History

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is named for King Charles II of Britain and descended from the King Charles Spaniel. In the late 17th century the King Charles was bred with pugs, creating a smaller, more flat-nosed dog with bigger eyes. In 1920s London, a prize was offered to anyone who could present a King Charles Spaniel with a longer nose, honoring that of King Charles II himself, as depicted in Sir Anthony Van Dyck’s paintings. The winner was a dog named Ann’s Son, owned by Mostyn Walker. The modern version of the King Charles was given the name Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and classified as a separate breed in the 1940s.

Personality

Tails Always Wagging The Cavalier King may have royalty-inspired origins, but he won’t snub anyone. He’s a happy little guy, always up for some company. He’s as social as a dog gets with people, dogs, and other animals alike.
TV or the Park? These guys are people pleasers, and can always intuit what you want from them. They’re up for anything, whether it’s a run in the park, curling up on the couch next to you while you read a magazine, or watching the latest episode of Mad Men.
Dog on the Run One tricky thing about the Cavalier is his tendency to chase after things. This means he’s always up for a game of Frisbee, but letting him off the leash can be dangerous in an open area. He’ll chase after anything, from a tennis ball to a Toyota to an airplane, so be careful!

Care

Apartment Compatible The Cavalier is a little guy and can get along in an apartment just fine. A fenced-in backyard is nice, but as long as he gets a daily walk and has some space to run around indoors, it’s not mandatory.
Squeaky Clean Cavaliers need to be brushed at least once a week, and should receive an occasional bath. His coat gets tangled pretty easily, so be sure to check it often. With a name like Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, these guys clearly are superior pets. They become more and more popular every year and make perfect companions.