The loyal and loving Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a popular breed of dog, loved for its cheerful disposition and sweet nature.
There’s a popular view that this breed is only available in the traditional colours of ruby, black and tan and tricolour.
But is this true? Let’s look at the facts about chocolate Cavalier King Charles spaniels.
Chocolate coloured Cavalier King Charles spaniels do exist. The chocolate colour of a Cavalier can range from light to dark with hues of tan and reddish brown coming through in different shades.
Are chocolate Cavaliers real?
The short answer is yes—there are chocolate coloured Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
There are some breeders who claim to specialize in what’s known as “rare colour” Cavaliers.
These breeders often refer to their puppies as “chocolate-coloured” or “liver-coloured” Cavaliers because their coats can range from light brown to deep reddish-brown in colour.
Genetics at play
A lot goes into how a puppy’s coat turns out when they grow into an adult.
Many people believe that the eumelanin gene is responsible for producing chocolate coloured Cavaliers, which can be found in either dominant or recessive forms.
The eumelanin gene produces black pigments in fur, so if your pup has two copies of this gene then it’s likely that he or she will have a darker coat when they reach adulthood.
On the other hand, if your pup only has one copy of this gene then it’s likely that his or her coat will be lighter when they reach adulthood.
Appearance of chocolate Cavaliers
Aside from its coat colour, a chocolate Cavalier looks exactly like any other purebred Cavalier—it has soft fur, long ears, and an adorable face with a black nose and hazel eyes.
Depending on its lineage, it might even have a little white marking on its chest or toes.
Origins of the colour variation
The chocolate-coloured variation of the breed is thought to be the result of breeding two normally coloured Cavaliers together.
While their parents were purebreds registered with the Kennel Club , their offspring weren’t recognized as part of the breed standard because no one had bred that colour before and ‘chocolate’ was not deemed to be an ‘official’ colour.
Despite not being acknowledged by kennel clubs around the world, this unique coat colour is gaining in popularity due to its striking beauty.
Are chocolate coloured Cavaliers rare?
The answer is yes. Chocolate coloured Cavaliers are still considered to be quite rare and finding a Cavalier whose coat is completely chocolate is difficult.
Most of the chocolate colouring is intermingled with other colours, making it hard to find dogs whose colour is completely one hue.
Care requirements for chocolate Cavaliers
Like all Cavaliers, they need daily exercise and lots of love in order to stay healthy both physically and mentally.
They are quite active dogs that can be prone to separation anxiety if not given enough attention.
It’s also important to brush their coats regularly and take them for regular check-ups at the vet in order to maintain their health and protect against infectious diseases like canine distemper virus (CDV) and parvovirus (CPV).
Final Words
Chocolate coloured Cavaliers are definitely real and can make great companion animals for those looking for an active, loyal and loving pup.
If you are looking for a Cavalier in this colour then make sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder with plenty of experience in raising healthy puppies.
Also, be prepared to exercise and socialize them regularly from the time they are puppies onward.
With enough love and care, a chocolate Cavalier can make a great addition to any family.
