9781422279311

Tracing back in time The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gets his name from King Charles II (1630-1685) and his courtiers. But it is believed that most toy spaniels (and the ancestors of today’s Cavalier) originated in the Far East as far back as the 12th and 13th centuries. Different types of toy spaniels that could have had an influence on the Cavalier breed were developed all over Europe. But perhaps the one that was most like the present-day Cavalier is believed to have come from either Holland or France. These toy spaniels were favored by the aristocrats of the day, and were especially valued as ladies’ companions. They have always had a strong connection with royalty; Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587) held toy spaniels in high regard, and she is thought to have brought several dogs to Britain from France. When she was executed, a small black and white spaniel was found hiding among her skirts. It was during the reign of Charles II that these little spaniels real- ly became royalty. No public buildings were off limits to the king’s spaniels, and he insisted they accompany him everywhere—even on state occasions. The diarist Samuel Pepys noted, “All I observed, there was the silliness of the King playing with his dog, all the while not minding the business.” William III came to the throne in 1689, and during his reign toy spaniels were usurped in popularity by Pugs he brought over from the Netherlands. However, they were restored to favor largely due to the efforts of John Churchill, First Duke of Marlborough. Not only was he a great soldier, he was also an avid dog breeder. He bred a strain of small chestnut and white spaniels who were keen to re- trieve, but equally content to be lapdogs for the ladies in court. One of Churchill’s greatest military successes was the Battle of Blenheim in 1704, which gives rise to one of the most famous stories about the Cavalier. It is said that while Churchill was waging war

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