Lhasalier

The Lhasalier is a relatively rare hybrid breed. In order to learn about his origins, we must study the history of his parent breeds. The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet, where he guarded the homes of nobility and monasteries. No one could buy a Lhasa Apso, one could only be gifted this treasured dog. In fact, only when the Dalai Lama gifted a Lhasa Apso to noted traveller and naturalist C. Suydam Cutting, did the Lhasa leave Asia. Cutting came back to his family farm in New Jersey with a male and female, and developed the breed on American soil. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is descended from toy spaniels of the sixteenth century, who were favorites of the English noble families. In fact, the breed is named for Charles I and II. Legend has it that King Charles II never went anywhere without at least two or three of the spaniels. After Charles II died, the popularity of the dog began to wane, and the toy spaniel of his day was bred with Pugs and other short-faced breeds. The Cavalier King Charles inherited many of their traits, and they reflect in the friendly, people-oriented dog we are familiar with today.