Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are loyal, affectionate, easy going and high adaptable dogs. They make great pets because of their temperament and adaptability. They are great outdoors; they are good hunters for small game, enjoy long walks and are extremely fast. They are fantastic indoors as lap dogs and most of them would love sitting on your lap while you read a book or watch TV. (for hours, if you let them)

Cavaliers are categorized by the American Kennel Club as a Toy Breed and were recognized by the AKC in 1995. They have been particularly popular with royalties in England since the 15th century. That is why they were re-named after King Charles III who had these dogs with him at all times. He issued a Royal Decree that these dogs can go wherever they please, which means that even the fanciest restaurant cannot turn this breed of dog away in England. However, I do not know if anyone who has challenged this Decree!

They should be between 15-18lbs in weight and height is generally between 12-13” at the withers. There are four colors in the breed:

1. Blenheim- Rich Chestnut color well broken up on a white coat. By far the most popular color.

2. Tricolor- Jet black Markings on white coat with tan markings over the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears and underside of tail.

3. Ruby-Solid color rich red/chestnut

4. Black and Tan- Jet Back with tan markings over the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest, legs and underside of tail.

If you are interested in more details of the Breed Standard, please go to our Breed Club’s Web site: www.ackcsc.org/standard.html

If you interested in the getting a cavalier as a pet, the most important things to emphasize are the health and temperament of the dog. Make sure the breeder you acquire the dog from perform frequent health checks on his/her breeding stock. Cavaliers are very gentle and generally great with children.Thay are typically very outgoing and happy dogs, even if you come across a shy one, they do come out of their shells with a lot attention and love. We have even purchased an extremely shy pet quality dog from another breeder with too many dogs, worked with her for six months and sold her to a pet home. She became an highly affectionate dog with her owners

Books we would recommend: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Today by Sheila Smith; All About the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel by Evelyn Booth