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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

General Appearance
Active, graceful and well balanced, with gentle expression.

Characteristics
Sporting, affectionate, absolutely fearless.

Temperament
Gay, friendly, non-aggressive; no tendency to nervousness.

Head and Skull
Skull almost flat between ears. Stop shallow. Length from base of stop to tip of nose about 3.8 cms (11/2 ins). Nostrils black and well developed without flesh marks, muzzle well tapered. Lips well developed but not pendulous. Face well filled below eyes. Any tendency to snipiness undesirable.

Eyes
Large, dark, round but not prominent; spaced well apart.

Ears
Long, set high, with plenty of feather.

Mouth
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Moderate length, slightly arched.

Forequarters
Chest moderate, shoulders well laid back; straight legs moderately boned.

Body
Short-coupled with good spring of rib. Level back.

Hindquarters
Legs with moderate bone; well turned stifle – no tendency to cowhocks or sickle-hocks.

Feet
Compact, cushioned and well feathered.

Tail
Length of tail in balance with body, well set on, carried happily but never much above the level of the back. Docking previously optional when no more than one-third was to be removed.

Gait/Movement
Free-moving and elegant in action, plenty of drive from behind. Forelegs and hindlegs move parallel when viewed from in front and behind.

Coat
Long, silky, free from curl. Slight wave permissible. Plenty of feathering. Totally free from trimming.

Colour
Colour Recognised colours are:
Black and Tan: raven black with tan markings above the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest and legs and underside of tail. Tan should be bright. White marks undesirable.
Ruby: whole coloured rich red. White markings undesirable.
Blenheim: rich chestnut markings well broken up, on pearly white ground. Markings evenly divided on head, leaving room between ears for much valued lozenge mark or spot (a unique characteristic of the breed).
Tricolour: black and white well spaced, broken up, with tan markings over eyes, cheeks, inside ears, inside legs, and on underside of tail.
Any other colour or combination of colours highly undesirable.

Size
Weight: 5.4-8.2 kgs (12-18 lbs). A small, well balanced dog well within these weights desirable.

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - December 2007

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB. Sec. Mrs A Jones. Tel No: 01490 430554
• EASTERN COUNTIES CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL SOCIETY. Sec. Ms M Hogan. Tel No: 01462 670774
• HUMBERSIDE CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB. Sec: Mrs L Flynn. Tel No: 01205 760374
• MIDLAND CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB. Sec. Mrs M Rees. Tel No: 01203 403583
• NORTHERN CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL SOCIETY. Sec. Mr I Sidgwick Tel No: 01228 561 209
• NORTHERN IRELAND CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB. Sec. Miss Finlay. Tel No: 028 90 851333
• SCOTTISH CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB. Sec. Mrs L Gow. Tel No: 0131 3392503
• SOUTH & WEST WALES CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB. Sec: Mrs R Parry. Tel No: 01639 851724
• SOUTHERN CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB. Sec Mr G Ford. Tel No 01962 772025
• WEST OF ENGLAND CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB. Sec. Mr J Evans. Tel No: 01453 822599

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