Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in History

(Children of Charles I by Sir Anthony Van Dyke showing the future King Charles II with his sisters and two family dogs.) These toy spaniels were a favorite among royal in the 16th, 17th, and 18th century. They can be found among their royal owners in paintings by famous artist such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough. The spaniels in those paintings had flat heads, high-set ears, and longish noses. They have since been bred to have lower-set ears and shorter snouts. These little spaniels were favorites among the royal and noble in England. Mary Queen of Scotts had a toy spaniel who accompanied her walk to her beheading, and her grandson, Charles I, her great-grandson, Charles II – whom which this dog breed was named after – loved these precious angels as well. It’s said that King Charles II never went anywhere without at least two or three of these little spaniels. He even decreed that the spaniels should be allowed in any public place, including the House of Parliament. It’s claimed that the decree is still in effect today, though no one has tested it recently to see if that is true.

In modern times, President Reagan was a joyful owner of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed, with his dog Rex. The Dancing with the Stars judge, Julianne Hough, owns a Blenheim and a black and white cavalier. Frank Sinatra loves his Cavalier, Courtney Cox has two of these beautiful babies, Jennifer Love Hewitt proudly own a Blenheim Cavalier, Brad Paisley and his wife grace their family with one of these angels, and even Mickey Rooney is a proud owner. The list goes on and on of all the many people who adore these beautiful dogs.

(photo courtesy of Google stock images)

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