The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed of dog is both energetic and elegant, with a sweet nature. Their long silky coats may be Black and Tan, solid red, tricolor (black, white and tan) or Blenheim (chestnut and white). The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is active, graceful, and conveys great joie de vivre. It should be shown naturally, with no trimming, sculpting or artificial alteration is essential to breed type. The body of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed of dog appears nearly square, but in fact its body length is slightly longer than the height at the withers. Its head is proportionately sized. The sweet, gentle, adoring expression is an important breed characteristic. The eyes are large, round, and set well apart, but not protruding. They are a very dark limpid brown. Rims are dark. The cushioning under the eyes contributes to the soft expression. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's ears are set high, but not close, on top of the head. The leather is long with plenty of feathering and wide enough so that when the dog is alert, the ears fan slightly forward to frame the face. His skull is slightly rounded, but appears flat because of the high placement of the ears. The full muzzle is slightly tapered. The nose is black, with well developed nostrils and lips. A regular and complete scissors bite is preferred. The neck of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is fairly long, and muscled enough to form a slight arch at the crest. The topline is level when the dog is both moving and standing. The chest is moderately deep, extending to elbows allowing ample heart room. The tail is well set on, carried happily but never much above the level of the back, and in constant motion when the dog is in action. Docking is optional. If docked, no more than one third of the tail should be removed. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's shoulders are laid back, forelegs straight and well under the dog, and elbows close to the sides. Pasterns strong and feet compact with well-cushioned pads. Dewclaws may be removed. The hindquarters should come down from a good broad pelvis, moderately muscled; stifles well turned and hocks well let down. The silky coat of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed of dog is medium length and wavy, rather than curly. He has long feathering on his ears, chest, legs and tail, as well as on his feet. Trimming, clipping, etc. are severely penalized. (Hair growing between the pads on the underside of the feet may be trimmed, however.) Colors of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are Blenheim, Tricolor, Ruby and Black & Tan. Blenheim dogs should have rich chestnut markings, well broken up on a clear white ground. The ears should 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 trait of the Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Tricolor dogs should have jet black markings well broken up on a clear white ground. The ears must be black and the color evenly spaced on the head and surrounding both eyes, with a white blaze between the eyes. Rich tan markings should occur over the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears and on the underside of the tail. Ruby dogs are a solid rich red. Finally, Black and Tan dogs should be jet black with rich, bright tan markings over eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest, legs, and on underside of tail. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should be free moving and elegant in action, with good reach in front and driving rear action.