How did the King Charles Spaniel Become Cavalier?
Oct 27
Highly affectionate, playful and eager to please, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an interesting history, marked by royalty, change and an intense desire to create the perfect Spaniel. As a result of the unique similarities between breeds, it is not uncommon for people to mistakenly confuse the Cavalier with its cousin the King Charles Spaniel. Nevertheless, the Cavalier has earned its reputation with dog lovers worldwide, ranking 25th in popularity in the United States and 6th in the United Kingdom.
The Beginning
In the 16th century, English nobility was partial to a small type of dog resembling a Spaniel. In addition to keeping ladies warm on carriage rides, the dogs were believed to have medicinal powers. Charles II was rarely seen without his “little dogs” and it is his passion for the animal that led to the “King Charles” name. During the early 19th century, the King Charles was interbred with the pug, a flat nosed dog, dramatically changing the features of the breed. This new dog is recognized as the modern day King Charles Spaniel.
During the 20th century, there were several attempts to restore lines of King Charles Spaniels to the breed of Charles II’s time. While some were unsuccessful, one resulted in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Cavalier is a bit larger than the standard King Charles with a flat head and a longer nose. In 1928, the first Cavalier club was formed, and The Kennel Club recognized the breed as “King Charles Spaniels, Cavalier type”. However, it wasn’t until 1945 that the Kennel Club recognized the breed in its own right as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel entered the United States from the United Kingdom in 1956. In 1994, the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was created.
Description
As one of the largest of the toy breeds (larger than most of the Yorkies for sale here at Affordable Pups), the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically weighs somewhere between 12 and 18 pounds with a height between 12 and 14 inches. With a silky coat of moderate length and a docked tail, the Cavalier is uniquely different from the King Charles Spaniel, who is typically smaller with a domed shaped head. The Cavalier has a longer muzzle, a flat head and ears that are set higher. Nevertheless, people often confuse the two.
There are four recognized colors of the Cavalier. The first is called the Blenheim and is characterized by chestnut markings on an otherwise pearly white coat. The second type is mostly black with tan highlights, referred to as “King Charles” color. A Cavalier who is entirely chestnut in color is referred to as “ruby”. The final color is tricolor, black and white with tan markings and referred to as “Prince Charles” in color.
With a rich, colorful history, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a favorite among many families. Revered for its beautiful colored coat and playful demeanor, the Cavalier is a welcome addition to almost any family looking for a friend, companion and playmate. Browse our website and find a selection of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Yorkies for sale, perhaps even an English Bulldog for sale.
