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ARTICLE BY JANET YORK
The Many Talents of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel by Janet York
March 20, 2001
I like to think of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as the little sporting dog shown in the toy ring. Usually children and their mothers fall in love with the cavalier and their husband or significant other questions: "Such a small dog who only sits on your lap and goes for walks". But after living with a cavalier these skeptics quickly learn that the cavalier is a big little dog of many talents.
Personally, I have owned over 20 cavaliers since entering the breed in 1984 and I have found that indeed there is little that a cavalier cannot do, most of which one delights in, some of which one could do without.
For instance, I have shown all my cavaliers in the conformation ring, the Obedience Rally and Agility rings, as well as in pet therapy. I have shown some of my cavaliers in Scent Hurdle, Fly Ball and in the Bird Field. And finally I have trained two in the new sport of canine freestyle. What makes the cavalier so versatile, so talented and so multi-faceted? First and foremost their temperament. The cavalier is sporting, fun loving, playful, outgoing and so willing to please. Do not look for a barking guard dog in a cavalier, because no matter how much he adores you he is likely to go right off with the burglar if he is sweet and kind enough.
OBEDIENCE
Let's start with obedience. Although I have attained 7 UD's 1 UDX and 2 OTCH's on my cavaliers, I have only one 200 score and that was in the Novice B class. On average my scores have ranged between 185 and 196, far from perfect, but in my mind scores I am proud of. Why? Because I know cavaliers are playful and do not have the temperament for a consistent perfect front, perfect set, perfect finish and on down the line. They are so happy when they look up at you heeling that their rear has a tendency to set away from you. They are so delighted to come to you that they "so what" to a perfect front.
While they are having a "fun time" in the ring they make little mistakes but my attitude is "that's okay". I like the team work that I feel I achieve in the ring not the exactness others might insist on.
RALLY
Let's talk about Rally. Now here is a sport made for cavaliers. Perfect sits, heeling, downs etc. are not required and you can talk to your dog the whole time. I highly recommend Rally and suggest you begin in Rally before entering obedience. To date I have put 26 Rally titles on eight of my dogs and 19 in one year.
AGILITY
Let's go into Agility. Like Obedience, If you are looking for consistent 1st place finishes in the 8' or 12" class, look elsewhere for the Papillons and now the Jack Russell Terriers. But if you want to have fun and enjoy the team work and want to achieve all the AKC NADAC and USDAA titles a cavalier is just right for you. I do have 2 Cavaliers close to their MACHS.
OTHER PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES
In scent, hurdle and fly ball the same holds true. The cavalier is a good team member but not the fastest. Their charm and silliness makes them less than perfect for the perfectionist but so much fun for the enthusiast.
In training for any of the above activities I strongly believe in short practice session of 5-15 minutes and one 1-2 classes a week. Always make training fun, a squeaky toy, ball, or a special hug between exercises and lots of treats while training.
Remember a cavalier is constantly reminding you "I've done my best, now please me PLEASE!!!
As some of you may remember my very first cavalier Piccadilly, who until my Corneel, was the most titled cavalier in the history of the breed, was the 1st cavalier to perform Canine Freestyle and to Handel's "Water Music". In training for this activity, you need complete attention, lots of treats and enormous patience. cavaliers love to please and show off, but sometimes prefer to go off and do their own thin. his is a Cavalier and if you can't take his antics do not look to own one.
In conclusion I want to stress pet therapy. All my dogs are trained in pet therapy, have CGC's some TDI's and some delta Society Therapy titles. To me pet therapy is the ultimate and the cavalier is very well suited. If this interests you, get your cavalier well socialized under many situations before serous training begins. Both children and older adults love the attention your cavalier can give them. But like all the above activities, pet therapy is a commitment and the "patients" expect your visits on a regular basis so provide the necessary time!
My multi talented cavaliers, are all full of good humor and delightful naughtiness, "that's just how I like it." Perfectionists look to other breeds!
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