Breed Education Day 7th December 2025, speaker Frank Kane, venue Thopre Willoughby Village Hall YO8 9PA
I had a thoroughly enjoyable morning today speaking at the Breed Appreciation Day for the Northern Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Society with secretary Alison Walker and her team, a very friendly bunch. I always say that the success of a seminar depends on the dogs which are present for discussion and examination, so I was delighted that there was a very good lineup of 10 dogs to be seen, standing and moving, followed by a discussion with mentors. There were also a couple of King Charles Spaniels present to illustrate the differences between the two breeds. My thanks to Alison and her committee for organising the event and to the generous owners of the dogs bringing their much-loved dogs for scrutiny: it is a very public-spirited gesture for the benefit of the breed in that it helps aspiring judges to gain a deeper knowledge. The audience was made up of some Cavalier specialists wanting to learn more and some very experienced championship judges of other breeds, attending to listen and learn, and hoping to achieve the necessary qualifications for moving on. A good mix and a very relaxed atmosphere.
Frank speaking about the day
With his model Glen and Alison (handling)
Using tape to visualise construction
When I started speaking at breed seminars some 40 years ago, seminars were relatively new. I remember speaking on American Cockers for the Gundog Breeds Association of Scotland, one of the first societies to host multi-breed talks. That seminar was in the lecture theatre of Stirling University, if I remember correctly, and Rae Furness, the Raycroft expert, was speaking on Irish Setters. Richmond Societies Dog Talks followed, and I well remember the talks hosted and sponsored by Dog World for a selection of promising judges (limited to 24 students, if I believe.) Mrs Sutton was the MC, and there was a fantastic range of speakers and canine models attending the weekend courses. Michael Boothroyd. Jimmy Cudworth, Zena Thorn Andrews, Brenda Banbury, Nick Waters. Michael Quinney, all fàmous names in their breeds and all there as speakers and learners, and I will never forget the attendance of the famous Yorkshire CH BLAIRSVILLE ROYAL SEAL with Brian Lister in attendance. One night, there was a fire alarm at around 2 am, and we had to evacuate the hotel in various states of dress and unkemptness. Brian came downstairs fully clothed and wearing a collar and a tie, and with the Royal Seal safe in his little crate, looking ready to go off to a show.
The difference between a King Charles and a Cavalier King Charles
The only four recognised colours of Cavaliers (l-r) Blenheim, Ruby, Black & Tan, Tri Colour
Showing Cavaliers at different age ranges.
I’ll discuss that another time!
Talking about education, my book “Judging the Gundog Breeds” is available here
