In July 2014, Soldier injured his left eye, resulting in a lacerated cornea. Even though all the right treatment options were provided to him, Soldier developed glaucoma, and his left eye was removed in August 2014. However, this has not slowed him down in the slightest, and he has successfully fulfilled the criteria to earn titles in several performance disciplines, including Obedience, Rally, Tracking, Track and Search, Agility, Dances With Dogs, and Endurance.
In spite of his missing eye, Soldier is a lovely, well put together little dog, and in May 2017 he earned his final points towards his Neutered Champion title. His achievements in the show ring include multiple
Neuter of Breed certificates (against competition) and Best Neuter in Group awards, a Runner Up Best Neuter in Show (all breeds), and a Reserve Neuter Dog certificate at the 2022 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Victoria’s specialty show.
Soldier earned his Tracking Champion and Dual Champion titles in 2023, and followed this up with his Rally Champion and Triple Champion titles in 2024. At the time of writing, Soldier is only the third Cavalier in Australia to qualify for the titles of Dual Champion and Triple Champion.
Soldier is a shy little personality, but always gives me his best in whatever we try together. While he has achieved highly across various dog sports, he has also taught me the value of celebrating the small wins.
I am a better person and a better trainer for what this precious little soul is teaching me.
2014 - Rally Novice title
2014 - Rally Advanced title
2015 - Rally Excellent title
2015 - Community Companion Dog title
2015 - Jumping Dog title
2016 - Endurance Test title (fourth CKCS in Victoria)
2017 - Rally Advanced Excellent title
2017 - Neutered Champion title
2017 - Snooker Dog title
2019 - Tracking Dog title
2019 - Heelwork to Music Starter title
2019 - Rally Master title
2019 - Freestyle Starter title
2023 - Freestyle Novice title
2023 - Heelwork to Music Novice title
2023 - Tracking Dog Excellent title
2023 - Tracking Champion title
2023 - Dual Champion title (third CKCS in Australia)
2024 - Rally Champion
2024 - Triple Champion title (third CKCS in Australia)
2024 - Track and Search Dog title
“What a privilege to judge this 9 year old tricolour boy and I am in awe of all the wonderful awards this dog has achieved. It bought back many happy memories of a very important tricolour dog in my own life. He was always at one with his handler and showed his heart out, Just not quite the coat and finish of number one.” Reserve Neuter Dog Certificate.
- Ms Janine King (“Nidra”) (NZ)