Perm. Reg.
Breed History of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a
much admired Royal Spaniel having been known in Europe and Great
Britain since the 16th Century, descending from the toy spaniels
of Europe.
Packs of the little dogs are said to have been kept by members of
the nobility as sporting dogs possessing a highly developed
scenting capacity and enjoying nothing better than wading in
water. As lap dogs they were popular with the ladies who used
them as comforters by laying them on their stomachs or feet as 'warmers'
during their long carriage journeys, thereby being known as the
"comforter" of "spaniel gentle".
They first appeared in the courts of England with the reign of
Queen Mary the first. The breed which appears in many of the
great paintings by the Masters, received it's name from King
Charles II who was always surrounded by the Royal Spaniels. The
original toy spaniels became virtually extinct in the Victorian
and Edwardian eras as short nosed breeds took the fore. By 1923
the King Charles Spaniel (today's English Toy), with it's flat
nose, had replaced the old-type toy spaniel.
In 1926 the incentive for revitalization of the old-type Toy
Spaniel was provided by Mr. Roswell Eldridge, an American, who
offered prizes of 25 pounds for the Best Dog and Best Bitch of
this type at "Crufts".
The name Cavalier was added when the Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel Club was founded in 1928 to further develop the breed. It
was not until 1945 that the Kennel Club (England) granted
separate registration from the King Charles. A year later the
Club held it's first Championship Show at Stratford-on-Avon. The
popularity of these companion dogs had spread around the world
and in 1957 the breed gained Canadian Kennel Club recognition. In
1996 it gained American Kennel Club recognition.
Rivermead Cavaliers
Canada's Rivermead Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, since 1971. Breeder of Canadian, AKC and CKCSC USA Champions. We have the Best in Show and Best Puppy in Show and High in Trail Obedience wins. Based on Muffity, Hilarny and Harana bloodlines. We breed selectively with emphasis on health. Heart, eyes and patellas checked annually. We are producing structurally sound and elegant Cavaliers, with a wonderful temperament. They are lovingly raised in our home as family members with our four children, for the best in Cavalier personality. Our family lives on a large mixed farm on the Saskatchewan Prairies. The children and I work together with showing, Junior Handling, Breeding and Obedience; we are starting Agility and Fly ball. Lots of fun! We also show Welsh Ponies and Cobs.
Cavaliers make excellent pets, being very
outgoing, happy, loving and devoted dogs. It would be difficult
to find a dog with a more delightful temperament. Though they are
small enough to suit the city dwelling dog lover, they are
equally at home in the country. Though most Spaniels were
originally bred as hunting dogs, the Cavalier has been bred
exclusively as a companion dog since the days of King Charles the
II, and as a Pet and Companion, the Cavalier has no equal.
Cavaliers are a charming Toy Spaniel, elegant but sporting and
are versatile dogs, equally happy living in the lap of luxury or
hiking in the woods with their owners. Cavaliers make excellent
pets for families with children, professional people, or senior
citizens. Those people who are lucky enough to own a Cavalier
will have a dog who is a loving companion and friend. Cavaliers
are a joy to teach being very people oriented, they are extremely
intelligent and readily absorb all they are taught and are always
eager to please you. They are often seen in the obedience ring,
scent hurdling, lure coursing and in fly ball.
Every dog needs some basic maintenance grooming, nails clipped
and coat brushed. Twice weekly brushings should maintain the coat
and prevent coat matting.
Colors
