Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Colors: A Complete Guide
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is loved around the world for its gentle temperament, sweet personality, and beautiful appearance. One of the most fascinating things about the breed is the variety of gorgeous Cavalier colors. From the four traditional AKC-recognized colors to rare shades like chocolate and solid black, Cavaliers are truly stunning in every coat.
If you’ve ever wondered what colors Cavaliers come in—or which are considered show standard—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
The 4 Traditional Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Colors
When most people picture a Cavalier, they think of one of these four classic colors. These are the AKC breed standard Cavalier King Charles Spaniel colors:
Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – A white coat with red markings. This is the most iconic Cavalier look.
Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Solid red all over, with little or no white markings.
Black and Tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Black with tan points above the eyes, on the muzzle, on the chest, on the legs and under the tail.
Tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Black and white with tan markings, usually on the eyebrows, cheeks, and under the tail.
These are the only colors that meet the AKC breed standard for conformation showing.
Rare Chocolate Cavalier Colors
Beyond the traditional colors, Cavaliers can also carry chocolate—a recessive gene that changes black pigment to a beautiful brown. These chocolate Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are rare and highly sought after. They can appear in several stunning variations:
Chocolate Ruby Cavalier – The coat is the same deep red as a traditional ruby, but with a pinkish-brown nose and lighter eyes instead of black pigment.
Chocolate Blenheim Cavalier – Similar to a traditional Blenheim (chestnut red on white), but the markings are paired with a brown nose and light eyes.
Chocolate and Tan Cavalier – Chocolate coat with tan points and a brown nose/light eyes.
Chocolate Tricolor Cavalier – Chocolate and white coat with tan points, plus lighter pigment features.
Full Chocolate Cavalier – Solid chocolate all over with no tan, and the trademark light eyes/pinkish-brown nose.
These colors are not part of the AKC conformation standard (so they can’t be shown in the breed ring), but they are fully AKC registerable. Chocolate Cavaliers are especially popular with families and breeders who love their unique looks.
Other Non-Standard Cavalier Colors
Although less common, Cavaliers can also come in:
Solid Black Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – A sleek, shiny black coat with no markings.
Black and White Cavalier – Crisp black and white coat with no tan points.
Like chocolate, these colors are registerable with the AKC but are considered non-standard Cavalier colors for the show ring.
Are Non-Standard Cavalier Colors Rare?
Yes! Chocolate Cavaliers, black Cavaliers, and black and white Cavaliers are all considered rare compared to the four traditional colors. While they can’t be shown in conformation, they are 100% purebred, AKC-registerable Cavaliers and make just as wonderful companions.
No matter what color they come in, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is beloved for its affectionate nature, gentle temperament, and loyal companionship. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of a Blenheim Cavalier or the unique rarity of a chocolate Cavalier, every color has its own charm.
When choosing a Cavalier, remember that health and temperament are always more important than coat color—but it’s fun to appreciate the beautiful variety this breed has to offer!