Controversy Brews in the Show Ring as Chocolate and Black Cavaliers Earn Wins—Forcing Judges and Traditionalists to Rethink Long-Held Breed Assumptions
A New Era for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
In the prestigious world of dog shows, few breeds are as beloved—and as strictly defined—as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Long confined to four “accepted” colors (Blenheim, Tricolor, Ruby, and Black & Tan), the breed has followed tradition in both appearance and standard.
But now, that tradition is being tested.
Chocolate and black Cavaliers, once overlooked or dismissed as anomalies, are now winning titles and placing in national UKC rankings. These wins are not symbolic; they’re earned—judged by conformation, movement, and overall quality.
Breaking the Mold: CKCS United Leads the Movement
Behind this shift is CKCS United, the first and only breed club founded specifically to advocate for chocolate and black Cavaliers. Now officially recognized under the United Kennel Club (UKC) as the CKCS State Club, the organization is rewriting what many thought was set in stone.
“These colors aren’t new. They’re just newly visible,” a CKCS United spokesperson explains. “The first chocolate and white Cavalier was AKC-registered in 1996. Cavaliers only entered the AKC registry in 1994. So these colors have been part of the story from the beginning—they were just ignored.”
CKCS United is spearheading efforts that include:
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Educational outreach
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Preservation of breed history
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Partnerships with genetic researchers
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Awareness campaigns on the a/a recessive black gene
Their work is reshaping the way breeders, judges, and the public understand what a Cavalier can be.
Tradition vs. Truth: A Growing Divide
While many applaud the new direction, not everyone is on board. Some circles within the show world still resist the presence of non-standard colors in the ring.
“In some rings, a chocolate Cavalier still gets side-eye,” says the spokesperson. “But when that same dog walks out with a ribbon, it becomes harder to deny their legitimacy.”
Interestingly, support is also quietly growing among traditional breeders who believe that history—not rigid guidelines—should shape the breed’s future.
“We’re not asking to change the Cavalier,” CKCS United states. “We’re asking the world to stop erasing parts of it.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are chocolate and black Cavaliers purebred?
Yes. These colors exist in the breed’s genetic history. They are not crossbreeds or designer variants.
Why are they not recognized by the AKC?
The AKC currently recognizes only four colors based on historical preference—not genetic possibility. UKC, however, allows broader representation in its conformation rings.
Is there scientific proof of these colors?
Yes. CKCS United works with genetic researchers to document the a/a recessive black gene and other genetic markers that validate the presence of these colors in the breed.
Will other registries recognize them in the future?
As awareness and demand grow, and as genetic evidence builds, there is increasing pressure on traditional registries to reconsider outdated standards.
Conclusion: Not a Rebellion, But a Restoration
The rise of chocolate and black Cavaliers in the show ring isn’t a challenge to the breed—it’s a call to remember its full heritage. Thanks to the efforts of CKCS United, more people are asking: Who decides what beauty, correctness, and authenticity look like?
In the end, perhaps it’s not about rewriting the breed standard. It’s about letting the whole story of the Cavalier be seen—and judged fairly.
About CKCS United
CKCS United is the only breed club dedicated exclusively to the protection and promotion of chocolate and black Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. As the official UKC-recognized CKCS State Club, the organization supports education, conformation representation, and genetic research for a more inclusive breed future.
Media Contact:
📧 info@ckcsunited.org
🌐 www.ckcsunited.org
