Dog With a Heart of Gold

What is common to Mary Queen of Scots, President Ronald Reagan, Princess Margaret and Micky Rooney? They all owned Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and adored them. Queen Victoria’s beloved Cavalier was named ‘Dash’. On his tomb stone she wrote:

- Babu Attokaran

‘He (Dash) died on the 20th December 1840 in his 9th year. His attachment was without selfishness, his playfulness without malice, his fidelity without deceit’

That is a fitting description of the smallest of the spaniels. The breed is very affectionate, patient, playful and has a life mission of pleasing the masters. They love human company especially that of children. They are not at all aggressive and are prime candidates for getting dognapped!

They stood 5th in popularity in UK in 2008 but have been losing ground since then.

They are classified under Toy breeds and probably one of the largest in that category. They stand 12-13 inches in height and may weigh up to 8.5Kg. They come in 4 beautiful colors. Blenheim (rich chestnut markings on pearly white background), Ruby (dark chestnut), Tricolor and black (with tan markings).