Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies come in 4 Colors; Today’s color is Blenheim
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Color/Colour Blenheim
Blenheim - (Pronounced Blen-um) Rich chestnut markings well broken up on a clear, pearly white ground. The ears must be chestnut and the color evenly spaced on the head and surrounding both eyes, with a white blaze between the eyes and ears, in the center of which may be the lozenge or “Blenheim spot.” The lozenge is a unique and desirable, though not essential, characteristic of the Blenheim.
Blenheim Cavaliers seem to be the most desired color amongst Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fanciers.
Breeding color genetics
When you breed a Blenheim to a Blenheim you always receive Blenheim puppies. The genetic make-up of a Blenheim is ee:ss.
When you breed Blenheim to Tri Color you can receive both Blenheim or Tri Color.
When you breed Blenheim to Ruby you will get all Ruby puppies if the Ruby parent does not carry the white gene and is ee:SS. If the Ruby does carry the white gene (ee:sS) then both Blenheim and Ruby puppies are possible. Mismarking of white patches on Ruby puppies is possible. Blenheim puppies can gain a richer red color, which is highly desired in the conformation show ring, if one of their parents is a Ruby.
The genetic makeup of a Black and Tan is the most difficult to determine, but if the Black and Tan carries the white gene then all 4 colors are possible (Blenheim, TriColor, Ruby & Black and Tan). Mismarking of white patches on Rubies and Black and Tans is possible.
Color faults include ticking or freckling of tiny red spots on the white areas. As Blenheims age from puppies to adulthood the freckling/ticking can become more prominant with age. A freckle here or there on a well broken up white background is tollerated.
For additional information or if you would like to see more photos of Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniels please visit our website at http://www.cruisincavaliers.com