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King Charles spaniel

American  
[king chahrlz span-yuhl] / ˈkɪŋ ˈtʃɑrlz ˈspæn yəl /

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Specific dog breeds at increased risk include chow chows, bulldogs, French bulldogs, dogue de Bordeaux, greyhounds, boxers, English springer spaniels, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, pugs, golden retrievers and Staffordshire bull terriers.

From Los Angeles Times

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

But recent research and extensive restoration of the painting for an exhibition revealed an auburn-coated King Charles spaniel with a red bow.

From New York Times

The King Charles spaniel in the foreground of this scene escaped effacement.

From New York Times

Cavalier King Charles spaniels are named not for the current sovereign but for 17th-century predecessors Charles I and especially Charles II, who was known for his fondness for wee spaniels.

From Seattle Times