Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their silky coats and feathery chests, legs, and plumbed tails. But you may wonder what colors Cavalier King Charles Spaniels come in.
The breed offers four color combinations – all of which may be found in a single litter of pups!
4 Colors of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels come in four different colors:
- Blenheim (Chestnut and white)
- Ruby (Chestnut red)
- Tri-Color (Black, tan, and white)
- Black & Ten (Black and tan)
In the rest of the article, we are going to cover all 4 types of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as well as some interesting facts about each of them.
Blenheim Cavaliers
The most common of the four Cavalier King Charles Spaniel color combinations is a Blenheim color – beautiful chestnut markings on a white background. The Blenheim color name is a tribute to Blenheim Palace, where the Duke of Marlborough raised this popular breed.
A Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel head is framed by chestnut-colored ears. The chestnut coloring surrounds both eyes, but the muzzle is white, leading in a white blaze up the nose to the top of the head.
A chestnut spot at the top of the head is a traditional characteristic of Blenheim Cavaliers. Supposedly, Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, was left at home in Blenheim Palace with her Spaniels while the Duke went off to war.
In her loneliness, she “worried” about a chestnut thumbprint on the top of her dog’s head, which became the “Duchess Thumb Print” characteristic of Blenheim Cavaliers.
Black & Tan Cavaliers
The Black and Tan Cavaliers have a black body with tan highlights, most notably tan eyebrows, cheeks, inside the ears, chest, legs, and beneath the tail.
White markings on Black & Tan Cavaliers are considered faults in show dogs but shouldn’t make the slightest difference to the average pet owner.
Ruby Cavaliers
The ruby-colored Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is intended to be entirely chestnut red in color, or “whole color.” Can Ruby Cavaliers have a little white in their coats?
Many do.
It’s not really important for companion animals, but the coat should be completely chestnut on show dogs.
Tricolor Cavaliers
The Tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a party-colored mixture of white, tan, and black. The ears and area surrounding the eyes will be black, separated by a splash of white from the muzzle up the forehead.
Tricolors have tan markings over their eyes, on the cheeks, and beneath the tail. This color combination is the most unusual and often carries the highest price tag.
Puppies Grow Into Their Coats
A word of caution in choosing your first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy. Don’t be fooled into thinking your Cavalier Spaniel puppy’s coat will stay exactly the same as he grows.
Like many other breeds, Cavalier King Charles puppies grow into their colors.
Blenheim Cavalier puppies may start life with broad areas of white in their coats and develop freckles on their muzzle and chestnut-colored markings on their bodies over time.
But after all, isn’t watching your puppy grow into his adult coat really half the fun?
FAQs
In this section, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel colors.
What is the Rarest Color for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?
Black and tan is the rarest coat color of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, recognized by the AKC. The complex genes of a black and tan Cavalier are the main cause of their rarity.
What is the Most Popular Cavalier Color?
Blehinam color is the most common and, at the same time, the most popular Cavalier color. This color is considered the “classic” for the breed, and it’s the easiest color genetic makeup.
What is the Most Expensive Cavalier Color?
In general, Tricolor is the most expensive color for Cavalier puppies. However, pricing may vary among breeders, as not all determine costs based on color. Keep in mind that acquiring a specific color may require a longer wait time, as certain colors are less common than others.
Summarizing the Four Types of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
With their silky coats and distinct markings, Cavaliers are a feast for the eyes in all their color variations. Whether it’s the historically rich Blenheim, the deep-toned Ruby, the harmonious Black & Tan, or the striking Tricolor, every Cavalier King Charles Spaniel type brings its own flair and story.
While each color variation brings with it its own distinct beauty, one thing is certain: no matter which Cavalier King Charles Spaniel color you choose, you’re in for a treat of unique beauty. Truly, you can’t go wrong with any of them!
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