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

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

Since the pandemic, these distressing behaviors have become part of the daily routine with Milton and Rufus, both mixes of poodle and Cavalier King Charles spaniel, known to their faithful as cavapoos.

From New York Times • May 19, 2022

Princess Margaret, the sister of Queen Elizabeth II, was a proud owner of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

From Salon • Mar. 2, 2022

With her right hand she caresses a little King Charles spaniel perched on the table.

From The Standard Galleries - Holland by Singleton, Esther