In short: the FCI standard recognises only four colours in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Blenheim (rich chestnut on white), Tricolour (black and white with tan markings), Black and Tan and Ruby (solid rich red). Under the standard, any other colour is unacceptable.
Blenheim
Rich chestnut markings, well broken up, on a pearly white ground. The markings are evenly divided on the head, leaving room between the ears for the much-valued lozenge, also called the "Blenheim spot". The FCI calls this spot a unique feature of the breed. Ticking (small coloured flecks on the white) and too much or too little white are undesirable.
The name comes from Blenheim Palace, seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, where red and white spaniels were bred. A legend about "the duchess's thumbprint" from 1704 is linked to the spot. We tell it as a legend, because it is not historical fact.
Tricolour
Black and white, well spaced and broken up, with tan markings over the eyes, on the cheeks, inside the ears, on the inside of the legs and on the underside of the tail. Tan "eyebrows" are the giveaway. Ticking is undesirable. In the related King Charles Spaniel this variety is traditionally called "Prince Charles".
Black and Tan
Raven black with bright tan markings over the eyes, on the cheeks, inside the ears, on the chest, legs and underside of the tail. White markings are undesirable. In the King Charles Spaniel this variety is called "King Charles".
Ruby
Solid, rich red. White markings are undesirable, so an ideal Ruby has no white blaze and no white chest.
Colour genetics in a nutshell
The four colours combine two pairs of traits: the dog has black pigment or only red, and it is either whole-coloured or particolour (with white).
| Whole-coloured | Particolour (with white) | |
|---|---|---|
| With black pigment | Black and Tan | Tricolour |
| Red pigment only | Ruby | Blenheim |
- Black and Tan is dominant over the other colours and Blenheim is the most recessive.
- Two Blenheims always produce only Blenheims. Two Rubies produce only Rubies.
- Two Tricolours can have Blenheim puppies.
- The colours are inherited the same way as in the King Charles Spaniel.
People often ask which colour is the rarest. We have not found reliable data on this, so we do not give an answer.
Frequently asked questions
How many colours does the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have?
Four: Blenheim, Tricolour, Black and Tan and Ruby. These are the only colours in FCI standard no. 136.
Is there a merle, chocolate or white Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
The FCI standard does not recognise them. Under the standard, any colour other than the four recognised ones is unacceptable.
Where does the Blenheim spot come from?
It is a feature of the colour described in the standard. The popular story about the Duchess of Marlborough's thumb is a legend.
Your Cavalier on a sweatshirt
Our best seller, the Cavalier Mom sweatshirt, shows a Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The design is also available on a t-shirt and the Cavalier MOM mug. See more designs in sweatshirts and t-shirts.
Sources
- FCI – breed standard no. 136, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- cavalierworld.pl – colour genetics (in Polish)
- Canadian Kennel Club – English Toy Spaniel standard (variety names)
Author: Michał Mitek, founder of Cavisie.pl and owner of a Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Karmelek. The top image and the frames in the videos are AI-generated.