Cavalier Resources Worldwide
The world of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is rich, fascinating, and supported by an enormous body of educational material. Whether you are interested in the breed's royal history, temperament, health challenges, conformation standards, breeding practices, rescue work, or modern research, there are hundreds of reputable sources available from kennel clubs, breed organizations, veterinary institutions, and canine health researchers.
The Cavalier is one of the most beloved companion breeds in the world, admired for its affectionate nature, elegant appearance, and versatility as both a family pet and a show dog. At the same time, it is one of the most extensively studied toy breeds because of several inherited health conditions that have prompted significant veterinary research and breed-health initiatives.
For anyone wishing to learn about Cavaliers in depth, the best information comes from primary sources such as national kennel clubs, breed clubs, veterinary schools, peer-reviewed research papers, and breed health organizations. These sources provide reliable, evidence-based information that goes far beyond general pet websites and social media discussions.
Together, they create a comprehensive educational network covering every aspect of the breed, from its origins in the courts of King Charles I and II to modern efforts aimed at improving genetic health and preserving the breed for future generations.
1. International Cavalier Club Resources
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA (CKCSC, USA)
Website: https://ckcsc.org/
The original Cavalier breed registry and club in the United States. Its educational resources cover breed history, health, showing, breeding ethics, rescue, and preservation of breed type.
Why it matters:
Historical archives
Breed education
Breeding guidance
Show and conformation information
American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (ACKCSC)
Website: https://ackcsc.org/
The American Kennel Club parent club for the breed.
Why it matters:
Official AKC breed education
Health committee resources
Breeder referral programs
Responsible ownership information
The Royal Kennel Club (United Kingdom)
Website: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
Why it matters:
Official breed standard
Breed Watch programme
Health testing schemes
Historical records
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
Website: https://www.fci.be/
The international governing body recognised across much of Europe and many other countries.
Why it matters:
International breed standard
Global breed governance
International show regulations
2. Breed Standards and Conformation
The sources below provide the official descriptions of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels used by judges, breeders, and exhibitors worldwide.
The Royal Kennel Club Breed Standard
Website: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/toy/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/
The benchmark standard from the breed's homeland.
FCI Breed Standard
Website: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/CAVALIER-KING-CHARLES-SPANIEL-136.html
Widely used throughout Europe and many international jurisdictions.
Dogs Australia (ANKC)
Website: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/
The Australian standard and governance structure.
United Kennel Club (UKC)
Website: https://www.ukcdogs.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel
The above provides useful historical context alongside its breed standard.
Purpose:
Understanding breed type
Conformation judging
Structure and movement
Preservation breeding
3. Veterinary Health and Medical Research
CavalierHealth.org
Website: https://cavalierhealth.org/
One of the most comprehensive independent educational resources dedicated exclusively to Cavalier health. It provides detailed information on inherited disorders, breeding protocols, screening recommendations, and scientific literature.
Major topics include:
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
Syringomyelia (SM)
Chiari-like Malformation (CM)
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Disorders
Patellar Luxation
Episodic Falling Syndrome
North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Website: https://cvm.ncsu.edu/cavalier-king-charles-spaniels-research/
Internationally recognised for Cavalier-specific research and funding initiatives.
Focus areas:
Cardiology
Neurology
Genetics
Long-term health studies
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Website: https://ofa.org/
Important for:
Health testing databases
Cardiac certifications
Hip evaluations
Patella evaluations
Eye certifications
AKC Canine Health Foundation
Website: https://www.akcchf.org/
Important for:
Research grants
Genetic studies
Breed-specific health projects
4. Scientific Literature and Academic Research
PubMed
Website: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
The world's largest database of peer-reviewed biomedical research.
Recommended search topics:
Mitral Valve Disease
Syringomyelia
Chiari-like Malformation
Genetic Diversity
Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs)
Veterinary Journals
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Website: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19391676
Veterinary Record
Website: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/20427670
The Veterinary Journal
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/the-veterinary-journal
Journal of Small Animal Practice
Website: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17485827
Purpose:
Evidence-based information
Original research papers
Clinical studies
Emerging discoveries
5. Genetics and Breeding Programs
Key Resources:
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) https://ofa.org/
Kennel Club Health Programmes https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/
Estimated Breeding Values (EBV) Information https://cavalierhealth.org/estimated_breeding_values.htm
Topics:
Genetic Diversity
Coefficient of Inbreeding
DNA Testing
Health Screening Protocols
Population Management
6. Breed History and Historical Archives
Historical Breed Club Archives
CKCSC-USA Historical Resources https://ckcsc.org/
The Cavalier Club (UK) https://www.thecavalierclub.co.uk/
Cavalier Pedigree Databases
Research topics:
Toy Spaniels of the Stuart Era
King Charles I and King Charles II
The Revival of the Breed in the 1920s
Roswell Eldridge's Influence
Development of Modern Breed Standards
Historical Books
Suggested authors:
Lady Wentworth
Judith Blunt-Lytton
Malcolm Wills
Cathy Lambert
Topics:
Royal Associations
Development of Toy Spaniels
Early Breeding Programmes
Evolution of Breed Type
7. National and International Cavalier Clubs
View our extensive global list of Australian and International Cavalier Clubs here.
8. Welfare, Rescue and Charitable Organisations
These organisations provide valuable insight into the practical realities of breed ownership and health issues.
United States of America
The largest nationwide Cavalier-specific rescue organisation in the United States.
The rescue arm associated with the American Cavalier community, focused on rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming.
Rescues Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and English Toy Spaniels, including seniors and special-needs dogs.
Cavalier Alliance for Rescue, Research and Education (C.A.R.E.)
Provides rescue assistance, owner support, and welfare advocacy.
Regional rescue serving Midwestern states.
Cavaliers of the Northeast Rescue Program
Breed rescue and welfare services throughout the Northeastern United States.
Cavaliers of the South Rescue Program
Regional rescue and welfare organisation serving the Southern United States.
Cavaliers of the West Rescue Program
Western-region rescue and rehoming programme.
Canada
Canada's primary Cavalier-specific rescue organisation.
C.A.R.E. – Cavaliers of Alberta Rescue Efforts
Provincial rescue organisation serving Alberta.
United Kingdom
The Cavalier Club Rescue & Welfare Scheme
The official welfare and rescue programme operated by the UK's parent breed club.
A registered charity dedicated solely to rescuing and rehoming Cavaliers.
Cavaliers in Need (Northern Ireland) Facebook Page
Northern Ireland rescue and rehoming network.
Republic of Ireland
Irish Cavalier Rescue Facebook Page
Volunteer-run rescue and rehoming network serving Ireland.
Australia
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Queensland (CKCSRQ)
Australia's longest-running Cavalier-specific rescue organisation, operating since 1997 and focused on rescue, rehabilitation, fostering, and rehoming.
New Zealand
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of New Zealand
Europe
Many European countries operate welfare and rescue activities through their national Cavalier clubs rather than through separate rescue charities. Key organisations include:
Cavalier Club Nederland (Netherlands)
Svenska Cavalierklubben (Sweden)