Dog O' the Day -- Lilly

This little girl just barely squeaked under our age cut-off. At nine months old, Lilly had the potential to be your basic puppy hurricane. But other than one slightly chewed cellphone-charger cord, she has kept the teething to stuffed toys (and a few of her playmates). This spaniel has perfected two specialties: melting hearts with those soulful eyes and keeping the other dogs occupied. Puppies play. A lot. If awake, she tortures other Little Pup Lodge guests to wrestle, chase or play tug-of-war with her and her very bedraggled squirrel. But, only when she’s awake and fortunately, puppies also sleep a lot.

  Little Lilly.

Before Lilly, I thought a Cavalier King Charles spaniel was the same as a King Charles spaniel. But, no, we are talking two separate breeds. Here’s the backstory. The King Charles (also known as an English Toy Spaniel), most likely got its start in the Far East and probably shares ancestors with the Pekingese. It migrated to the royal palaces of England in the 16^th century and really hit its stride during the reign of King Charles II, hence the name. Breeders being what they are decided to throw a little Pug in the genetic soup because everyone adored the squashed-nose look in the early 19^th century. Twentieth century breeders decided to bring back the original features. But with logic only the AKC could understand, breeders could no longer call the retro King Charles a King Charles. Hence, the Cavalier King Charles.

   Too cute, yes?

The King Charles breed is rare now that dog lovers have embraced the new, improved, old-fashioned, now-monikered Cavalier. Since her mom is not here, I can’t confirm which one Lilly is, but am leaning towards Cavalier. Other opinions?