Queen Victoria’s first dog, a King Charles Spaniel, was named Dash. He was given to her mother, the Duchess of Kent, in January 1833, but quickly became the young princess’s devoted companion.
Dash stayed with Victoria after she became queen in 1837. Victoria reportedly cared for him intensely, even bathing him herself after her coronation. He was known for his playful, affectionate nature and became the first in a long line of dogs cherished by the queen.
Dash died on 24 December 1840, when Victoria was still mourning the death of her mother and adjusting to married life with Prince Albert. He was buried at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park, beneath a memorial praising his loyalty and affection.
A common mix-up is with Victoria’s later dogs, including the dachshund Waldmann or the Pomeranians associated with her later life. Dash was specifically her childhood King Charles Spaniel and is generally recognized as her first beloved dog.