What is the Difference Between a King Charles Spaniel and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
- Samantha Nelson
- May 27, 2024
- 2 min read
Hey there, dog lovers! Samantha Nelson from Down Home Chocolate Cavalier here. Ever wondered about the difference between King Charles Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels? Join me as we explore this intriguing topic together!
Here are some of the main differences:
Size:
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Charles Spaniel breeds differ significantly. King Charles Spaniels are often mistaken for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. There are several significant differences between the two breeds, the principal being the size. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically weigh between 13 and 18 pounds, while King Charles Spaniels are smaller, ranging from 8 to 14 pounds. They were bred separately over time, resulting in breeds with different appearances, sizes, builds, and temperaments, as well as varying activities and training needs.
Appearance:
The King Charles Spaniel has large dark eyes, a short nose, a high domed head, and stands around 9 to 11 inches tall. Its coat comes in four varieties, similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a rounded head with high-set ears, giving them a unique appearance. They have a longer nose and large, round eyes that add to their soft expression.
Colors:
There are five recognized colors of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chocolate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Black and Tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
History of the cavalier King Charle Spaniel:
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed underwent some big changes in the late seventeenth century, when it was crossed with flat-nosed breeds. Papillons, Cockers, and Welsh Springer Spaniels were thought to be part of this crossbreeding. Attempts in the 1920s were made to restore the breed's original form, calling to mind of Charles II's spaniels during the Civil War. During World War II, most dogs were lost, leaving only six to rebuild the breed. Inbreeding was necessary but led to health issues.
A twist of fate occurred in 1926 when a wealthy American, Roswell Eldridge, came to England and offered outlandish prize money (twenty five pounds sterling which would be approximately $2,500.00 today) for the best 'pointed-nosed' spaniels - those most resembling the old type. In 1927, the first breed standard was established. Roswell Eldridge's prize offer also led to the formation of the first Cavalier club in 1928. This led to the recognition of King Charles and Cavalier King Charles as two separate breeds by The Kennel Club in 1945. The American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was established in 1994 and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995, boosting the breed's popularity in the United States.
While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels gained popularity from the 1960s, King Charles saw a decline. However, recent years have seen a remarkable comeback in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed, with breeders working on improving soundness of movement and temperament.
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