HOW "ART" THOU?
THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER by Paul Delaroche
The final 2011 All Breeds show in the UK is the LKA (LADIES KENNEL ASSOCIATION). Although at a time of year when travelling can be difficult due to inclement weather, many try to attend and even fit in some last minute shopping. Two Cavaliers have dominated the CCs this year and LKA was no different. In dogs, where Lindsey Rennard (Deranmar) judged, Ch Maibee Make Believe won his 32nd CC. In the bitch ring, Ch Loranka's Sherrie Baby took the CC (her 28th) under Marilyn Claydon (Brymarden). Best of Breed was "Make Believe", Best Puppy was Pascavale Kira and Best Veteran went to Ch Lanola Salsa.
TOY DOGS IN THE VICTORIAN
ERA
For a fashionable woman in Victorian England a pet miniature dog was as indispensable as an opera box or presentation at court. She was nobody without her pet who accompanied her wherever she went, and was fed and housed, according to canine requirements, as daintily as the heir to the title and estates. In spite of the devotion of mistresses to their dogs, however, it must be admitted that they were extremely fickle in their attachments, as the fashion in lapdogs changed as rapidly as that in gowns and bonnets.
During one London seas on, the favorite miniature dog had been the small animal known as the Schipperke, mainly because its hair was short and black. Long-haired dogs in drawing-rooms and boudoirs were found to be incapable of existing together because white hairs on furniture and gowns were absolutely distressing. Even a poodle was found to be a nuisance, and required its own valet or maid to keep it in condition.
“Lapdog” was the old-fashioned name for the miniature dogs called toys, and quaintly indicated where the line was drawn between household animals. They were dogs small enough to be held in the lap, and they were, without a doubt, pets for the parlor, requiring the care of the lady herself, or of a well-trained maid.
A popular toy was the Skye, a droll little bundle of hair, who was so short that his long hair almost swept the ground as he waddled about. His deficiency in height was amply atoned for by his length, for he came perilously near in resembling the weasel, being at least three times as long as he was high. Nine or ten inches tall and twenty-five or thirty inches long was his approved measurement, and the weight considered proper for these inches was from sixteen to seventeen pounds. Though the Skye was little and of peculiar shape, and though he was called a "toy," he was a genuine dog all through — full of life, a good watcher, intelligent, affectionate, peaceable in disposition, and not inclined to quarrel, and, above all, fond of children. The Skye Terrier came in two varieties: one with pretty, long, hanging ears, and a tail which drooped gracefully to correspond; the other with pert little standing ears. Both of the little beasties had long coarse hair that, happily, notwithstanding its inconvenient length, did not curl or kink. A dog of this breed came in a choice in colors — black with sonic white hairs interspersed; fawn color with black or dark brown tips to the hairs; and light gray with black tips — which was the prettier and more desirable.
Then there was the Yorkshire — as to his qualifications for residence in a human family, opinions differed widely. For he was one of the dogs women were reproached with keeping, who required more care than an average child. He must not only be washed and dressed and fed as carefully as a child, but in addition he must be thoroughly brushed and groomed, from the tips of his sharply trimmed ears to the end of his docked tail. The Yorkshire needed a special attendant, who could give an hour or two daily to keeping his coat in order, and as much time to exercising him. If his hair tangled, which it had a fatal tendency to do, he was submitted to unlimited brushing; if he scratched himself — and what dog does not? — he was clad in mittens so that he could not relieve his torture. When the ordeal of his morning toilet was over, and the Yorkshire was well brushed and combed, he was eminently fitted to spend his day — or what was left of it — sleeping on a satin cushion in an upholstered dog-basket.
But the Yorkshire did not take the prize either for beauty or for care required to keep him in order — that belonged to the snowy bundle of hair named the Maltese. 
The Maltese was rarely seen in nineteenth century America and this creature was truly a martyr to beauty. The tail of the Maltese was as beautiful as the plume of the Persian cat, and was carried gracefully over the back as the cat carried his. His weight was seldom over six pounds. The whole animal looked more like a bit of bric-a-brac to adorn a drawing-room than like a dog. His coat was very long and light, and silvery white in color. He could hardly move without tangling it, and a tangle was a serious matter, requiring removal by drawing out one hair at a time. By no means dared one resort to so rude a process as brushing; indeed, so delicate is the texture, that nothing harsher than the softest baby's brush could ever be used on this dainty “creation.” If he had the misfortune to get a spot on his precious coat, no vulgar washing could remove it; it was cleaned as carefully as the most delicate fabric in the Victorian lady’s wardrobe. His regular bath was by no means a common washing; it was performed with a soft sponge, using a particular fluid made of fresh eggs and warm water, and administered with extraordinary care, to avoid tangles and colds, to which this pampered canine was exceedingly liable. The most scrupulous care was exercised about his food — little meat and no grease would go into his stomach. He would do without regular exercise, and—unfortunate creature!—he too wore mittens.
The King Charles and the Blenheim Spaniels were always beautiful and charming pets, whether they happened to be in fashion or not, and 
they had the advantage of not requiring such absolute and exclusive devotion that their mistress or their maid must sacrifice everything to their care. One could keep either of these dogs and still have time to read a little and entertain occasionally. The King Charles was a fine black with rich tan markings; the Blenheim, white with markings of red. Both had round heads, snub-noses, and projecting foreheads; eyes large and dark and far apart; ears set far down and very long, with heavy fringe of hair. The dog would not weigh more than eight or ten pounds; the hair of the body was soft and wavy but not curly, while on the docked tail it was very long and silky. More intelligent little fellows than these two Spaniels were hard to find. They delighted in learning tricks and going of errands about the house. They were devotedly attached to their friends, and in every way desirable.
The Toy Greyhound, however beautiful, was never, except in very warm weather, a pleasant object to have about, because he was always miserable and suffering with cold. He would wear a thick blanket out-of-doors, and even then it was painful to see him shrink and shiver. His most desirable color was clear fawn, of which there were no less than four shades— golden, doves, blue, and stone. Other colors were cream, red or yellow, black, and mixed. With this dog every pains were taken with his diet in order to preserve his chief distinction — a slim figure. He was lively and interesting in the house, unusually affectionate and good-tempered, but not remarkably intelligent. He was also painfully timid, which was a part of his nature. He was not very satisfactory as a pet, for he was always delicate in London climate, and needed particular care, such as bathing with a damp sponge only, followed by rubbing and careful wrapping up to prevent chill.
A rare choice in small house pets was the Japanese Spaniel, 
or, as some called him, the Japanese Pug. He was graceful in form, with a snub-nose, large dark eyes, long hanging ears, and a tail curled up like a Pug's. His coat was black and white in color and soft as silk. He could reach the weight of eight pounds, though if he did manage not to exceed three he was much more valuable. The aristocrat of the family had yellow instead of black to set off the white of his exquisite wavy coat. Both varieties were rare and costly even in Japan, and very difficult to procure in Victorian London. In earlier times none but the highest nobles were allowed to possess one. This little Japanese was one of the most intelligent of his race, affectionate, and exceedingly sensitive. He was also very active, and altogether a most attractive pet. He would be given the softest of cushions, the most comfortable of quarters, and the best of care to nourish.
COLIN PARK passed away this week having been ill for some time. Colin and wife Mary bred some beautiful Cavaliers under the Keyingham affix. The two most famous would be Ch Keyingham Rowena and the current Breed Record holder, Ch Keyingham Branwell (co owned and handled throughout his show career by close friend, Gill Baker (Nevhills Cavaliers). We send our heartfelt thoughts to Mary and their family at this sad time. I hope they take comfort in knowing how well thought of Colin was amongst his fellow Cavalier exhibitors and breeders. A gentle man who always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Rest in Peace, Colin.
ROCK ON - BILLY IDOL
Tasset Billy Idol, owned by Pauliina Lantta in Finland is now an International Champion (subject to FCI conformation) having won CACIBs in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithiania and Russia. He was bred in the UK by Anne Hall out of her Tasset Sweet Jasmine by Amantra Ventriloquist.
DREAM, DREAM, DREAM.....
Cherilyn Alport (Chelport Cavaliers) lives in South Australia and wishes a Happy 15th birthday to her Selcarim Dreamin' On."Geordie" was born on 18th December 1996 by Ch Chelport Mt Natutral ex Ch Selcarim Never Dreamt.
Her many successful descendants include Ch Chelport Sunsetter, her Ruby son, who is the history making Best in Show and multi BIG winner and his B&T litter sister, Ch Chelport Shadow Dancing JD SPD (now close to her Neuter Championship),
"Geordie" and many of her descendants took part in DNA testing for Episodic Falling/Dry Eye earlier this year, and all were clear. She is no "flash in the pan" age-wise, with 13 to 15 year olds quite common through these lines. Geords still has all her faculties, but the old girl is slowing down. Here's cheers to a beautiful old lady.
THE FULL MONTY
Champion Merseyport Thefull Monty, born in New South Wales, Australia, on 27th November 1997, has reached the grand old age of 14. His Sire was Grand Champion Byermoor Rainman Imp UK and his Dam was Ch Upperton Linette Imp UK. Bred and owned by Marilyn Madigan who writes "Monty" was the only puppy in the litter. I'm not sure I could have coped with two like him as from the moment his eyes opened he was into mischief and still is. He had a huge puppy coat which refused to drop and he usually brought half the garden, twigs, leaves and other things including slugs etc inside on his coat. 
He has been a great dog and wonderful companion and still tries to chase the ball but his arthritis tends to slow him down. He has produced 15 champion children, most of which have bred on to produce champions themselves. His youngest puppy is now 5 months old , a singleton just like his Dad. Monty survived a snake bite from a deadly Red Bellied Black Snake at 11 and no doubt tells of his heroic deeds to his grandchildren these days. We hope we have Mr Monty for some time yet, he's such a special boy and one I will remember for ever."
I had the pleasure of seeing Monty when he was a few months old. He is as handsome now as he was way back then!
MICKIE AND MINNIE
Bilateral cataracts robbed brother and sister Mickie and Minnie of their sight, so they led a very careful existence – one ruled by scents and sounds. But thanks to eye surgery their sight was restored and they are seeing new things every day. Mickie and Minnie have come a long way since Carol Reeves decided to foster the pups from the Many Tears Rescue in Cefneithin, Wales, when they were just 8-weeks-old. "I have a wonderful pack of cavaliers, so they did mix brilliantly with them," says Carol who runs an animal charity and fosters pets in her free time. "When the others sort of ran out and charged off, Mickie and Minnie stuck together. They cuddled together. They were more careful." The puppies' eyes were riddled with issues, including fibroids and retinal detachment, which made surgery very risky. But Vet Tim Knott, from Bristol, England, offered to fix their cataracts in April, when the dogs were just 6 months old. Though Minnie's left eye couldn't be saved, the pair are now fully recovered and run around the agility courses at Carol's home in Wiltshire, just like other dogs their age.
"Before, they didn't necessarily smell toys but now they see toys and they play tug of war," says Reeves. "They're much more aware of all those kinds of things. They don't have to be so nervous of anything really – they just lead a really normal life. The one thing that hasn't changed is their incredible bond. They're currently asleep next to me. On top of each other as usual. They are completely inseparable, they adore each other."
CAVALIERS AT COURT
Hilary Bartlett (Korolevsky) writes about how she was asked to arrange for some Cavaliers for a photo shoot for a BBC 4 Historical docufilm. "It features Lucy Worsley, the chief Historian and Archivist for the Royal Palaces. Here are the dogs and Lucy at Hampton Court Palace. The dogs were Jan Taylor's Black and Tan, Sandra Elkin's Blenheim, Barbara Billington's Ruby and my own Tricolour and Blenheim. The story tells of how the Palace buzzed with ladies and mistresses during the Reformation. All the girls behaved impeccably once we had hidden ourselves behind a large Yew tree. The Camera man was thrilled with the shots he took of them once my Imogen stopped being a wimp and crying for her mum!"
HOMERBRENT STILL REIGNS
"Dear Norma. Great news! Bob Crapp rang from Australia to say that Homerbrent Accolade is now an Australian Champion. Anne (Reddaway)"
Good to see that Molly's lifetime work is being successfully carried on. Daughter Anne and husband John are so proud.
CAVALIER STARLET
Look out for this movie where "Countess" the Cavalier, plays one of the leading roles. The movie is a High School Musical spin off.
JUDGING MAT-ERIAL
Congratulations are in order as Mat Morse (Matmor Cavaliers) in Melbourne Australia has gained his Group 2 (Terrier) judges licence. Mat is now licensed to judge Groups 1, 2, 3 & 7 at Championship Show level.
A big well done on your achievement, Mat
HAVE YOU SEEN HER?
A FAMILY are desperate for the safe return of their beloved pet dog and fear she has been snatched from her home and taken to south Buckinghamshire
"Ruby" has not been seen since November 29th when escaped from the Days' garden in the village of Great Haseley, near the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border. Caroline Day said: "My four year old daughter Ellie is absolutely distraught and doesn't want to celebrate Christmas until Ruby is home and has written to Father Christmas asking for him to bring her back. She is convinced that he will bring Ruby home for her as he is magic. It's absolutely heartbreaking. She escaped from the garden and probably whilst trying to find her way home has been picked up by someone who saw her wandering along the road. She may well have been taken to somewhere in the Buckinghamshire area. The whole family is feeling so desperate about the situation and don't know what to do next."
The Day family have offered a reward for Ruby's safe return. They describe her as copper coloured, very friendly and very tiny. She was not wearing a collar at the time she went missing after being clipped, but is microchipped.
Anyone who has seen Ruby should call 07507 563183 or 07754 890265.
SAM IS SICK
Sam Chambers although a Japanese Chin enthusiast, is a regular around 
the Cavalier ring. We were sorry to hear she is in hospital after developing a very toxic infection and likely to be there over Christmas. So she needs lots of cheering up. Get well soon, Sam.
25th DECEMBER 2011
