Good girl!

A very good nickname for Vondelpark would be Dog Heaven. Every afternoon the dog walkers gather in the open spaces in the park for some off-leash play. I spotted this attentive girl from the path next to the grassy area. Although she looked a little like a Cavalier from a distance, she was slightly taller with different ears. She was very well trained and waited attentively for her ball to be thrown so that she could chase it down and bring it back quickly so the game could continue. Curious, I went over to meet her, and her proud dad provided me with some information about the breed.

She is a Kooikerhondje, which is a small spaniel of Dutch ancestry that was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, appearing in paintings by Dutch artists such as Rembrandt and Jan Steen. Originally bred as duck hunters, Kooikers are working dogs who are eager to please. They are slightly taller and a few pounds heavier than Cavaliers, ranging from 14 to 16 inches and 20 to 24 pounds. Cavaliers are only 12 to 13 inches and 10 to 18 pounds. However, the similarities between the two breeds are uncanny. They must be cousins.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were favourites - you guessed it - of King Charles II. At that time, CKC Spaniels were also duck hunters. The breed became extinct and in the early 20th century efforts to breed similar dogs resulted in the current CKC Spaniel. Now, Cavaliers are eager to please lap dogs, who don't believe in working. :)

We miss you, Princess Lacey... Hope you are taking good care of Grandma and Grandpa.