Cavalier info

Cavaliers are the largest of the toy breeds. Breed standard recommends they should be 12-13 inches in height allowing room for a little under and a little over. Their desired weight range is between 12-18 lbs, again allowing for a little under and a little over having good bone structure. They should be true to type and balanced, both standing and on the move. A cavalier moves with a nice straight top line, a 45 degree angle to the shoulder gives the cavalier the nice well balanced elegant look that is the cavalier.

The cavalier comes in (4) recognized colours.

Tri - Black, white with a nice percentage of black to white, tri's must have  tan points over the eyes, sides of cheek, under the ears and under the tail.

Blenhein - this is the most popular of the 4 colours. Rich chestnut and a pearly white with a nice percentage of chestnut to pearly white.

Rubies - The ruby is the only cavalier to be one whole colour. The rich ruby red colour can have shading of lighter ruby colouring throughout, these highlights in the coat are not a fault. There should be no white on the ruby.

Black & tan - Most of the body is a rich raven black, it must have tan points, over the eyes on the cheeks, on the chest and legs, also underside of the ears and under the tail. The tan should be nice and bright with no sign of white.

If you are looking for a show prospect, please take time to talk with reputable breeders and study many articals on the cavaliers. One of my cavalier favorite books is called THE CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL (The World of Dogs) the author is Margaret Workman. This is an excellent reference to gain all aspects of knowledge pertaining to the Wonderful Magical Cavalier. Please do not rush into buying the first cute puppy you see, this is an unwise move with any breed. Buying a pet/companion or a show potential you must be careful to see paper work on suggested health requirements on any breed you choose. ( cavalier parents should have CERF -which is an eye clearence done by a certified canine Ophthalmologist and a clear heart which is always done by a certified canine cardiologist( they are checking for any signs of Mitral Valve Disease). Healthy parents give you a better chance of getting a healthy puppy. Companion or show, health is a very important factor. Unhealthy parents could mean very large vet bills for their off spring. If you see any red flags, please step back and check out why you see the red flags before you buy.  SLEEP ON YOUR THOUGHTS - It may save you many years of tears and concern about your new family member.

Definition of a pet/companion verses a show potential can be as simple a fact as the markings. Or can be based on confirmation, movement or colour. Sometimes is can be one point, other times there may be a combination of points. If a reputable breeder has been breeding for quality and health with the dream of getting that one drop dead winning champion the pet/companions will be as good a quality as the potential champion and should make you a very proud owner. This is a factor of any breed.

A healthy, happy cavalier is a joy and pleasure to have in your family.