pug-nosed breed of toy dog known for being a fastidiously clean and quiet companion; coat is thick, long, wavy, and silky to the touch; colors are categorized into 4 varieties: King Charles (black and tan), Ruby (mahogany red), Prince Charles (black, tan, and white tricolor), and Blenheim (red and white); heavily feathered ears are very long (reaching to the shoulder) and are set low on skull; tail is docked to about 4 in. (10 cm) long and is carried slightly above the level of the back; eyes are prominent and very dark brown; adult stands 9–10 in. (23–25 cm) tall at shoulders and weighs 9–12 lbs (4–5 kg); willing-to-please demeanor; known to British aristocracy as “comforters” because they warmed the laps and feet of people who lived in drafty castles; breed may have originated in Japan centuries ago and was probably taken to Spain and then to England by Navy officers,