Just as our beloved canines come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s color of their luscious coats vary. As a British breed, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel color comes in four recognized colors. My favorite part of the colour chart on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is that each of the four recognized colors has unique monikers – some named in honor of British symbols.
What are recognized colors?
Recognized colors, as the name suggests, mean that these are official color names recognized as part of the breed. They are purebred colors. Conversely, non-recognized colors are colors introduced via breeding. Although it is possible within the breed, it does not meet the breed standard and is usually categorized as ‘others’ in the breeding certificates. But actually, regardless of whether the colors are recognized, official or not, they are all gorgeous. Colour standards are only important when entering into dog shows. So, if you’re just looking for a life-long canine companion, then Cavaliers make great buddies regardless of their colour.
Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Color
The Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the most common of the four recognized colors. Distinguished by the chestnut marking on a pearly white background, the Blenheim name is given in honor of the Blenheim Palace, where John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough raised this breed during the 18th century to help him hunt.
Most Cavaliers of this colour have a white muzzle and a chestnut spot in the middle of their forehead. This is also my soft spot (pun intended!) for the Blenheim Cavaliers because they are not just distinct, the spots are too adorable. Previously known as the ‘Duchess Thumbprint’. Word has it that the Duchess of Marlborough pressed her thumb on the forehead of an expecting Cavalier which resulted in this mark on her puppies. Today, it is known more affectionately as the ‘Blenheim Kiss’. And I can understand why so – the Blenheim Kiss is indeed a kiss magnet that attracts all dog lovers to leave loving kisses, or slobbery ones if you’d prefer, on the Cavaliers’ foreheads.
Black and Tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Color
The black and tan colour is the rarest of all the coat colors recognized by the American Kennel Club. Black and tan Cavaliers have a black coat accentuated with tan highlights all around. Perhaps because it is the rarest, they are also known as ‘King Charles’ – yes, they are the ‘King Charles’ within the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel name.
It is said that the genetic combination of the black and tan cavaliers is complicated and complex – hence the rarity. Any white marking on the black and tan will unfortunately make it a fault in show dogs (but of course, they are not any less cuddlable!). Black and tan cavaliers, when bred with Blenheim ones, can produce Cavaliers of all four colors. However, these multi-colored Cavaliers are not one of the four recognized color by the American Kennel Club.
Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Color
Ruby Cavaliers are less highly sought after, which in turn makes them more uncommon. These dogs possess a solid ruby colour across their body. Some people may prefer other colour combinations because they are more vivid and more expressive. Some may prefer the simplicity of a solid color Cavalier. In fact, on a closer look, Ruby Cavaliers look like a symbol of sunshine and radiance with the chestnut brown coat on them, exhibiting warmth to those around them.
In the world of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, it is said that a single, solid, one-colour coat is extremely difficult to find. Most Cavaliers have some markings or spots on them, at one part or another. Therefore, those who have made Ruby Cavaliers as part of their family are indeed fortunate.
Ruby Cavaliers may easily be confused with tan Cavaliers though. Tan cavaliers, although similar in colour to their ruby cousins, are lighter-coloured with red-coloured hair. Although equally pretty, tan Cavaliers are considered substandard and cannot be registered in dog show competitions. But if you’re simply looking for a furry and fluffy friend to share your pillow with, I’m pretty sure ruby or tan cavaliers will make great companions.
Tricolored Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Color
The last of the four recognized colors – the Tricolored Cavaliers – is black and white with tan markings on its cheeks, over the eyes and the underside of the tails. With a white blaze between the eyes, the Tricolored Cavalier’s markings will change greatly throughout their growing-up years. Not all will have their white blaze intact by the time they turn one – some will see the black growing in on the white blaze.
Also known as ‘Prince Charles’ color, tricolored Cavaliers’ tan markings over the eyes are extremely adorable and irresistible. They make the Cavaliers look perpetually angry (in a good way, I promise!), to the point that they are way too cute to ignore. There’s really no way one can get mad at a Cavalier.
Mismarking
When Cavaliers are bred, there could be instances of mismarking. When dogs of any breed are bred, there could be instances that an imperfect puppy is born. Some Cavaliers are born with too much white; some with incorrect white; some with incorrect tan; and some with an incorrect shade of tan. This is in respect to dog show standards when showing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
But there is no way to avoid such instances, and ‘too much’ of any colour should not be a reason not to love them!
Conclusion: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Color
Cavaliers make great family pets. Affectionate, gentle and friendly, they forge strong relationships with their owners. And indeed, they also make great show dogs because of their beauty and elegance. Despite only having four recognized colors, the rest of the Cavalier colors are equally gorgeous. Therefore, whether you’re looking for a Ruby Cavalier or even a Cavalier with all four colors – it doesn’t matter. I’m pretty sure they will love you wholeheartedly.