The Cavalier King Charles spaniel (sometimes called “Spaniel Gentle” or “Comforter”) has been for centuries the favorite of aristocrats. During the 13th century, gobelin tapestries and paintings portrayed a small sized god similar to the spaniel, who later (in the 16th century) became very famous amongst the nobility in England. The Cavalier King Charles spaniels were associated with luxury and it seems they had no other purpose but to serve as companion pets to wealthy people. At that time, middle class people could not afford the luxury of housing and feeding a non utility dog.

King Charles I was so fascinated by small sized spaniels (one of his favorites being the Cavalier King Charles spaniel) that the breed was eventually named after him. King Charles II, the heir of King Charles I, was the one that perpetuated the breed and it was said about him that “His Majesty was seldom seen without his little dogs”.

In 1996 the Cavalier King Charles spaniel was recognized by the Kennel Club as a member of the “toy” dog group and, later in 2007 (according to the Kennel Club) the Cavalier was the 6th most popular dog in the United Kingdom with 11,422 registrations in a single year.

There are two distinctive features that separate the Cavalier King Charles spaniel from the King Charles Spaniel (a breed that the Cavalier is often confused with) those being the body height and the shape of the muzzle. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel has a slightly rounded head, big, round dark eyes and a conical muzzle. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel has a medium length silky coat that can come in four varieties of colors: Blenheim (from light brown to red spots on a white background), tricolor (black and dark brown spots on a white background), black with tan and Ruby (ruby red).

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a joyful, funny and always ready for stunts dog.  He is very playful and he loves being involved in family activities especially if games are included. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel adores the moments when he is spoiled by family members. Being in his nature a native companion with an extrovert temperament, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is inseparable from his master. He is very protective and can sometimes be noisy when sensing an intruder. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a sweet and affectionate dog that has always been popular for his devotion and loyalty to his family. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel will be extremely happy in a small apartment as well as in a big farm as long as he is near his owner.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniels impress through their sharp intelligence, calm temperaments and mannered behaviors but they also possess a strong will. Being equipped with a sharp intelligence and a playful attitude, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel will find any training session as a game and he will enjoy performing tricks for his owner anytime as long as compliments and treats will be his rewards.  Always being cheerful the Cavalier King Charles spaniels are known to “suffer” from a “contagious” good mood.