Dansyn Cavaliers

Royal Companions- Early History Toy spaniels were a favorite of European royalty as far back as the fifteenth century. At that time they were known as "comfort spaniels" or "ladies spaniels". Their main function was as warm snuggly lap dogs to the ladies at court.Their secondary function was not so glamorous; they attracted the royal fleas from their owners onto themselves. These little spaniels appear in paintings of Van Dyck, Titian, Stubbs, Landseer, and Gainsborough. Many times they are depicted playing with the royal children or laying at the feet, or on the laps of the royal family of England. Although favored and popularized by Mary Queen of Scots, Charles I, Charles II, and the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, the "long nosed" spaniels were replaced in the public and royal court's affections by the King Charles Spaniels with their shorter muzzles and domed heads. It seemed the "long nosed spaniels" would be lost to posterity.

Rescue and Revival of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel In 1926, a wealthy American , named Roswell Eldridge visited England in search of the small long nosed original spaniels so often seen in portraits of King Charles. He was dissapointed to find that they were not available,and to encourage breeders to revert to the earlier type, he offered prizes of 25 pounds sterling for the best dog and 25 pounds sterling for the best bitch--for the dogs of the Blenheim variety at the Crufts Dog Show. In 1928 a dog owned by Miss Mostyn Walker, Ann's Son, was awarded the prize. (unfortunately Roswell Eldridge died in 1928 at age 70, only a month before Crufts,so he never saw the results of his challenge prize.) Ann's Son was never beaten in his show career and was chosen as a model upon which the breed standard was formed. To avoid confusion with the now-snub-nosed King Charles Spaniel, the breed was named the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Although both the King Charles and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have similar coat colorings there are distinctive differences between the two breeds. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are usually slightly larger in size weighing 12-18 pounds.They have a flat head, and a complete scissor bite. The King Charles Spaniels are usually smaller in size weighing between 8-14 pounds. They have a domed head, a slight jaw undershot, and sometimes have their middle foot pad and nails fused together. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Today Today the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the most popular breed of toy dog in England. In the United States the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel became the AKC's 140th recognized breed on January 1,1996. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after breeds, due to their sweet dispositions and elegant appearance. The Cavalier is a happy little dog that loves children, adults, and other pets. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment dwellers, and their sporting background allows for the curiousity, ruggedness, and stamina for long romps in suburbia or country surroundings. This charming breed will steal your heart with their loving nature. You will find that your lap will be their preferred spot in your home. They want nothing more than to be your constant companion. WARNING!! Cavaliers can become addictive. They're just like potato chips- you'll find it hard to stop with just one!