I have the distinct honor of belonging to a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Fergie. I couldn't imagine a better animal to call my companion and best friend.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small British spaniel with a silky coat. Truly a dog of elegance and distinction, this breed is named after Charles I, for the favored blenheim spaniel of the monarch's children. By the royal decree of Charles II, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the only dog allowed in the houses of Parliament. Mary Queen of Scots went to her beheading with a Cavalier hidden under her skirts. He died of grief a few days later.

The characteristic "blenheim" spot supposedly originated with the Duchess of Marlborough. Legend says that the Duchess, sick with worry for her husband, who was leading troops in France at the battle of Blenheim, rubbed a pregnant spaniel's head and imprinted it with the thumbprint mark.

Cavaliers are the ultimate lap dog and will absorb as much love as you can give. Winston Churchill, Lauren Bacall, and Frank Sinatra were all Cavalier owners.