The cavalier king charles spaniel is a popular and beloved toy spaniel breed. These small and affectionate dogs have a rich history that dates back to medieval Europe and have been cherished as companion dogs for centuries.
The purpose of the article is to give comprehensive knowledge about the breed’s history. Whether you are a seasoned cavalier owner or just researching this breed, this topic is definitely an interesting read!
By learning about the cavalier’s origins, we can gain insights into why certain behaviors and physical attributes are prevalent in the breed, and how they have been shaped over time.
Origins of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
To understand the origins of cavalier king charles spaniels, we have to start from the beginning. Today’s cavaliers are descendants of toy spaniel breeds popular in European royal courts.
What exactly are spaniels?
Spaniels are a diverse group of dog breeds known for their exceptional hunting skills, particularly in flushing out game birds. They are characterized by their friendly disposition, long ears, and feathered coats.
The word “spaniel” is believed to have been derived from the French word “épagnuel”, which means Spanish (dog) this in turn originated from the Latin Hispaniolus which simply means “Spanish”.
As such, the history of spaniels is closely intertwined with both Spanish and European hunting traditions.
wikipedia
Some of the popular spaniel breeds today include cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, and king charles cavaliers.
Spaniels Origins in Europe
The origin of spaniels can be traced back to early hunting dogs in Europe, particularly in Spain, where they were initially bred and developed. These early spaniels were highly valued for their hunting abilities.
Hunting spaniels were renowned for their versatility in the field, possessing a keen sense of smell and the remarkable ability to collaborate closely with hunters to pinpoint and recover game.
During the era when spaniels were extensively used in hunting, such as the 16th to the 18th centuries, hunting was a pursuit primarily associated with the upper classes, particularly the aristocracy, and nobility.
A Royal Favor
Members of the aristocracy and nobility were the foremost participants in hunting. They had the resources to maintain large estates, hire gamekeepers, and maintain packs of hunting dogs, including spaniels. Hunting was not only a means of acquiring food but also a significant social activity and a display of wealth and power.
Small spaniels, ancestors of the modern cavalier king charles spaniel, found their way into royal courts through a combination of factors.
In the early history of spaniels, during the Renaissance and the Tudor period in England, small spaniels were already popular among the nobility for their exceptional hunting skills. The association of spaniels with the elite helped lay the foundation for their eventual presence in royal courts.
The reign of King Charles II of England in the 17th century marked a significant turning point.
King Charles II was known for his deep affection for small spaniels, particularly those with long, flowing ears and gentle temperaments. He often had these dogs by his side, and they became closely associated with his court.
This association with the monarch elevated the status of small spaniels and led to them being named “King Charles Spaniels” in honor of the king.
It’s said that he was so fond of them that they were allowed to enter formal meetings and even sleep on his royal bed.
The appeal of these small spaniels extended beyond their hunting prowess. They were affectionate, loyal, and well-suited to indoor living, making them ideal companions for both royal households and the aristocracy.
Their charming personalities and adaptability to court life endeared them to the royal family and the courtiers. Sounds familiar?
The colors of cavalier king charles spaniels are after English Royals and the Blenheim Palace. Read more about the colors and their alternative names here! ⬆
Development of the Modern Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier king charles spaniels have traversed a remarkable journey from their origins as hunting dogs in Europe to their esteemed status in royal courts. Today, they stand as one of the world’s most beloved family dogs.
The journey has not been easy or straightforward. The changing trends in the dog breeding world, the Second World War, and modern controversies have all affected the cavalier king charles spaniel as a breed.
The Rising Popularity of the Flat-Faced Dogs
Somewhere between the 18th and 19th centuries cavalier-type spaniels fell out of popularity and disappeared from the limelight. The new trend was to breed more flat-faced dogs and pugs became popular pets amongst the European royalty.
Inspired by the trend, breeders started purposely crossbreeding between sporty spaniels and Asian toy dogs (pugs and Japanese chins) to eventually achieve the flat-faced toy spaniel we know as the King Charles spaniels (a.k.a. English toy spaniels)
Roswell Eldridge’s Quest for a Pre-1700th Type Cavalier
Mr. Roswell Eldridge, a wealthy American visited England in 1926 and was disheartened to discover the absence of the small, nosy spaniels he admired so much.
In response, he took action by offering cash prizes at the Crufts dog show for a period initially set at three years.
These prizes, amounting to £25 each, were intended for the best male and female dogs that resembled those seen during the time of King Charles II.
However, the king charles spaniel breeders of the era did not view these old-fashioned spaniel characteristics with great seriousness. They had invested significant effort over the years to eliminate the long snouts as the trend was, so Eldridge’s initiative was met with resistance.
As the years passed and the substantial prizes eventually ceased, only a handful of dedicated enthusiasts remained committed to continuing the breeding experiment.
The First Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club
The first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, often referred to as “The CKCSC,” is a historical organization in England, dedicated to the promotion, preservation, and welfare of the cavalier king charles spaniel breed.
The Club was founded in 1928, making it one of the earliest official breed clubs for cavaliers.
The club’s founders were eight passionate enthusiasts of the breed who sought to ensure that cavalier king charles spaniels were bred to achieve their unique characteristics.
The Cavalier Breed Standard
The breed standard for the cavalier king charles spaniel was established in 1928, the same year as the breed club.
The breed standard was written based on the three-time Crufts winner called Ann’s Son (blenheim).
The Kennel Club, which oversees dog breed registrations, deemed that the dogs were neither numerous nor standardized sufficiently to warrant recognition as a separate breed until the year 1945.
The breed standard has stayed virtually the same ever since, and you can read it HERE.
The Second World War
The Second World War had a significant impact on many aspects of society, and the fate of cavalier king charles spaniels was no exception. These charming dogs, known for their affectionate nature, faced several challenges during the wartime years.
The war effort required significant sacrifices from civilians, and keeping pets, including cavaliers, became challenging for many families. The scarcity of resources and the need for space and resources for war-related activities led people to make the difficult decision to let go of their pets.
The war disrupted breeding and kennel operations, making it difficult to maintain the breed’s bloodlines and standards. Many breeders faced shortages of essential resources, including food and veterinary care, which affected the health and well-being of cavaliers.
The modern breed of cavalier king charles spaniel was almost destroyed to extinction during the Second World War in the 1940s. There is documentation that after the war six cavaliers were left to start the new population.
Read more about the effects of near-extinction here! ⬇
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Today
As mentioned above, the breed standard has essentially stayed the same and therefore the characteristics of cavalier king charles spaniels have not changed.
The more research is done on brachycephalic dogs, the more breeders are encouraged to breed dogs with well-proportioned snouts and not favor dome-shaped heads.
Popularity and Decline
The breed has become increasingly popular worldwide, known for its affectionate and friendly nature, as well as its elegant appearance.
The popularity is entirely apprehensible. Cavaliers are easy to train and handle, and due to their gentle nature, they are great with children and other pets. Cavaliers are also cherished and are known for their suitability in various living environments.
However, the health problems of purebred dogs gain more awareness each year, and getting a dog with a hereditary disposition has become a moral and ethical question.
Controversies and Concerns
Pedigree Dogs Exposed is a documentary produced by Jemima Harrison for BBC One. The program originally aired on August 19, 2008, and it delves into the various health and well-being issues faced by pedigree dogs in the United Kingdom.
This investigative documentary takes a closer look at specific dog breeds, examining the health and welfare challenges that arise due to the breeds themselves and their established breed standards.
In one notable segment, the documentary sheds light on the health struggles faced by cavalier king charles spaniels.
It portrays a heartbreaking situation in which a cavalier king charles spaniel is afflicted by syringomyelia, a condition that restricts the available space inside the skull for the brain.
The film also highlights another concerning health issue among cavalier king charles spaniels: a notably higher incidence of heart disease. Cardiologist Simon Swift reveals that approximately half of all Cavaliers aged 5 exhibit heart murmurs, a condition that becomes even more prevalent, affecting nearly all Cavaliers, by the time they reach ages 10 to 11.
This poignant documentary spread awareness of the cavalier health problems to the public and unfortunately somewhat made the breed the poster child, or should I say poster dog of unethical breeding.
Health Concerns
Unfortunately, like many purebred dogs, cavalier king charles spaniels are prone to specific genetic health issues, including heart disease, neurological problems, and joint problems.
I’ve written a comprehensive list of the hereditary diseases and conditions affecting cavaliers. ⬇
Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary care are essential to address these concerns.
Future of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Like every dog breed, the status of the cavalier king charles spaniel keeps evolving. As we progress and fight social injustice, we also focus more on environmental issues and the welfare of the animals.
Europe has started to make such changes and many countries have written new Animal Welfare Acts, where harmful unethical dog breeding is being tackled.
The new laws reflect the changes in society’s attitudes toward animal welfare and incorporate new scientific insights into the treatment of animals.
The breed clubs need to make stricter breeding policies otherwise the local laws will limit their operations.
The ethical breeders who want to improve the health of cavaliers need to step up, it’s important not to leave cavaliers’ future into the ignorant hands of people with bad motives!
Improvements in Breeding Practices
Cavalier king charles spaniels suffer from serious health problems and if drastic changes aren’t being made, the animal welfare acts and laws will prohibit the breeding of cavaliers eventually.
Ways to Improve Cavalier Breeding Practices:
- Don’t use young cavaliers. The dogs will not show signs of hereditary diseases at a young age, and if a young cavalier produces many litters and then gets ill when they are 5 years old, the damage has already been done.
- The cavaliers meant for breeding should always be comprehensively health-examined and the results should be public!
- Keep the COI (coefficient of inbreeding) as low as possible when pairing cavaliers. The COI is measured in percentages, and 6,25% equals cousin-cousin pairing.
- The Finnish CKCS club recommends keeping the COI under 5%.
- Introduce new genetic material to the local population by importing cavaliers from other countries.
- If you are open-minded and willing to trust the latest science, consider crossbreeding practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the history of cavalier king charles spaniels is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and encompasses both the grandeur of royal courts and the enduring charm of a beloved family pet.
Their journey from the hunting fields of Europe to the palaces of royalty reflects their remarkable adaptability and enduring appeal. Throughout the centuries, cavaliers have captured the hearts of not only monarchs but also countless families worldwide, earning their place as cherished companions.
It’s crucial to remember that these charming dogs are not just relics of the past; they are vibrant, loving pets that continue to bring joy and comfort to homes today. Their legacy is not only in the annals of history but also in the wagging tails, floppy ears, and boundless affection they offer to those fortunate enough to share their lives with them.
Sources
- https://www.thecavalierclub.co.uk/start.html
- http://jalostus.cavalieryhdistys.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/Cavalier-JTO-2020-2024.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavalier_King_Charles_Spaniel
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Charles_Spaniel
- https://janedogs.com/cavalier-king-charles-and-king-charles-spaniel/
