HERE'S WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SHOW DOG!

Most of the people we interact with are just searching for the perfect pet but on occasion they are searching for a show dog. Or, we find that people who are searching for a pet are being told they're buying a show dog when in fact they are paying show dog prices without show dog quality. For that reason, we thought it might be useful to explain what to look for in a true show quality Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

Before doing so, please know that a "fault" as used in this post does not mean there is any health problem with your puppy (or prospective puppy). A fault is simply the show term for anything that deviates from the breed standard and will be counted against a show dog. Some faults (called minor faults) will just reduce how they score (such as heavy ticking, a little too much wave in the coat, etc.) while other faults are considered major faults and can stop the dog from entering the show at all (visible structural problems, aggressive temperament). 

Now, here's what to look for if you want to consider showing your CKCS:  

1. Size - In order to qualify as a show dog, your CKCS must be the correct size. Unfortunately, a breeder can't guarantee correct size based on the size of an 8-12 week old puppy but you can increase your chances by knowing the size and dimensions of the parents and viewing both parents and puppy in person prior to purchase (or by video if that's the only option). Here is what to look for: 
   1. Full Grown Height must be 12 - 13 inches (very slight variations allowed)
   2. Full Grown Weight must be between 13-18 pounds
   3. The dog should be well balanced and proportional:
      1. Body slightly longer than it is tall
      2. Moderate bone size
      3. Proportionate head
2. Face / Expression - Some traits that may be adorable and irresistible in this breed may also be a fault in the show ring. Keep your "eye" on the following:
   1. Expression - The dog should have a sweet and gentle expression
   2. Eyes - The dog should have large round eyes but not prominent (or protruding) eyes. The often endearing "googley" eye is cute for a companion dog but is a fault in a show dog as you should not see large white rings in the dogs eyes for show. Eyes should be dark brown. 
   3. Muzzle - The dogs muzzle should be full but slightly tapered with a solid black nose. A nose that is not uniformly colored is cute, but it's a fault. 
   4. Teeth - Crooked teeth or jaws or underbite will count as a fault in the dog. 
3. Coat and Color - The coat may have a slight wave but no curl. Most importantly, you must be very careful about color as a large majority of CKCS are considered "mis-marked" for showing purposes. And be cautious of a breeder who says the "white will disappear" as an adult if you have your heart set on showing the dog! Accepted colors, details and warnings are as follows: 
   1. Blenheim (Chestnut and White) - Ears must be chestnut, color on head and eyes should be evenly spaced, must have white blaze that goes between eyes and ears, Blenheim spot desirable but not required. A dog with heavy ticking is also considered a fault. In this color category the things to look out for in a show dog are often the same things that make these dogs adorable (chestnut patch over one eye, lots of freckles, uneven coloring). Again, this are only issues if you plan to show the dog or if the breeder is selling you a "show dog" for a show dog price when in fact it's not.  
   2. Tri-Color - The ears must be blacked and color evenly spaced. Should have rich tan markings over eyes and underside of tail. Heavy ticking is also a fault in this color.
   3. Ruby - The dog should be rich red in color with absolutely no white as that's a fault. I love a stripe of white on a ruby, unfortunately the Judge's do not so consider yourself warned. 
   4. Black and Tan - Much like the ruby, they should have no white. Additionally, the tan should only appear in specific areas such as the eyebrows, under the tail and underside of ears. A tan splotch on the mack would not be acceptable. 
4. Temperament - This is one area where owners, breeders and those who show Cavaliers should all agree. The dog should be friendly and non-aggressive. They should have no tendency towards shyness. A Cavalier who is shy, fearful, timid or aggressive toward people or other
   dogs should never be considered for placement in the ring. Instead, Judges should expect to be greeted exuberantly; tails wagging and eyes shining. 

As a quick disclaimer, we rarely show dogs and focus much more on health and temperament then show quality. That being said, if you are searching for a showing mentor or looking for a puppy that might qualify to show, please reach out and we can point you in the right direction!

​

---