I don't know if you've got a copy of the breed standard but I have copied it out for you. I have highlighted the bits to do with bone and conformation if that will help you a bit.
I'm not sure whether the bone structure has developed over time. The breed standard was drawn up specifying what the cavalier should look like in the first place. So that was the ideal from the beginning.
You might be able to order some books on the Cavalier from your local library (cheap option
), there are lots to choose from if you google them first.
General Appearance
Active, graceful and well balanced, with gentle expression.
CharacteristicsSporting, affectionate, absolutely fearless.
TemperamentGay, friendly, non-aggressive; no tendency to nervousness.
Head and SkullSkull almost flat between ears. Stop shallow. Length from base of stop to tip of nose about 3.8 cms (11/2 ins). Nostrils black and well developed without flesh marks, muzzle well tapered. Lips well developed but not pendulous. Face well filled below eyes. Any tendency to snipiness undesirable.
EyesLarge, dark, round but not prominent; spaced well apart.
EarsLong, set high, with plenty of feather.
MouthJaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Moderate length, slightly arched.
Forequarters
Chest moderate, shoulders well laid back; straight legs moderately boned.
Body
Short-coupled with good spring of rib. Level back.
Hindquarters
Legs with moderate bone; well turned stifle – no tendency to cowhocks or sickle-hocks.
Feet
Compact, cushioned and well feathered.
TailLength of tail in balance with body, well set on, carried happily but never much above the level of the back. Docking previously optional when no more than one-third was to be removed.
Gait/Movement
Free-moving and elegant in action, plenty of drive from behind. Forelegs and hindlegs move parallel when viewed from in front and behind.
CoatLong, silky, free from curl. Slight wave permissible. Plenty of feathering. Totally free from trimming.
ColourColour Recognised colours are:
Black and Tan: raven black with tan markings above the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest and legs and underside of tail. Tan should be bright. White marks undesirable.
Ruby: whole coloured rich red. White markings undesirable.
Blenheim: rich chestnut markings well broken up, on pearly white ground. Markings evenly divided on head, leaving room between ears for much valued lozenge mark or spot (a unique characteristic of the breed).
Tricolour: black and white well spaced, broken up, with tan markings over eyes, cheeks, inside ears, inside legs, and on underside of tail.
Any other colour or combination of colours highly undesirable.
SizeWeight: 5.4-8.2 kgs (12-18 lbs). A small, well balanced dog well within these weights desirable.
FaultsAny departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
NoteMale animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
