Colors and the Cavalier
There are four accepted colors of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Blenheim, Tri Color, Ruby, Black & Tan. Unfortunately, like so many other breeds, there is an influx of other non-standard colors. Much like you need a blueprint to build a house, preservation breeders use the breed standard like a road map to continually improve the health, temperament, and structure of the Cavalier.
The following article briefly explains why these colors are not, and will not be, accepted as part of the breed standard. The American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (the breed parent club and keeper of the AKC breed standard in the U.S.) has taken a strong position against other colors. In fact, the standard was revised to disqualify other colors from competing in the conformation ring. (The purpose of conformation--or dog shows--is to evaluate breeding stock and how well each dog conforms to the breed standard.) Yes, AKC will register other colors, but it must be remembered that the AKC is a registry and not the keeper of any dog breed's standard. As a Regional Specialty Club of the ACKCSC, our position is ethical breeders breed to the standard. We do not support purposefully breeding for any color other than Blenheim, Tri Color, Ruby, or Black &Tan. We do, however, acknowledge and understand that it is a personal choice as to what an individual chooses as their loving pet whether it is an unrecognized color, a mixed breed or another breed altogether!
The following article is shared from the September 2022 issue of The AKC Gazette with permission by the author, Dr. John Ioia.
Colors and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel