Q&a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
(Rattlebridge has bred three European champions). I think that the really good representatives of our breed have become more homogenous in type as bloodlines have been exchanged and incorporated. There are dif- ferences in styles among breeding programs as breeders tend to craft qualities that the breeder intends to showcase, but these are styles and variations on the theme of type. 7. What previously campaigned Cavaliers come close to your ideal? Please explain. There are many Cavaliers that present the ideal type to me, but I must confess that I must go back to my own multiple BIS/BISS Ch. and Ch. Rattlebridge Masterpiece suffered an arrhythmia and died at four and one half—a blow from which I will never recover. To me he exempli- fies the correct type. 8. Do you have anything else to share?
6. What makes this breed the ideal companion in the 21st century? They are small but not fragile and adaptable to many dif- ferent styles of living. Their innermost desire is to please their owner. They are exuberant and quite happy to play yet equally comfortable lying on your lap. 7. What about the breed makes it a great show dog? They are happy to show off if it pleases their owner yet I would not consider them to be non-stop show dogs. Campaigning one can be a challenge as they would much rather be on the couch or chasing moving, flying or flut- tering creatures in the yard. 8. What, if any, are the traits breeders should focus on preserving? Breed type is defined by proper temperament, head/ expression, outline, coat/color. As I judge Cavaliers around the world, I do see recurring issues. The most prevalent issues are: improper balance due to shorter legs, poor tailsets and carriage, lack of bone/substance, improper expression usually arising from small eyes or misplaced eyes, white in the eyes or lack of muzzle cush- ioning. Temperament in the breed is most often very, very good. 9. What are the health concerns about which breeders should beware? Mitral Valve Disease is the main concern. The good news is that Cavaliers are living longer lives than they ever have due to the diligence of many dedicated breeders. 10. What advice would you give a newcomer? Find suitable mentors. This is a difficult breed that does not always breed true. One must be willing to run on prospects for a good while. In my Schnauzer days, we could pick the show dogs at eight weeks and certainly know for sure by four months. This is not the case with Cavaliers. They can change so very much in many ways as they develop. Also, be willing to hang onto multiple prospects in a litter before making final decisions. “THEIR INNERMOST DESIRE IS TO PLEASE THEIR OWNER.”
Cavalier: correct size, coat, make and shape, head shape and lovely eyes, movement and wonderful Cavalier temperament. DAVID KIRKLAND
1. Where do you live? What do you do outside of dogs? I live in Sanford, NC with my partner Stephen. Sanford is a small, sleepy, southern town located directly between Raleigh and Pinehurst. I work part-time planning the music for our local church. Music, reading and gardening occupy my time when I am not judging. 2. Number of years breeding and/or showing? Most long-time dog fanciers associate me with Terriers particularly Miniature Schnauzers. I bred and handled them for the first half of my doggy life. After I retired from breeding and showing Schnauzers and applied for my judging license in 1994, I judged a match that had Miscellaneous Classes including Cavaliers. It was love at first sight. 3. What attracted you to the breed in the first place? I was mesmerized by those big soulful eyes and their tail- wagging happiness as they stared adoringly at their owner. 4 . What, to you, is the ultimate hallmark of the breed? Temperament, head and expression. Without these traits, there is no Cavalier. The virtues of correct head and expression continue to elude many judges of this breed. In order to properly evaluate this breed, you must learn the head properties that contribute to the sweet, soulful and limpid expression so prized by Cavalier breeders. 5. Describe the Cavalier in three words: Attentive, friendly, easy-going.
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