What Is A Cavalier King Charles?

History and Origin

There were already spaniels in the 16th-century England. King Charles II, whom we’ve talked about before, allowed these little dogs to run the place – in public and even in Parliament!

But where did the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel come from?

In this case, the parent breed was Toy Spaniels, which were initially bred for company but also for hunting birds and small animals. During the Victorian era, however, likings moved towards dogs with short noses and heads like domes. The result was a spaniel at the cost of the ‘original’ long-nosed spaniels. This change nearly led to the disappearance of these dogs.

In the 1920s, a wealthy American, Roswell Eldridge, said, ‘Back to the original!’ He offered a reward at the Crufts dog show for breeders who could establish the best ‘old-type’ spaniels again. Eventually, this led to the restoration of the King Charles Spaniel as a definite breed, characterized by its longer muzzle and flatter scull. The word ‘Cavalier’ was added to identify the breed.

Officially, the breed was in 1945 recognized by the British Kennel Club and about 50 years later by the American Kennel Club (in 1996.)

History and Origin

There were already spaniels in the 16th-century England. King Charles II, whom we’ve talked about before, allowed these little dogs to run the place – in public and even in Parliament!

But where did the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel come from?

In this case, the parent breed was Toy Spaniels, which were initially bred for company but also for hunting birds and small animals. During the Victorian era, however, likings moved towards dogs with short noses and heads like domes. The result was a spaniel at the cost of the ‘original’ long-nosed spaniels. This change nearly led to the disappearance of these dogs.

In the 1920s, a wealthy American, Roswell Eldridge, said, ‘Back to the original!’ He offered a reward at the Crufts dog show for breeders who could establish the best ‘old-type’ spaniels again. Eventually, this led to the restoration of the King Charles Spaniel as a definite breed, characterized by its longer muzzle and flatter scull. The word ‘Cavalier’ was added to identify the breed.

Officially, the breed was in 1945 recognized by the British Kennel Club and about 50 years later by the American Kennel Club (in 1996.)

Fun Facts about Cavaliers

• King Charles II’s Favorite Breed. The ‘Merry Monarch’ loved spaniels. He was always surrounded by these (often unhousebroken) doggies, and they followed him everywhere.
• A lap warmer, anyone? King Charles Cavalier Spaniels’ small, warm bodies were perfect for cold winters in drafty castles. They sure kept their owners warm! The breed was also thought to repel fleas and diseases.
• Spaniels in ancient art and TV. Sir Anthony van Dyck, in the early 1600s, painted them resting in the laps of royalty and nobles. Jumping back to the 21st century, in ‘Sex and the City’, Charlotte York’s favorite puppy, Elizabeth Taylor, was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
• Natural Therapy Dogs. The gentle Cavalier King is a great therapy dog. Hospitals, nursing homes, and schools appreciate their potential to build strong emotional relationships and comfort people. Cavaliers are often used in programs to soothe autistic and anxious children.

5 More Fun Facts About Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

• The breed’s nickname is the ‘Love Sponge.’
• They ‘smile’ due to their slightly upturned mouth.
• Despite their lapdog reputation, Cavaliers still have a strong prey drive. It comes from their hunting ancestors!
• In dog smarts, Cavaliers are deemed only ‘average’ in working intelligence but excel in emotional intelligence.
• Due to their vulnerability to genetic health issues, breeding Cavaliers is forbidden in Norway.

Conclusion

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as a breed is perfect as a companion for singles and families. Their DNA plays a vital role in hybrid breeds like the Cavapoo.

Although taking care of a Cavalier is fulfilling, it comes with obligations. The breed loves company, and you can’t leave them alone all day. They also need regular grooming. Cavaliers will surely thrive in homes where they are cherished and valued.

Do you love puppy kisses? This breed will show you how it is done. A Cavalier might not be the ideal fit, though, if you enjoy not getting licked—you will only break their heart.

Check out our health guaranteed Cavapoo puppies for Sale.