Dash (spaniel) facts for kids

Dash with Princess Victoria, painted by Sir George Hayter in 1833.

Dash (1830–1840) was a special King Charles Spaniel dog. He belonged to Queen Victoria when she was a young princess. Many people say Dash was Victoria's best friend during her childhood. He was also the first of many beloved small dogs that Queen Victoria owned throughout her life.

Dash's Early Life and Friendship with Victoria

Dash was given to Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent, on January 14, 1833. The gift came from Sir John Conroy, who managed the Duchess's home. By April 1833, Dash had become Princess Victoria's constant companion.

By Christmas that year, Victoria loved Dash very much. She gave him fun presents like rubber balls and gingerbread. Dash was also very loyal to Victoria. Once, when she was sailing on a yacht, Dash jumped into the sea from the shore. He swam after her boat, showing how much he cared.

Victoria's Childhood Companion

Victoria was 13 years old when she got Dash. She didn't have many friends as a child. This was because she grew up mostly alone under a strict set of rules. This system was called the "Kensington System". It was created by her mother and Sir John Conroy.

The only girl close to her age was Conroy's youngest daughter, Victoire. But they seemed to be only formal acquaintances. In her diary, Victoria called Victoire "Miss Conroy." However, she used loving names for Dash, like "dear sweet little Dash" and "dear Dashy." This shows how much she adored her dog.

A Scary Ride in a Carriage

In November 1834, Victoria and her mother went on holiday. They were in a carriage with Dash and two other ladies. The horses pulling the carriage got tangled and fell. This was very dangerous, as the carriage could have flipped over.

Victoria quickly got out of the carriage with Dash in her arms. She ran away, calling for her mother to follow. The other ladies also followed them. Two gentlemen nearby helped free the horses. Victoria, her mother, and Dash waited safely behind a wall.

Dash and the Queen

Dash stayed with Victoria even after she became queen in 1837. After her coronation on June 28, 1838, Queen Victoria returned to Buckingham Palace. The first thing she did was run to her rooms to give Dash his usual bath. This shows how important he was to her, even on such a big day.

Dash's Passing

Dash (left) with Lory (parrot), Nero (greyhound) and Hector (Scottish deerhound), painted by Edwin Landseer in 1838.

Dash died at the end of 1840. He was buried at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park. A special marble statue was placed over his grave. It had a loving message carved into it:

See also

In Spanish: Dash (perro) para niños