Why the breed exists
The little spaniels in Tudor and Stuart portraits — beloved of Charles II, who was accused of caring more for his dogs than his kingdom — gradually changed shape over the centuries. The Cavalier exists because 1920s fanciers deliberately bred back to the old paintings: the flat skull, the longer nose, the soft, melting expression of the original court spaniel. It is a breed whose entire purpose, for four hundred years, has been the ancient and honorable work of keeping people company — and it remains among the best in the world at it.
The official written standard belongs to the breed's parent club.Read the official Cavalier King Charles Spaniel standard →
Choosing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on purpose
Every breed has its own list of required health screenings, kept by its parent club and published through OFA. A preservation breeder working in this breed tests to that list and shows you the results — including the ones that didn't go their way.
Carry the messageEvery Bred By Co. piece funds this education work.
Shop Bred By Co.