Wed, 06 May 2026 15:55:45 +0000

The Spaniel That Walked with Kings: How King Charles Shaped the Cavalier King’s Legacy When many think of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they envision a small, loving companion—a breed steeped in royal history and regal elegance. But behind the soft eyes and silken coat lies a noble legacy deeply intertwined with England’s monarchy, particularly under King Charles I and his son, King Charles II. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owes much of its distinguished appearance and cherished status not just to selective breeding, but to the profound influence of British royalty, most notably King Charles II himself. ### A Royal Obsession with Comfort and Companionship King Charles I, after whom the breed is traditionally named, was famously fond of small, affectionate dogs during the 17th century. His love for Spaniels—then known as “sprittoffs” or “large dogges”—reflected the era’s shift toward compact, lap-friendly canines beloved by nobility. Though not yet formalized into a separate breed, these dogs walked the king’s side and earned a place in aristocratic life.