Breed History
A life of luxury, love, and napping under skirts....
The overwhelming majority of dogs who were around in the 1500s were working dogs. Not so for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs were bred from day one to live a life of luxury and comfort in exchange for affection. Back in the Tudor period, aristocrats and royals would keep these devilish little charmers around as companions. This breed had it so easy that when it was hot out, they would plop down under the umbrella of the expansive skirts of the time and take a nap.
While always a successful breed, it was King Charles II who really made them famous. Everywhere he went, he had not just one but several of these dogs in his entourage. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel eventually made their way to the United States in 1952. The breed was slow to reach popularity, but when they were adopted, it was often by members of the US aristocracy! President Ronald Reagan, Frank Sinatra, Lauren Bacall, and many other celebrities all had them as pets.
Whether it's luck or skill, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have never wanted for a comfy home. Recognized by the AKC in 1995, these dogs live today much as they did hundreds of years ago, in comfort and ready to give plentiful affection on demand.