papillons and Cocker Spaniels, were used way back in efforts to produce the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel you see today.

Checklist Ideal for children & senior citizens Happy in town or country Low exercise/space requirements Thrives with company & attention Family life The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club says: “As a breed, their temperament is gentle and never aggressive in any way. They are also fun-loving dogs that adore nothing more than to go out for a good walk and then go indoors and curl up on a comfortable lap or armchair. They love their comforts and will go to great lengths to manipulate you to be allowed to sit on the best furniture! “Remember that a dog must fit into your lifestyle. They need to be part of the family and you should not have one if you haven’t sufficient time to give it. A lot of thought must be given to the matter before you go ahead. Have you the time? The money? The patience? The lifestyle? Think long and hard, as a dog is a big commitment. “If you do decide that a Cavalier would fit into your household, you will be rewarded with the most wonderful companion!” Basically, Cavaliers hate being on their own for any length of time and will become withdrawn and miserable without company.

Two Cavaliers, on the other hand, will keep each other company when you are out and are not likely to be any more work than one. Training Cavaliers are extremely intelligent and learn quickly, and many are quite proficient at obedience and agility classes; but, says the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, ‘the majority seem to go so far and then stop!’ House-training and general obedience about the house is something Cavaliers pick up quickly, if trained correctly. They respond best to quiet, kind and firm commands and handling, but (like most dogs) will withdraw miserably if spoken to harshly for they are extremely sensitive. Taking your Cavalier to puppy socialisation and then training classes is something he’ll adore, since Cavaliers are such sociable little dogs who love meeting new canine and human friends. Take care, though, that he is not over-faced by larger dogs in the class – try to choose a class geared to small breeds of similar temperament. ? Kennel Club breed standard. Thinking of getting a Cavalier? Here’s what to look out for: Appearance Active, graceful and wellbalanced, with a gentle expression.

Colours Recognised colours are: Black and tan: raven black with tan markings above the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest and legs and underside of tail. Tan should be bright. White marks are undesirable. Ruby: whole-coloured rich red. White markings are undesirable. Blenheim: rich chestnut markings well broken up, on pearly white ground. Markings evenly divided on head, leaving room between the ears for much-valued lozenge mark or spot (a unique characteristic of the breed). Tricolour: black and white well-spaced, broken up, with tan markings over eyes, cheeks, inside ears, inside legs, and on underside of tail. Any other colour or combination of colours highly undesirable. Characteristics Sporting, affectionate and absolutely fearless. Temperament Gay, friendly, non-aggressive; no tendency to nervousness. Head & skull Skull almost flat between ears. Shallow stop. Length from base of stop to tip of nose is about 3.8 cm (1½ins). Nostrils black and welldeveloped without flesh marks; muzzle well-tapered. Lips welldeveloped but not pendulous. Face well-filled below eyes.

Any tendency to snipiness (narrowness) is undesirable. eyes Large, dark, round but not prominent; spaced well apart. Ears Long, set high, with plenty of feather. Mouth Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite (upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws). Neck Chest moderate; shoulders well laid back; straight legs, moderately boned. Body Short-coupled with good spring of rib. Level back. Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum. Hindquarters Legs with moderate bone; wellturned stifle and no tendency to cow hocks or sickle hocks. Feet Compact, cushioned and wellfeathered. Tail Length of tail in balance with body, well set on, carried happily but never much above the level of the back. Docking was previously optional when no more than one-third of the tail was to be removed. Gait & movement Free-moving and elegant in action with plenty of drive from behind. Forelegs and hindlegs move parallel when viewed from in front and behind. Coat Long, silky, free from curl. A slight wave is permissible. Plenty of feathering.

Totally free from trimming. Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog. 5 Cavalier facts Grooming Cavaliers tend to moult twice a year, when you’ll have to groom more often to keep on top of shedding hair and prevent it matting in the coat. Says champion breeder Brian Rix: “Cavaliers do need regular brushing to keep their coats in good condition displaying that soft and lustrous gleam – every couple of days should be fine. They are relatively easy to groom, but bear in mind that neutered Cavaliers’ coats seem to have a tendency to become woolly, ‘stary’ and dry.” Taking your Cavalier to a professional groomer every eight weeks or so for a pamper session will help keep his coat sweet- -smelling and in tip-top order and condition.

Health Generally robust dogs, who are a lot tougher than they look, some Cavalier lines do, however, have a history of heart problems (mitral valve disease; MVD), syringomyelia (SM: a disorder of the brain and spinal cord, causing pain and potential paralysis), hip dysplasia, hereditary eye disease, or dislocating kneecaps (patella). This being the case, it is essential that you buy from a reputable breeder who screens for such problems. Ideally, teeth need cleaning on a regular basis to keep them free from plaque build-up and gum disease, which can be a problem in Cavaliers. Temperament Said to be ‘the ideal family pet’, this remark is well-deserved by Cavaliers, since they usually have wonderful temperaments with people of all ages. Non-aggressive, the breed is lauded for its loyalty, affectionate nature and sociability with other animals (including cats and other small pets). Always happy and interested in what you are doing, a Cavalier’s tail almost never stops wagging! Height & weight Cavaliers weigh 5.4-8.2kg (12-18lb).

According to the KC, ‘a small, well-balanced dog well within these weights is desirable’, particularly for the show ring. Height-wise, at the shoulders, Cavaliers measure 30-33cm (12-13in) – although you will often see heights above and below this average, both in and out of the show ring. Lifespan The average lifespan for healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is 11+ years. Where to get a pup from The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, and other mentioned clubs and societies (see ‘Useful contacts & books’), has details of members who have pups available. You can also speak to people who own a Cavalier to find out more about the breed’s characteristics and whether or not a Cavalier would be the right choice for you. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club advises: “Look under ‘Puppy Register’ on the Club website to find a list of the Club’s co-ordinators, contact your nearest and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Never buy a pup that is not with its mother – a pup from such a source may not have been screened for heart problems.” You can also download a free ‘CKCS Puppy Pack’ from the site. Adds the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club: “The Club actively encourages its members to test their Cavaliers for heart and eye problems by organising health check clinics around the country and at the Club Championship Show. The Club also actively supports research into MVD and SM, and raises funds to support research into these problems. “These are problems within the breed, however the impression should not be given that all Cavaliers have these conditions: they do not. These are conditions which reputable breeders are aware of, and those intending to purchase a puppy are recommended to buy from breeders who are prepared to discuss and advise on these concerns. “Unfortunately, this cannot guarantee that dogs will be free from problems, but you will be buying from someone who is doing their best to produce healthy stock.” Useful contacts & books Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Mrs A Jones (secretary), tel. 01490 430554; Eastern Counties Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Society Ms M Hogan (secretary), tel.

01462 670774. Humberside Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Mrs L Flynn (secretary), tel. 01205 760374. Midland Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Mrs M Rees (secretary), tel. 02476 403583. Northern Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Society Mr I Sidgwick (secretary), tel. 01228 561209. Northern Ireland Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Miss K Finlay (secretary), tel. 028 9085 1333. Scottish Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Mrs G Baillie (secretary), tel. 01620 880218. South & West Wales Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Mr S Watts (secretary), tel. 01495 245847. Southern Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Mr G Ford (secretary), tel. 01264 860376.

West of England Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Mrs D Searle (secretary), tel. 01455 846087. Rescue co-ordinators Contact the above breed clubs and societies for their rescue co-ordinators’ details Pet Owner’s Guide to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels by Ken Town (Ringpress Books, 1997. 1 86054 011 2). Special thanks to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club for the breed information provided for this feature. A brief History of the development of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel » Heronbank Cavaliers The Pedigree Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a relatively new breed, having been recognised as an established breed since 1928 and first Registered by the Kennel Club in 1945. Our Cavaliers However, the history behind the breed goes back to the King Charles Spaniel (now a separate breed), which is recorded throughout Europe as “smalle ladyes puppees” and King Henry VIII decreed that no dogs were allowed at Court except “some small spanyells for the ladies”.

Following the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1587, a small black and white spaniel was found under her petticoats. However, the breed is particularly associated with the court of King Charles II circa 1660 and there are many paintings and writings of that time depicting the fore-runners of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Heronbank Cavaliers Legend has it that King Charles II issued a Royal edict that no King Charles Spaniel can be denied entry to any public place and they alone have the right to run loose in London’s Royal Parks. King Charles Spaniels of that day were small and fine boned, with domed heads and very short muzzles, much like the King Charles Spaniels of today. However the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has evolved to be a little larger and taller, with flat heads and slightly longer muzzles. Two of the early Pedigree Cavalier Champions were “Daywell Roger” and “Ann’s Son” to which our own cavaliers can be traced.

There are four colours in the modern Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Blenheim (named after Blenheim Palace) Toby Tan and white, sometimes with the “thumb-spot” between the ears. This colour usually results from a mating of blenheim to blenheim or blenheim to tricolour, but can also result from tricolour to tricolour if the recessive blenheim gene is present in a parent. It is good practice to introduce the tricolour gene in alternate generations at least, as if blenheim to blenheim is used in successive generations, the tan can become pale and lemony. Blenheim is the most resessive gene in cavaliers. Tricolour Heronbank Zenith, son of Heronbank Celestial Comet As the name might suggest, this is three colours, black and white with tan markings over eyebrows, on cheeks, inside ears and under tail. This colour usually results from a mating of blenheim to tricolour, or tricolour to tricolour. The tricolour gene is dominant over the blenheim and ruby genes. The Blenheims and Tricolours are known as Party-colours.

BLENHEIM AND TRICOLOUR PUPPIES WOULD NORMALLY RESULT FROM THIS MATING BLENHEIM AND TRICOLOUR PUPPIES CAN RESULT FROM THIS MATING BLACK & TAN IS THE MOST DOMINANT GENE, AND THIS MATING WILL PREDOMINANTLY PRODUCE BLACK AND TAN PUPPIES, ALTHOUGH RUBIES, TRICOLOURS AND BLENHEIMS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. TRICOLOUR IS THE DOMINANT GENE OVER RUBY, AND THIS MATING WILL PREDOMINANTLY PRODUCE TRICOLOUR PUPPIES, ALTHOUGH RUBIES, BLACK AND TANS AND BLENHEIMS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. BLACK & TAN BLACK & TAN IS THE MOST DOMINANT GENE, AND THIS MATING WILL PREDOMINANTLY PRODUCE BLACK AND TAN PUPPIES, ALTHOUGH RUBIES, TRICOLOURS AND BLENHEIMS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE.

BLACK & TAN IS THE MOST DOMINANT GENE, AND THIS MATING WILL PREDOMINANTLY PRODUCE BLACK AND TAN PUPPIES, ALTHOUGH RUBIES, TRICOLOURS AND BLENHEIMS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. BLACK & TAN IS THE MOST DOMINANT GENE, AND THIS MATING WILL NORMALLY PRODUCE BLACK AND TAN PUPPIES ALTHOUGH RUBY PUPPIES ARE A POSSIBILITY THIS MATING CAN PRODUCE ALL BLACK AND TANS, BEING THE DOMINANT GENE, OR A MIX OF BLACK & TANS AND RUBIES RUBY THIS MATING, BETWEEN THE TWO WEAKEST GENES, CAN ONLY PRODUCE BLENHEIM AND RUBY PUPPIES – WHICH WILL GET PALER IN SUCCESSIVE GENERATIONS UNLESS A TRICOLOUR OR BLACK AND TAN IS INTRODUCED FROM TIME TO TIME TRICOLOUR IS THE DOMINANT GENE OVER RUBY, AND THIS MATING WILL PREDOMINANTLY PRODUCE TRICOLOUR PUPPIES, ALTHOUGH RUBIES, BLACK AND TANS AND BLENHEIMS ARE POSSIBLE.

THIS MATING CAN PRODUCE ALL BLACK AND TANS, BEING THE DOMINANT GENE, OR A MIX OF BLACK & TANS AND RUBIES THIS IS THE WEAKEST GENE OF THE WHOLE COLOURS AND THIS MATING WILL ALWAYS PRODUCE RUBY PUPPIES – WHICH WILL GET PALER IN SUCCESSIVE GENERATIONS UNLESS A BLACK AND TAN IS INTRODUCED FROM TIME TO TIME Good breeding practice is based on selectively breeding into reputable bloodlines which are, as far as possible, free from disease and defects. In-breeding is not desirable, or necessary these days, as there is a wide gene-pool to choose from, but in the early days in-breeding was practiced as there were so few pedigree cavaliers available. If this practise had not been carried out, the development of the Cavalier would have taken much longer. Old wives tales like “having a litter will cure False pregnancies” and “a litter is good for the bitch and prevents pyrometra” are totally false. As responsible breeders, we only breed once each year, from the bitch’s second or third season, up to 5 years old, and then our bitches are spayed.

Spaying is the only reliable way of stopping false pregnancies and curing pyrometra. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breed Information - American Kennel Club 01 02 03 04 05 06 General Appearance The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an active, graceful, well-balanced toy spaniel, very gay and free in action; fearless and sporting in character, yet at the same time gentle and affectionate. It is this typical gay temperament, combined with true elegance and royal appearance which are of paramount importance in the breed. Natural appearance with no trimming, sculpting or artificial alteration is essential to breed type. Head Proportionate to size of dog, appearing neither too large nor too small for the body. Expression - The sweet, gentle, melting expression is an important breed characteristic. Eyes - Large, round, but not prominent and set well apart; color a warm, very dark brown; giving a lustrous, limpid look. Rims dark. There should be cushioning under the eyes which contributes to the soft expression. Faults - small, almond-shaped, prominent, or light eyes; white surrounding ring.

Ears - Set high, but not close, on top of the head. Leather long with plenty of feathering and wide enough so that when the dog is alert, the ears fan slightly forward to frame the face. Body Neck - Fairly long, without throatiness, well enough muscled to form a slight arch at the crest. Set smoothly into nicely sloping shoulders to give an elegant look. Topline - Level both when moving and standing. Body - Short-coupled with ribs well sprung but not barrelled. Chest moderately deep, extending to elbows allowing ample heart room. Slightly less body at the flank than at the last rib, but with no tucked-up appearance. Tail - Well set on, carried happily but never much above the level of the back, and in constant characteristic motion when the dog is in action. Docking is optional. If docked, no more than one third to be removed. Forequarters Shoulders well laid back. Forelegs straight and well under the dog with elbows close to the sides. Pasterns strong and feet compact with well-cushioned pads. Dewclaws may be removed. Coat Of moderate length, silky, free from curl. Slight wave permissible.

Feathering on ears, chest, legs and tail should be long, and the feathering on the feet is a feature of the breed. No trimming of the dog is permitted. Specimens where the coat has been altered by trimming, clipping, or by artificial means shall be so severely penalized as to be effectively eliminated from competition. Hair growing between the pads on the underside of the feet may be trimmed. Hindquarters The hindquarters construction should come down from a good broad pelvis, moderately muscled; stifles well turned and hocks well let down. The hindlegs when viewed from the rear should parallel each other from hock to heel. Faults - Cow or sickle hocks. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Question: What breed of dog is a Blenheim?
Answer: Spaniel