When I started my search for a dog, I knew the right thing to do was to get a rescue dog from a shelter. I've heard rescue dogs can turn out to be really amazing pets, but I also know that rescue dogs are also sometimes given up due to behavior or health problems. What if the rescue dog was part terrier and tried to kill our cat? Or ended up needing vigorous exercise at least twice a day? The thing about a rescue dog is that you are getting a mixed bag that may include some traits that would not fit with your lifestyle, your cat, or your small yard. With a pure bred you know what you are getting on a general level. Yes, all dogs have different personalities, but you know for instance that a lab will need exercise and that beagle will bark. So I decided to fork over the big bucks, risk hereditary health problems, be a spoiled brat, and get a pure bred dog. Before I post a blog about about our dog Lulu, I must say a little bit about the best breed of dog in the world: the cavalier king charles spaniel!
I have to start by saying that I love spaniels in general having grown up with cocker spaniels. I love their silky hair, droopy ears, big eyes and loving personalities. There are actually over 20 different popular breeds of spaniels around today. According to Wikipedia, spaniels most likely originated from Spain (hence the name) and were bread to hunt birds and fowl. (This birding instinct is still strong in Lulu.)
The cavalier king charles spaniel was bred down over time to become the perfect lap dog. The breed was actually popularized in the 16th century by the royal family and was given the name "King Charles" because the kids in the household of Charles I were said to have a dog that resembled a Blenheim, or a white and reddish-brown coloring. King Charles II was said to be so completely obsessed with these dogs that he ignored his kingly duties... he even declared an edict that all toy spaniels were allowed to enter every public building including the Parliament. Hope they had someone around cleaning up all that dooky!
There are four different colorings of the cavalier king charles spaniel:
The ruby (solid red)
The Blenheim (red with white markings- most popular coloring)
The black and tan (black with tan eyebrows, muzzle and belly)
The tricolor (a black and tan coloring with white markings)
Lulu is a black and tan. I originally really wanted a female tricolor, but found little Lu (originally named Princess- haha) on the internet for a cheaper price than what I had been seeing! Apparently the black and tan is the least popular coloring of all the cavaliers so no wonder she was priced a little less... I happen to think black and tan is a beautiful coloring so people don't know what they are missing (yes, I also happen to be biased.)
Stay tuned for Lulu's blog expose!
They really are sweet dogs! My friend has The Blenheim, named Lily, and she brings her to our corporation board meetings and I love sitting with her. They have such beautiful eyes.
ReplyDeleteOH. MY. GOSH. I will freak out if you get one!
ReplyDelete