Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the most popular toy dog breeds in England and are rising in popularity in the United States too. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are popular because they are a loyal companion and have a gentle and sweet nature, making them an ideal breed of dog for a family. These toy spaniels are also small and love to please; it is probably no surprise that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have had many famous owners including royal kings and queens and celebrity movie stars.
Early Royal Owners of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Although the early history of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as known today, is difficult to date, certain types of King Charles Spaniels were around as far back as the 16th century. The small, spaniel type dogs were popular in the English royal courts of King Henry VII (1509 – 1547) and were owned by King Charles I (1600 -1649), King Charles II (1630 -1685) and King James II (1633 - 1701).
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels - the Comforter
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were known by the name “comforter” because they were essentially lap dogs for the Royal ladies of the Court; spaniels could be found either on a lady's lap or beneath her long skirts. Despite their association as a lap dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also had a practical use. It was believed by many that the small spaniel kept away fleas from their owner and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was accredited with keeping their owner free from the 1665 Great Plague epidemic of England.
King Charles II and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels gained their royal name from King Charles II, otherwise known as the “Cavalier King.” King Charles II was besotted with the small toy spaniel and had several dogs running around the royal palaces. It is said that King Charles II issued a royal decree that stated the little dog could not be denied access to any public place.
Queen Victoria and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Queen Victoria of England (1819 -1901) was given a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, called Dash, as a gift in 1833. Queen Victoria was devoted to her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and it is said that she even came home to give Dash a bath on the day of her coronation as Queen of England. When Dash died in 1840, she buried him herself and put up the tombstone:
“His attachment was without selfishness; his playfulness without malice; his fidelity without deceit. Reader if you live beloved, and die regretted, profit by the example of Dash.”
Celebrity Owners of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Today, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are owned by many movie stars, actors and actresses. The 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan (1911 – 2004) also owned a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Celebrity owners of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels include:
- actress Lauren Bacall
- actress Courtney Cox and actor David Arquette
- actress Liv Tyler
- actress Teri Hatcher
- actress Jennifer Love Hewitt
- actor Sylvester Stallone
- singer and actor Frank Sinatra
- actor Mickey Rooney.
The Loyalty of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
In case there was any doubt as to the devotion and loyalty of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, consider the case of Mary Queen of Scots who was beheaded in 1587. The small toy spaniel, believed to be a predecessor of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was hidden beneath her long skirts when she was beheaded. The dog reputedly refused to leave his mistress' side and allegedly died from grief a few days later. The toy spaniel of King Charles I also apparently accompanied his master to the the king's 1649 execution.
Owners of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
A family that chooses a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel today as a pet will be rewarded with a lifetime of love, loyalty and devotion. This particular breed of dog is as happy at the beach or in the city. All that really matters to a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is that he is not left alone for long period of times to become bored and lonely – and, of course, that he has a lap to sit on.
References:
- BBC web site, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, accessed August 6, 2010
- author's own experience of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
