May 30th is Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Day! Whether they are running after a ball, chasing a squirrel, taking a nap, or begging for treats, these sweet, super cute pups can put a smile on anyone’s face. A Marietta, GA vet discusses these royal favorites below.
History
The King Charles Spaniel has been around since the Renaissance era. King Charles I and his son, Charles II, were both big fans of the adorable little dogs, and are responsible for giving Fido his name. (No word yet on what the newly-crowned Charles III thinks of them, but we do know that he’s a fan of the Jack Russell Terrier.)
The Name Game
There are actually two King Charles Spaniels, and they’re both adorable. The Cavalier King Charles has straight hair and a long snout, while the King Charles sports waves and an upturned snub nose.
Coat
The Cavalier can choose between four outfits: ruby, tricolor, black and tan, and chestnut on white, which is called Blenheim. Interestingly, each color was originally associated with a specific noble family.
Personality
As you may know, many toy breeds were bred for one purpose and one purpose only: to cuddle their humans. Fido still takes this duty very seriously, and tends to be very sweet and affectionate. He’s also great with kids!
Energy Levels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are popular with apartment dwellers, and with good reason. They’re small enough to get into places with size restrictions. They’re also pretty friendly. Fido also won’t need too much exercise: regular walks and playtime should do just fine as far as workout requirements go.
Star Power
The Cavalier King Charles may look familiar to Sex And The City fans: Charlotte York adopted one, which she named Elizabeth Taylor. Little Liz had a wild day at the dog park in one episode, which resulted in a guest appearance by a litter of adorable puppies.
Fun Facts
Fido is quite popular today, but he almost didn’t make it to the modern era. Because they were known favorites of the Stuart line, it became dangerous to own the spaniels once the Tudors—who were pug fans—took power. World War II also took a toll on their numbers. Fortunately, the Cavalier King Charles is in a much better place today!
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