The last few years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club has seen dog ownership soar to record levels.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – they are one of the UK’s most popular breeds and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
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9. A breed apart
Most Spaniels are gun dogs by definition, but Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have never truly been used for hunting, so are categorised as a toy breed by the Kennel Club. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Myth busting
It's a commonly-believed urban legend that Charles II issued a special decree granting King Charles Spaniels permission to enter any establishment in the UK. The UK Parliament website states that the claim has been fully researched and is false. Photo: Canva/Getty Images