General Appearance

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an active, graceful, well-balanced toy spaniel, very happy and free in action: fearless and sporting in character, yet at the same time gentle and affectionate, It is this typical loving temperament, combined with true elegance and royal appearance which are of paramount importance in the breed. Natural appearance with no trimming, sculpting or artificial alteration is essential to breed type.

Size, Proportion, Substance

Size-Height 12-13 inches at the withers; weight proportionate to height, 13 to 18 pounds. A small, well balanced dog within these weights is desirable, but these are ideal heights and weights and slight variations are permissible.

Expression

The sweet, gentle, melting expression is an important breed characteristic.

Eyes

Large, round but not prominent and set well apart; color a warm, very dark brown; giving a lustrous, limpid look. Rims dark. There should be cushioning under the eyes which contributes to the soft expression. Faults – small, almond-shaped, prominent, or light eyes; white surrounding ring.