Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for being the ultimate companions. Their sweet, gentle expressions and unique color variations make them a beloved breed.
Standards
Size: Height 12-13 inches | Weight 13-18 pounds
Expression: Sweet, gentle, melting expressions
Lifespan: Usually 8-12 years
Skull & Muzzle: Slightly rounded skull with slightly tapered muzzle (not sharp or pointed)
Colors: 4 (we currently offer Blenheim & Tri)
Blenheim - Rich chestnut markings with a pearly white ground. Ears chestnut & colors evenly spaced. Center of skull may have the "Blenheim spot" which is unique & desirable, though not essential.
Tri - Jet black markings with a pearly white ground. Rich tan markings over the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears & underside of tail.
Ruby - Entirely a rich red. There should be no white markings.
Black & Tan - Jet black with rich, bright tan markings over eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest, legs & underside of tail. There should be no white markings.
Grooming
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming. At Cavalier Obsession, we understand the importance of maintaining your Cavalier's coat and offer expert tips on how to reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy and beautiful.
Health
Like all breeds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are susceptible to certain health conditions. At Cavalier Obsession, we provide valuable information on common health issues such as retinal problems, heart disease, and patella luxation, helping you to understand and address these concerns to ensure your Cavalier's well-being.
History
I’ve summarized the most fascinating parts of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s journey—from royal lapdogs to the modern-day "Obsession."
1. The Royal Namesake
The breed is named after King Charles II, who ruled England in the 1600s. He was so devoted to his small spaniels that he was rarely seen without two or three following him. He famously issued a royal decree allowing these spaniels to enter any public building in the UK—including the Houses of Parliament—a rule that technically still exists today.
2. The "Cavalier" Distinction
Interestingly, the "Cavalier" we know today almost went extinct. In the 1800s, it became fashionable to breed spaniels with flatter faces (like Pugs). By the 1920s, the "old-style" long-nosed spaniel seen in royal portraits had nearly vanished.
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The Rescue: In 1926, an American named Roswell Eldridge offered a cash prize at the famous Crufts Dog Show to any breeder who could bring back the "old world type" with the longer muzzle.
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The Model: A dog named "Ann's Son" won the prize and became the "model" for the modern breed standard. The name "Cavalier" was added to distinguish them from the flat-faced English Toy Spaniels.
3. The Legend of the "Blenheim Spot"
According to legend, while the Duke of Marlborough was away fighting the Battle of Blenheim in 1704, his wife, Sarah, was so anxious that she repeatedly pressed her thumb against the forehead of a pregnant spaniel for comfort. When the puppies were born, they all bore a chestnut "thumbprint" on their foreheads—now known and highly prized as the Blenheim Spot.
4. WWII and the "Survival Six"
The breed faced a final hurdle during World War II. Due to food shortages and hardships, the population dwindled drastically. It is believed that nearly all modern Cavalier King Charles Spaniels descend from just six survivors who made it through the war, a testament to the dedication of the breeders who refused to let the lineage die.