Over the last 2 months I’ve googled, spent hours on YouTube and done research at the library. The good news is that I think I have found the perfect breed for us. The more I read about them, the more I am sure that we have made the right decision. We have chosen the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS). Its personality reminds me of a Golden Retriever. Now I know that they are a different breed but they do share so many similarities that I know that we are going to be a perfect match.
This is how the Canadian Kennel Club descibes a Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a much-admired Royal Spaniel. Descended from the Toy Spaniels of Europe, the breed was variously known as the “comforter” or “Spaniel Gentle” and first appeared in the courts of England with the reign of Queen Mary I. The breed, which appears in many of the great paintings of the Masters, received its name from King Charles II. It became virtually extinct in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, as short-nosed breeds took the fore. By 1923 the King Charles Spaniel (today’s English Toy) with its flat nose had replaced the old-type Toy Spaniel. In 1926 the incentive for the revitalization of the old-type Toy Spaniel was provided by Mr. Roswell Eldridge, an American who offered prizes of 25 pounds for the Best Dog and Best Bitch of this type at Crufts. The name Cavalier was added when the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was founded in 1928 to further develop the breed. It was not until 1945 that The Kennel Club (England) granted separate registration from the King Charles. The popularity of these companion dogs has spread around the world and in 1957 the breed gained Canadian Kennel Club recognition.
General Appearance
An active, graceful, well-balanced dog, very gay, and free in action.
Temperament
Fearless and sporting in character yet at the same time gentle and affectionate.
Size
Height 30-33 cm (12-13 inches). Weight proportionate to height 5 – 8 kg (12-18 lbs.). Slight variations permissible. Feathering on ears, legs and tail should be long, and the feathering on the feet is a feature of the breed.
If you want to learn more about the CKCS here are a couple of great YouTube videos :
Life In The Dog House 