Having a hard time deciding which puppy to pick. The breeder is giving us the option of two that would be the best fit. The tri is absolutely perfect in terms of coat and coloring. Absolutely gorgeous. A little more spazy than the Blenheim but the breeder said he will be perfectly sweet. The Blenheim is your typical over the top sweet cavalier but I dislike marking on his muzzle. It’s not the typical all white, one side has a huge tan marking and it bothers me. Both are from health tested parents with great temperaments. Which would you get?! I can also wait 5 weeks for a Blenheim with perfect markings. We currently have a Blenheim.
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Blenheim or Tri puppy?!
- Thread starter RN24
- Start date
I think it is entirely personal preference! 
There's really no such thing as 'perfect' markings TBH and tan on the muzzle would not be an issue even if you were showing, a judge would primarily be looking for a dog that was otherwise show-worthy in structure, movement etc. 
So many more factors are considered more important even for these dogs considered the best examples of the breed, than markings. However if it bothers you I definitely would not get a puppy where you would have any aspect of dislike against that pup for its lifetime. Opt for the tricolour if you like that puppy and want a tri? Or I'd wait for a Blenheim with markings you prefer. But honestly I'd be a bit cautious to be thinking in terms of 'perfect markings' as there are plenty of champion dogs without pure white muzzles! And without Blenheim spots, for that matter -- markings are probably about the lowest element evaluated by any judge. So: go with your personal preference. FWIW my breeder friends in cavaliers and other breeds say the personality of the puppy doesn't necessarily translate at all to the adult! One friend says she regularly sees the liveliest ones end up the most laid back adults and vice versa 
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There's really no such thing as 'perfect' markings TBH and tan on the muzzle would not be an issue even if you were showing, a judge would primarily be looking for a dog that was otherwise show-worthy in structure, movement etc. So many more factors are considered more important even for these dogs considered the best examples of the breed, than markings. However if it bothers you I definitely would not get a puppy where you would have any aspect of dislike against that pup for its lifetime. Opt for the tricolour if you like that puppy and want a tri? Or I'd wait for a Blenheim with markings you prefer. But honestly I'd be a bit cautious to be thinking in terms of 'perfect markings' as there are plenty of champion dogs without pure white muzzles! And without Blenheim spots, for that matter -- markings are probably about the lowest element evaluated by any judge. So: go with your personal preference. FWIW my breeder friends in cavaliers and other breeds say the personality of the puppy doesn't necessarily translate at all to the adult! One friend says she regularly sees the liveliest ones end up the most laid back adults and vice versa .
Rowanfae
Member
I’m not an expert on Cavaliers at all, so I’ll just give you my thoughts. My Blenheim had the most perfect markings on her face as a little girl. Then one day she got tan markings on one side of her lips. She looks like she forgot to put all her lipstick on. My B&T at 8 months is starting to get some lighter color on his ears. So it seems the coloring changes some as they grow. Tillie was a silly puppy and uncontrollable until she turned 10 months. Then she grew up and is the most laid back dog I have ever had. Ollie was called Crazy Man, but at 8 months he is now the cuddliest boy ever. As Karlin says, Puppy personality (and markings) doesn’t always translate to the adult. I also agree with her….if you don’t like the look of the puppy now, you will always dislike its looks. And what does that say to the puppy that you can’t love it unconditionally.