Cavalier Charisma

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History

As in most modern breeds, there is speculation about the origin of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It is said by some that the Cavalier developed from a spaniel type in the Far East, crossed with a red and white spaniel from Malta or Italy. Others claim the “truffle dog” was an influence, as well as spaniels from Spain. It is though well agreed that the breed was refined and established in England, as a descendant from the “spaniel gentle”, and the long ago infusion of some sporting blood. It was during the reign of King Charles II that the toy spaniel came to prominence in England, it is said that he was so fond of his dogs, that he neglected the business of his kingdom to play with them!

These King Charles Spaniel’s noses gradually became shortened and flattened, and his head became domier as King William of Orange, introduced his pugs into the lines. Occasionally though a longer nosed original type puppy would appear, and it would be most often sold as a pet. The reappearance of the original type of Toy Spaniel must be credited to Mr. Roswell Eldridge, an American who came to England to the Crufts dog show. He was disappointed not to see any of the “nosey little spaniels he remembered from his boyhood”. He offered a prize to be awarded at Crufts from 1926 to 1929 for “A Blenheim Spaniel of the Old Type, as shown in the pictures of Charles’ time, long face, no stop, flat skull not inclined to be domed, with a spot in the centre of skull” The challenge was taken on by Amice Pitt, a painter’s daughter, who remembered the little spaniels. It is quite true to say that without her, the Cavalier may not be here today. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was formed in England in 1928. Not wanting to give up the name “King Charles Spaniel” they added the word “Cavalier type’ to their registration forms. In 1946, the Kennel Club granted separate registration from the flat faced King Charles Spaniel. The breed in England today is very popular, and Cavaliers are a common sight trotting along happily beside their owner.

The Cavalier was granted CKC registration in 1957, and currently are being shown across Canada in healthy numbers. Growing popularity is a double- edged sword, and conscientious breeders remain vigilant, to ensure that their dogs are raised with care and concern, and placed in loving homes. The CKCS Club of Canada was formed in 1973, and is a wonderful breed parent club today, with regional clubs, a Yearbook, bi monthly publication and a wonderful National Specialty event held every year.

Character Description

The Cavalier is indeed the “Spaniel Gentle”. With their ever wagging tail, they are as at home snuggled up on the sofa, as they are briskly walking down country roads with their owner. Cavaliers love to be held, and will most likely fall asleep on your lap. They are extremely intelligent, very trainable and have a high desire to please. This breed’s intuitiveness is legendary, and they will defiinitley hold you accountable should they feel you have behaved inappropriately!

The Cavalier will only accept being a full member of the family, and being with you is very important to them. They are a dog of “many gears’. Should you be sick with the flu, they are contented to lie motionless with you for days. Should you be out raking leaves, they are exquisitely happy to chase them and frolic. Whatever the mood of the family is at the time, is their mood as well.

Cavaliers are mischevious, and have a great sense of humour. They can be “little hoarder”, and it is wise to have things put away that you don’t want your Cavalier investigating.

The breed is inherently gentle, and not prone to any sort of snappiness. They get along well with children and other pets, but must be protected from larger rambunctious dogs, and supervised around children. As a toy dog (albeit a hardy toy), they can be injured by untrained children or even a happy large breed dog. Those of us that love the breed so dearly are often heard saying the “Cavalier is not really a dog, and can see right through to your soul.”

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