Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Breed Column
AKC Gazette - September, 2000
Cavaliers 101
I have heard our breed standard referred to
as a "blueprint for the perfect Cavalier." Others have said, rather
dismissively, that the Cavalier standard is only a suggested set of
ideals that opens the field to allow for subjectivity in judging and
breeding.
With no intention of proving either point, I do
believe our standard is comparatively easy to understand and offers
great latitude in its requirements, whether interpreted for judging
or breeding Cavaliers.
Our standard does not require complicated ratios
or mathematical formulas. It calls for a balanced dog that is to
appear square but measure slightly longer than tall and is not weedy
or coarse. Height at the shoulders is around 12 to 13 inches;
distance from withers to elbow is approximately equal with the
elbow-to-ground measurement. Much leniency is given in weight, with
13 to 18 pounds being ideal. Even at that, the standard allows
variations in height and weight in order that correct type should
prevail over adherence to precise measurements. Bone of the Cavalier
is moderate, as is most everything about the breed except two head
properties.
These two head qualities are most important to
breed type. The backskull is rather broad and flat, and the eyes are
large and round. The entire head is neither too large nor too small
for the body. The muzzle (from the stop to the tip of the nose) is
about 1 1/2 inches long, and this was recently changed from "at
least" 1 1/2 inches, which tells us we want enough muzzle to
distinguish the breed from the English Toy.
The cushioning under the eye and the padding on
the cheeks help to give the sweet, gentle and melting expression
that is so essential. Though a full muzzle is called for, it still
tapers toward the nose, so that lips are not pendulous.
Topline is easy enough: it should be straight and
level standing and in motion. No special movement is called for.
Cavaliers should move with a normal, economical and ground-covering
stride. Ribs are well-sprung but not barrel-shaped and never
slab-sided. The chest is moderately deep.
There is no special grooming or accepted trim.
This breed must be shown naturally, untrimmed and unsculpted. This
is important to breed type and was an essential desire of the
breed's creators.
The standard lists no secondary sex
characteristics. Though it is preferred to see feminine bitches and
masculine dogs, a judge would be well within their rights to choose
a pretty boy and a handsome girl if that was where the quality lie
in a particular entry .
Markings and colors are clearly defined. In
particolors, so long as head markings are as listed, body markings
can be broken in endless varieties and still be correct. Heavily and
lightly marked dogs may still fit the standard. Black and Tans
should be marked as described, the black a jet raven black and the
tan rich and bright. Rubies are a rich red all over. A touch of
white on chest or toe should not penalize what is otherwise the best
specimen available.
Temperament is all important to type. A happy,
friendly and active dog with a tail in constant wagging motion is
easy enough to spot. Though we have no disqualifications, there are
two features that should eliminate a dog from further reward - bad
temper being one. The other, of course, is trimming or sculpting in
any form.
So you see, Cavaliers are a snap. Many novices do
well at ringside judging because the characteristics that are
important to the breed are easy to spot. A sweet, soft expression,
large, beautiful eyes, a moderate and balanced little spaniel body,
a wagging tail, and the look of royalty and elegance. Find these
qualities in a Cavalier and you cannot go wrong.
- John D. Gammon, AKC Parent Club President & Gazette Breed
Columnist
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