[History] [Temperament] [Upkeep] [Health] [Form and Function] [At a Glance]
[Pictures]
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As its name implies, the Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel is derived from spaniel roots. The European toy dogs
were probably the result of breeding small spaniels to Oriental toy breeds
such as the Japanese Chin and perhaps the Tibetan Spaniel. These Tudor
lapdogs, known as "Comforter Spaniels," served as lap and foot warmers, and
even surrogate hot water bottles. In addition, they served the vital
function of attracting fleas from their owner's bodies! The toy
spaniels became easily popular because they appealed to all members of the
family. In the 1700s, King Charles II was so enamored with his toy
spaniels that he was accused of ignoring matters of state in favor of his
dogs. The dogs were so closely associated with him that they became
known as King Charles Spaniels. After his death, the Buke of
Marlborough took over as the major advocate of the breed; the red and white
"Blenheim" color, which was his favorite, is named after his estate.
The King Charles Spaniel continued to grace the homes of the wealthy for
generations, but with time a shorter-nosed dog was preferred. By the
early 1900s, the few dogs that resembled the early members of the breed were
considered to be inferior. A twist of fate occurred when a wealthy
American, Roswell Eldridge, came to England and offered outlandish prize
money for the best "pointed-nosed" spaniels, most resembling the old type.
Breeders bred their old-type dogs together in an effort to gain the prize,
and in so doing, many came to appreciate the old type. Ironically,
these dogs, named Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in honor of the Cavalier
King, eventually outstripped their short-nosed counterparts in popularity,
becoming one of the most popular breeds in England. They were slower
to catch on in America, and many Cavalier owners fought AKC recognition in
an effort to control the problems that so often accompany popularity.
In 1996, the AKC recognized the Cavalier. The popularity continues to
grow. |
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The Cavalier in many ways fits the bill as
an ideal house pet. It is sweet, gentle, playful, willing to please,
affectionate, and quiet. It is amiable toward other dogs, pets, and
strangers. Outdoors, its spaniel heritage kicks in, and it loves to
explore, sniff, and chase. |
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The Cavalier needs a fair amount of
exercise every day, either in the form of a moderate walk on leash or a romp
in a safe area. This is not a breed that should live outdoors.
Its long coat needs brushing every other day. |
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The Cav is an elegant, royal, toy spaniel,
slightly longer than tall, with moderate bones. It retains the build
of a working spaniel, yet in a smaller version. Its gait is free and
elegant, with good reach and drive. Its silky coat is of moderate
length, with a slight wave permissible. Long feathering on the feet is
a breed characteristic. A hallmark of the breed is its gently, sweet,
melting expression. |
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Energy
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3/5 Weight: |
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Litter
