King Charles spaniel

American  

[king chahrlz span-yuhl] / ˈkɪŋ ˈtʃɑrlz ˈspæn jəl /

noun

1. one of a breed of small dogs that resemble the closely related cavalier King Charles spaniel, but which are somewhat smaller, have a shorter muzzle, an upturned nose, and sometimes a slight wave or curl to their coat.

   As is typical of the breed, both of our King Charles spaniels are very playful and affectionate.

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King Charles spaniel British  

noun

1. a toy breed of spaniel with a short turned-up nose and a domed skull

2. a similar breed that is slightly larger and has a longer nose

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Etymology

Origin of King Charles spaniel

First recorded in 1895–1900; named after Charles II of England from his liking for this variety

Example Sentences

Bozy, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, almost didn’t make it a year.

From Slate • Aug. 11, 2024

The series ended with Charlotte and her second husband Harry walking their Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies, awaiting Lily, an adopted baby girl from China.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2023

On it was once an auburn-coated King Charles spaniel, wearing a vermilion bow and looking our way.

From New York Times • May 11, 2023

There was a Labrador retriever, a Leonberger, a cavalier King Charles spaniel, a cavapoochon, a French bulldog, a wheaten terrier and two vizslas.

From Washington Post • Mar. 7, 2023

I wonder a woman like that can bear him to come near her, but she pets the baboon as if he were a King Charles spaniel.

From Prince Fortunatus by Black, William