Toy Breeds Affenpinscher Australian Silky Terrier Bichon Frise Bolognese Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Chihuahua Chinese Crested CotondeTulear English Toy Terrier Griffon Bruxellois Havanese Italian Greyhound Japanese Chin King Charles Spaniel Lowchen Maltese Miniature Pinscher Papillon Pekingese Pomeranian Pug Yorkshire Terrier

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a real family dog, happy and outgoing, he is affectionate and active and will adapt himself to the lifestyle of his particular family whether in town or country.  He is happy to be a housedog or explore the fields with his owners and will settle in cheerfully with the rest of the family mix, whether they are cats, dogs or children.

Sixteenth century paintings show a small spaniel who closely resembles the present Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, though over the years the breed developed into the smaller, more oriental looking King Charles Spaniel by the introduction of Eastern breeds which resulted in a shorter foreface and low-set ears.  In some parts of the World the King Charles is known as the English Toy Spaniel. King Charles II decreed that they should be allowed in all public places, including Parliament.

A number of enthusiasts decided to recreate the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as seen in 16th century paintings in the early part of the 20th century by selecting dogs with typical characteristics, though it was not until 1944 that he achieved Kennel Club status.  Since then he has been a real success story, continuously scoring in the top twenty of Kennel Club registrations and attracting large entries in the showring.

He has many virtues; pretty, friendly and adaptable with four striking colour patterns; Black and Tan, Ruby - a glorious rich red, Blenheim - rich chestnut on a pearly white background and Tricolour - black on a white background with tan markings.  The coat is easy to keep, silky and with plenty of feathering he does not need trimming; however, neutered animals, in common with many other feathered breeds, tend to become over-coated and may well need clipping to keep them smart.

The Breed Standard for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel doesn't specify a height, but gives a weight of 5.4 - 8kg, the key being to meet the definition of 'Active, graceful and well balanced'.

They are susceptible to a number of hereditary problems, including heart murmurs and patella luxation but responsible breeders take care to breed from sound stock and will discuss their lines quite happily.  There are many screening procedures which are available and if you approach a breeder who is not taking advantage of them them go elsewhere.

Click here to read the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Standard.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Clubs

CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB
EASTERN COUNTIES CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL SOCIETY
HUMBERSIDE CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB
SCOTTISH CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB
SOUTHERN CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about dogs requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own dog, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breeders

Celxo

Sandie Singleton's small show kennel based near Hull in East Yorkshire, breeder of 10 American and 2 European Champions. Click here to visit the Celxo webpage for further information and contact details.

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