With stephanie abraham, Cindy huggins, dr. John v. ioia, eriCa venier & lamont m. yoder EaXalier ϨinI Earles sRaniel q&a
as I’ve enjoyed showing and attending shows and specialties in eight countries over the past few decades.
moderate both in body, size and coat matched with the happy Cavalier temperament that is paramount. Yet, the true must have is breed type that comes from head shape and expression when the soulful dark eyes capture your attention by looking at you full of love and joy from a head with a melting expression formed by bal- ance in proportions and shape of the head with correct eye size, color, shape and set that is framed from beauti- fully natural and correctly set ears. Although head type and expression are the “must haves” that separate the Cavalier from all other spaniels, anything less than the happy temperament or any evidence of trimming or sculpting must not be considered anywhere in the ribbons. 3. Are there any traits in this breed you fear are becoming exaggerated? SA: Yes, too many ultra-short muzzles, too much emphasis on overdone coats. This should be a breed of moderation. CH: Absolutely. Our breed is becoming too exaggerated in size, coat and head shape. Also, although our breed is supposed to be gay and happy, I am now seeing many with hyper energy and OCD. None of these traits are the hallmark of our breed. EV: Pertinent question! As breeders we look for a sweet expression and pretty head. However, the recent trend of a domed head with low ears and a short muzzle is not correct, regardless of how sweet it may appear. Body shape must be approaching square with some leg under the animal. Not long. Not low. Recently we have seen longer loins and shorter legs on some individuals which is incorrect. Stamp the correct shape into your mind’s eye and that vision will help eliminate those dogs which are either too long in loin or too short on leg. LY: Trends come and go in many breeds, but over the last decade I would say we have seen too much focus on having a lot of hair when everything about the Cavalier should be moderate. This, coupled with the creative grooming of professional handlers, creates sculpting that offensive to true aficionados. Shape and size have also evolved into some long and low outlines in the past decade and, at times, being well over the 18 pound high-end of the standard resulting in a Toy breed that would be difficult to carry around the show or have on your lap for too long. I prefer a more moderate Cavalier in the middle of our standard at 15-16 pounds, but unfortunately, at times, that perfect size looks too small in the ring compared to many at the upper end of the size spectrum. I also have seen some rounding of the top skull with ear set or carriage lower than many years ago, again, affecting correct head shape and expression.
1. Describe the breed in three words. SA: Gentle, happy and sporting. CH: Gentle, affectionate and playful. JI: Friendly, elegant and graceful. EV: Soft expression; happy. LY: Graceful, balanced and happy.
2. What are your “must have” traits in this breed? SA: They must have an uncompromisingly sweet tempera- ment; gentle and melting expression; sound front and rear with balanced angulation; silky coat, not overdone. CH: The first and foremost trait must be their gay tempera- ment. They must also have large, round, dark eyes and moderate size. JI: My “must haves” for the Cavalier are fairly simple. If not for its beautiful head and expression coupled with a gay, active and friendly demeanor, the Cavalier would be a generic spaniel. The Cavalier standard makes this clear in stating that the tail shall be “in constant motion when the dog is in action.” This demonstrates the happy nature of our breed. When I approach a Cavalier I want to be met by a sweet, melting expression. This comes from large, dark brown, lustrous eyes set well apart and with good cushioning under those eyes. While the skull is slightly rounded, the ears when alert should appear to flatten the skull and fan the forward framing the face, adding to the expression. The muzzle completes the picture and should be broad but tapering slightly and the bite should be scis- sors or level. EV: The most notable characteristic of the Cavalier is its soft, melting expression produced by large, dark round eyes which are set directly on the front of the face. Cushion- ing under the eyes contributes to an angelic sweetness that should drink in the observer. Ears set high help frame the face and accentuate a seemingly level top skull. Profile is also extremely important; balance, shape and proportion both standing and moving must reflect the desired Cavalier shape: slightly longer than the height at the withers. In this breed, temperament must be a consideration; Cavaliers are joyful companion dogs. Any tendency towards bad temper must be eliminated from consideration in the judge’s mind. Please remember, however, that the tail need not wag constantly while the dog is standing still! Our standard specifies a wagging tail “...when the dog is in action.” We all love to see a wagging tail but a serious show dog might be too intent on his handler to wag constantly while standing. LY: The Cavalier that makes a judge smile from across the ring is one presenting a well-balanced package that is
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