Five Fab Facts About the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to Brighten Your Day

As far as pups go, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a lovely athletic dog with a royal pedigree and a penchant for cuddling up on your lap. Small in stature but big in love, these pups are classified by the American Kennel Club as members of the Toy Group. They are friendly with strangers, children, and other dogs when properly socialized. They thrive in the company of humans, and as a result, they make excellent house pets. Despite their dainty appearance, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are highly agile and may be great hunting companions.

However, there’s more to this fluffy pooch than meets the eye. We’re here to give you the lowdown on what makes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel the most exciting dog breed on the block.

1. A Royal Canine Connection

The toy Spaniel was the ancestor of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Although the toy Spaniel was extremely popular from the 16th to the 18th century, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a relatively young breed. The dogs got their name from King Charles II, who was a huge fan. Rumor had it that the monarch required the company of no less than three Spaniels everywhere he went!

Due to his prominence, the Cavalier King moniker is also associated with the breed. Sadly, the demise of King Charles II in 1685 marked the beginning of the end for the breed's popularity, which eventually gave way to that of other dogs like the Pug.

2. The Breed Had Two Types

There was a noticeable change in the appearance of King Charles Spaniels in the 20s when their heads became dome-like, and their muzzles became stubby and shorter. Some might find these qualities appealing, but American enthusiast Roswell Eldridge was pining for the Spaniels to be portrayed in artworks beside King Charles II.

Since they had already spent so much time refining the short-nosed variety, breeders had no desire to take up the task, especially since those early breeders who did try it were mocked. Yet curiosity rose, and eventually, a dedicated group of breeders stepped up to the plate. So that it wouldn't be confused with its larger-breed relatives, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was officially named.

3. The Spaniel Acts as a Designated Flea Magnet

According to some researchers, lapdogs like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel were formerly employed to help stop the spread of illnesses like the plague. People used to buy them in hopes that fleas would bite them instead of their human friends. The idea was to allow them to be in bed with their owners. Definitely an itchy job, but we're lucky these pooches are up to the task!

4. They Became a Presidential Favorite

For Christmas in 1985, President Reagan gifted Nancy Reagan a Cavalier called Rex. As the "first dog," Rex was tasked with using his paw to switch on the holiday lights, which he did with ease. He was dubbed the “first dog” and lived an affluent lifestyle, complete with a fancy doghouse made especially for him.

Aside from the framed photographs of his owners that adorned the walls, the inside was decorated with crimson draperies. A replica of the White House, complete with carpet from Reagan's private retreat at Camp David, was given to Rex as a gift after he left office.

5. Four Colors to Choose From

Each of the four cavy color varieties has its name. First, the tri-colored ones are called Prince Charles, the black and tan combo are referred to as King Charles, Ruby for mahogany-tinted mutts, and Blenheim for the traditional chestnut and white.

Interestingly, the term Blenheim was inspired by how the former Duke of Marlborough left to join the Battle of Blenheim while his duchess stayed behind to attend to the Spaniel pups. The duke's wife had a habit of calming the dog and herself by pressing her thumb to the dog's forehead. As soon as word came that the fight had been won, the puppies were born with bright red markings. Thanks to this association with the Battle of Blenheim, the term “Blenheim spot” was coined.

Hopefully, these trivia tidbits will help aspiring “cavie” owners learn more about this beautiful breed. They’re not all fluff; Cavalier King Charles spaniels are also rich in history and culture. Not many pups can brag about that, right?