Caesar (dog) facts for kids
A postcard featuring Caesar
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| Species | Dog |
|---|---|
| Breed | Wire Fox Terrier |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | Caesar of Notts 1898 |
| Died | 18 April 1914 |
| Resting place | Marlborough House, London 51°30′18″N 0°8′9″W / 51.50500°N 0.13583°W |
| Nation from | Irish |
| Owner | King Edward VII |
| Parent(s) | Cackler of Notts (sire) |
Caesar (1898–1914) was a Wire Fox Terrier dog. He was the beloved pet of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. Caesar was born in 1898 and quickly became the King's constant companion. After the King's death in 1910, Caesar famously walked in the funeral procession. He walked right in front of many important leaders, including nine kings! Caesar was so famous that he was featured in paintings and even had a special model made of him by a famous company called House of Fabergé.
Contents
Caesar's Early Life
Caesar was born in 1898. His full name was Caesar of Notts. He came from the kennels of Kathleen, Duchess of Newcastle. In 1902, Lord Dudley gave Caesar to King Edward VII. Caesar became the King's new dog after his previous dog, Jack, sadly passed away.
Life with the King
Caesar lived a very special life with King Edward VII. He even had his own footman (a servant) to keep him clean! Caesar was allowed to sleep on a comfy chair right next to the King's bed. He wore a special collar that proudly read: "I am Caesar. I belong to the King."
Caesar was always super excited to see the King. He would jump up and down with joy. The King would often say, "Do you like your old master, then?" The King never hit Caesar. Instead, he would playfully shake his walking stick and call him a "naughty dog" when Caesar misbehaved.
Caesar's Playful Antics
Caesar was a lively dog and sometimes got into mischief. Once, he escaped in a town called Marienbad while chasing white peafowl. Another time, he caused trouble by catching rabbits belonging to Lord Redesdale's daughters. Even though Caesar sometimes caused a bit of a fuss, the King loved him very much. He even asked his personal helper, Lawrence Wrightson, to promise to look after Caesar if the King passed away first.
Special Gifts for Caesar
King Edward VII loved his pets so much that he ordered special models of his favorite dogs and racehorses. These models were made by the famous House of Fabergé. The model of Caesar was made from beautiful stones like chalcedony and rubies. It also included gold and enamel, and even showed Caesar's special collar! The finished model arrived after the King's death. It was bought by Dame Margaret Greville, who then gave it to Queen Alexandra. A famous artist named Reuben Ward Binks also painted a portrait of Caesar for the King.
After the King's Death
When King Edward VII died on May 6, 1910, Caesar was heartbroken. He refused to eat and would whine outside the King's bedroom. At one point, he even snuck into the King's room and was found hiding under the bed by Queen Alexandra. The Queen helped Caesar feel better and encouraged him to eat again.
Caesar played a very important role in King Edward VII's funeral. He led the funeral procession, walking behind the carriage that carried the King's coffin. He was placed ahead of many important people, including King George V and eight other kings! This showed how much the King loved Caesar.
Caesar's Later Years
Soon after the funeral, a book was published about Caesar called Where's Master?. It told the story from Caesar's point of view, from the King's death to the funeral. The book was very popular and was reprinted many times. Another painting of Caesar was made by Maud Earl. This painting, called Silent Sorrow, shows Caesar resting his head on the King's favorite chair. The Steiff company even made stuffed toys that looked like Caesar around 1910.
Caesar continued to live in the Royal household after the King's death. Queen Alexandra, who had not always been fond of Caesar, took great care of him. She even spoiled him with treats! She felt she was making up for the King being strict with him. Caesar passed away in April 1914 after an operation.
Today, the Fabergé model of Caesar is part of the Royal Collection. Caesar was also included in a sculpture of the King and Queen on their tomb in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. In the sculpture, Caesar lies faithfully at the King's feet.
Images for kids
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Caesar's grave at Marlborough House
