Additonal Breeds Starting
With Letter:
Pet Sites
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COUNTRY:
Great Britain
WEIGHT:
10-18 pounds
HEIGHT:
12-13 inches
COAT:
Long, silky, free from curl, ample
feathering
COLOR:
Black/tan, solid red (Ruby), red/white (Blenheim),
and tricolor (Prince Charles)
REGISTRY:
FCI, AKC, UKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP:
Gun Dog
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In the 1920s,
Roswell Eldridge, an American, wondered if any of the original longer
headed toy spaniels seen in early paintings still existed. For five years
running, he offered first prizes of 25 pounds at Crufts, England's most
prestigious dog show, to be awarded to "Blenheim Spaniels of the
Old Type." Whether these types were still found in litters or skilled
British breeders did some quick crossing, the prizes began to be claimed.
This revived
breed became the Cavalier King Charles, achieving Kennel Club status in
England in 1944. This spaniel has accomplished a most remarkable "comeback."
Princess Margaret, of the British royal family, acquired one in the 1960s,
and this boosted the breed's recognition even more. By the 1970s, this
toy spaniel was nearing the top 20 in British registrations. He has been
among Canada's recognized breeds since 1957. The American Kennel Club
includes the breed in its Miscellaneous Class division. Dog lovers Nancy
Reagan, wife of the US President, and Mordecai Siegal, award-winning author,
are current fanciers.
The clamor for
the breed in England was such that it reached a point of diminishing returns.
Breed entries soared and breeders were concerned about the problems that
occur at the public's whim. This demand has now sensibly leveled off.
With the English passion for the Cavalier in mind and the fact that the
breed is charming, one wonders why they haven't caught on more in America,
Their coat is long enough for beauty, but isn't so abundant as to require
excess care. A variety of colors allows for various tastes. The tail may
be docked a bit, or not, allowing the length to balance with the body.
In the particolor dogs, there should always be some white at the tip,
thus the capriciousness of the color spots dictates whether one pup has
his tail cut and another not.
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