The Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a unique and beautiful breed, with its distinctive tri-colored coat. This color combination is the result of a specific genetic combination that's only possible in this breed.
The Blenheim color is a mix of chestnut and white, with a black mask on the face. This distinctive mask is one of the breed's defining features, and it's what sets Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniels apart from other colors.
Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a moderate energy level, requiring daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. Regular exercise is essential to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Their moderate size, weighing between 10-18 pounds, makes them an excellent choice for families with smaller living spaces.
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Breed Information
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a rich history that dates back to at least the 16th Century.
Their origins can be traced back to sporting breeds, and they were initially bred as comfort companions for noble ladies.
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The breed's popularity spread among the nobility, particularly during the courts of Charles I and his son Charles II.
The first Duke of Marlborough developed the Blenheim spaniel, a rich red and white dog that retained its sporting instincts.
Breed standard colours for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel include Black & Tan, Blenheim, Ruby, and Tricolour.
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About This Breed
The Toy Spaniel has a rich history dating back to at least the 16th Century.
They were likely bred down from sporting breeds, which is why they share some of the same instincts as their larger counterparts.
Queen Elizabeth I was a fan of the breed, keeping a 'spaniel gentle' as a comforter.
This breed was also popular with noble ladies, who used them as playthings and bed warmers.
The first Duke of Marlborough developed the Blenheim spaniel, a rich red and white dog that was adept at flushing game.
Its name comes from the Duke's residence, Blenheim Palace, and the word is used today to describe the chestnut and white coat colour.
The Duke of Norfolk also kept the Blenheim type, but developed the black and tan variety.
The toy spaniels retained their sporting instincts until the late 19th Century.
However, the fashion for shorter muzzles in the toy breeds led to the domed skull and shorter muzzle becoming more popular.
A group of breeders were saddened by the apparent decline of the slightly larger type dogs with slightly longer muzzles.
In 1926-1930, special prizes were given at Crufts for 'Blenheim spaniels of the old type'.
The word 'Cavalier' was chosen to distinguish this type from the flatter-faced type, which was known as the King Charles.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was formed in 1928, but it wasn't until 1945 that The Kennel Club recognized the Cavalier as a separate breed.
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Breed Standard Colours
The breed standard colours of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are a topic of interest for many dog owners and enthusiasts. The breed has a rich history, and its colours have been carefully developed over time.
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The breed standard colours include Blenheim, which is the most common colour among these. This colour was developed by the first Duke of Marlborough and is named after his residence, Blenheim Palace.
Black and tan, ruby, and tricolour are also breed standard colours. These colours have been recognized by the breed's governing bodies for many years.
Here are the breed standard colours of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
- Blenheim
- Black & Tan
- Ruby
- Tricolour
These colours are not just aesthetically pleasing, but they also have a special significance in the breed's history.
Colors and Genetics
The Blenheim color is a rich chestnut marking on a pearly white background. This color combination is a result of the breed's history, specifically the influence of the Duke of Marlborough.
The Blenheim color is a breed standard color, accepted within the breed standard and a traditional and well-known color in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed. The name "Blenheim" comes from the Duke of Marlborough's residence, Blenheim Palace.
The Blenheim color is characterized by chestnut markings that appear all over the body and around the eyes. A white muzzle with a chestnut blaze on the forehead is common in dogs of this color. The chestnut-colored spot on the forehead is called a "Blenheim Kiss."
The Blenheim Kiss has a legend behind it, stating that the Duchess of Marlborough pressed her thumb against the forehead of a Spaniel, resulting in five puppies with unique markings. These puppies were born after the Duke's victory in battle.
The four acceptable colors in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed are:
- Black and Tan
- Ruby
- Blenheim
- Tri-color
White markings are undesirable in the Blenheim color, as well as in the Black and Tan and Ruby colors.
Sources
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Standard (ckcsc.org)
- Breed Standards : Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (ukcdogs.com)
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breed | Origin, History ... (nylabone.com)
- Cavalier Club website (thecavalierclub.co.uk)
- A post shared by @merle_cavalier_lovers (instagram.com)
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