Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Often referred to as the Royal Spaniel or the Comforter Spaniel, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes a regal companion. By Helen Frost.

Direct descendants of the small toy Spaniels seen in many pictures from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a rich heritage interwoven with royalty. Toy Spaniels were deeply favoured by the court ladies of the United Kingdom and it has been reported that King Charles II was often seen with his Spaniels by his side.

Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniels received their name because they were bred in a strain of red and white at the Blenheim Palace by the Dukes of Marlborough. Dogs were bred with a shorter face in following years to bring about the shorter fl at face of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that we know today.

Regal by name and royal in nature, this beautiful breed comes in a variety of rich tones. The Blenheim Spaniel features rich chestnut markings on a pearly white background, with the markings on the head equally divided to provide an endearing mask effect that leaves room for the “Blenheim spot”.

Black and white with tan markings describes the Tricolour Cavalier, the black-and-tan dog has a raven black coat with tan markings, while the Ruby Cavalier is a lovely rich red with no markings at all.

For more information on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or to contact a local breed club, visit your state canine council website via ankc.org.au New Zealand readers can visit nzkc.org.nz for information.