The Official Standard of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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.
The Cavalier should stand between 12 and 13 inches tall and weigh between 13 and 18 pounds. The head should be rounded but not domed, almost flat on the top and ears set high but not too close. Ears should be long and have lots of feathering, a key identifier for the breed.
The Cavalier's eyes are one of its most prominent features. The eyes should be round and large but not protruding. They are deep, dark brown with a dark rim.
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.
The Cavalier should stand between 12 and 13 inches tall and weigh between 13 and 18 pounds. The head should be rounded but not domed, almost flat on the top and ears set high but not too close. Ears should be long and have lots of feathering, a key identifier for the breed.
The Cavalier's eyes are one of its most prominent features. The eyes should be round and large but not protruding. They are deep, dark brown with a dark rim.
COLOR
Cavaliers appear in four distinct color patterns: Blenheim, Tricolor, Ruby and Black and Tan.
Blenheim - Named after Blenheim Palace, it is 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 background. 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. No markings or spots. Black and Tan - Jet black with rich, bright tan markings over eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest, legs and on underside of tail.
Cavaliers appear in four distinct color patterns: Blenheim, Tricolor, Ruby and Black and Tan.
Blenheim - Named after Blenheim Palace, it is 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 background. 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. No markings or spots. Black and Tan - Jet black with rich, bright tan markings over eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest, legs and on underside of tail.
TEMPERAMENT
Cavaliers were bred for companionship and warmth, two words that still accurately describe the breed. The Cavalier is gay, friendly, non-aggressive with no tendency towards nervousness or shyness.
Cavaliers were bred for companionship and warmth, two words that still accurately describe the breed. The Cavalier is gay, friendly, non-aggressive with no tendency towards nervousness or shyness.
