Dr. Harvey and Dee Shrum
have
professional backgrounds in
education
and medical social work respectively. Both are
lifelong
animal
lovers. Empty nesters with seven grandchildren, Dee
discovered Cavaliers in 2001 while researching for a breed
suitable to
their needs. About finding their first Cavalier, Dee
said, "She had me at Hello. Cavaliers are very
special and loving little dogs. Already an Anglophile, I was
hooked." Harvey and Dee began
showing in
2002. Cavaliers are now a part of their
hearts, family
and their lifestyle. Thanks to valued mentors along the way,
the sport of
the
purebreed dog has become a very enjoyable family hobby.
Harvey and Dee are also interested in protecting the rights of responsible pet owners,
ethical breeders and the welfare of our pets. For more
information on current issues please see Concerned Dog Owners of California.
Often called the dog of landed gentry and movie stars, this Spaniel was the favorite of England's King Charles II in the 1700's. He was often accused of spending more time with his beloved Spaniels than on affairs of state. Even today, they maintain a royal status (by Royal Decree) as the only breed allowed in all public places in the UK. Cavaliers were called little comforters, curing illness and keeping laps warm in the cold drafty castles. It was a Cavalier, faithful to the end, found under the skirts of Mary, Queen of Scots after she was beheaded. Small spaniel type dogs have been depicted in classic paintings since the sixteenth century. Many old masters including Gainesborough, Titian and Lancier depict this type of small spaniel in their paintings.
It was not until the 1920's that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as we know it was revived. American dog enthusiast Roswell Eldgridge, looking for the type of small spaniel seen in old paintings offered a prize at Crufts in the UK. Five years later a dog named Ann' s Son won the prize. The Kennel Club standard was written based on Ann's Son in 1928. In 1996 the AKC officially recognized the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as its 140th breed.
President Ronald Reagan brought "Rex" to the White House as our "First Cavalier". Other famous Cavalier devotees include Tracy Ulman, Steven Spielberg, Mia Farrow, Frank Sinatra, Katherine Hepburn, Liza Minelli, Barbra Streisand, Lauren Bacall, William F. Buckley Jr. and Kirk Douglas. Political figures Mary Madeline and James Carvill own 2 Cavaliers (of opposite colors, of course).
The Cavalier is a highly intelligent and good natured little dog. They average 12-18 pounds and 12-13 inches high. Their personality is much like a Golden Retriever; loving, devoted, quick to learn and eager to please. They travel well and are a perfect companion for both active and sedentary lifestyles. They love children and other pets and are not cross or snappy. They make good watchdogs as they will bark to alert, but do not keep on yapping like many smaller breeds are known to do.
Cavaliers are so much more than a pretty package. They are smart, fun and even sweeter than they look. They bring joy and laughter to many households. They love to snuggle and are the ultimate huggable lapdog. They are NOT an independent breed and they do require companionship. They should never be left outside in kennels and must be treated as a family member. They prefer to sleep in or near their master's bed and be by his side most of the time. They require no professional grooming and have a soft, lustrous odor-free coat. They do shed, but not excessively. Daily brushing is a must. They housebreak quite easily and are very clean natured, making them the perfect housepet. A relationship with a Cavalier will exceed your expectations.
In addition to AKC standards and guidelines, dedicated Cavalier breeders strive to improve the breed, keep it hardy, healthy and decrease genetic problems. This requires a careful breeding protocol that includes annual screening and certification (OFA, CERF) by veterinary specialists for cardiac, opthamologic and orthopedic health. Breeding is avoided until a later age to allow for additional testing,and careful screening, to ensure our animals and their parents are symptom free of any genetic problems including the neurological disease syringomyelia. For more than twenty years the Kennel Club, The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club- USA, the ACKCS Club and members have been leading the support for research to eliminate genetic problems in the breed. For more information about about Cavalier health please click here.
Note: Camelot Cavaliers are responsible AKC breeders. Help put puppy mills out of business: Never buy a dog from a pet store or puppy broker. Puppy brokers often use mass internet listings and newspaper ads. Together we can end shelters, abusive puppy mills and irresponsible ownership. Most importantly, please have all of your pets spayed or neutered. Please support AKC breeders who are responsible for every dog they breed for the lifetime of the dog.