History of C.K.C.S

The "Cavalier" is a direct descendant of the small Spaniels you can find on pictures painted by van Dyck, Watteau, Landseer an Greuze. It's origin can be traced right back to the 15th century.

The small spaniels were much loved by the English kings and queens. They were mentioned at the court of James I,. Henry VIII., Elizabeth I. and Maria Stuart. We are told, that Maria Stuart was accompanied by her little black and white spaniel, which had hidden under her skirts, on her way to the execution. They were practically not used for hunting any more.

In his book "Dogs of Britain",Johannes Caius, the physician in chief to Queen Elizabeth I. referred to the little spaniels as: "Spaniell gentle or comforter, a delicate and pretty kind of dog", a luxury toy for ladies to carry around with them, or even to be put on a sick person's chest or stomach for warmth.

During the reign of King Charles I (1625-1649) and that of his son King Charles II (1630-1685) the breed became ever more popular. They were named after them: King Charles Spaniel. The King was always surrounded by these little dogs. They lived with him and his family and were taken everywhere, even to church, parliament and official functions. King Charles II wrote a Royal decree which allowed the spaniels access to all public buildings in the kingdom. This decree is still in existence today in England.

The Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, who also fell in love with the little spaniels took a special interest in breeding the red and white variety. These became known as "Blenheim Spaniels" named after the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace. Legend has it, that Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, while anxiously waiting for news of her husband who was away on a campaign, repeatedly pressed her thumb on her pregnant bitch's head. When the puppies were born shortly after, they all had a thumbprint or "Spot" on their heads, one of the most desirable characteristics of the breed.

With the coming of the Dutch court the little spaniels went out of fashion and were largely replaced by the pug. As short nosed dogs were now fashionable the little spaniels were crossed with pugs and probably Japanese Chins and the King Charles Spaniel of today was born.

At the beginning of our century the old spaniels with long noses didn't exist any more. Nobody was bothered - until an American came to England!

After the first World War Mr. Roswell Eldridge came to England to acquire at least one of the pretty little spaniels he had admired on so many paintings. He was very disappointed, when he realized, that they did not exist any more. However, he didn't give up. He offered £25 for 5 years, for the best Blenheim dog and bitch of the old type, shown at Cruft's dog show. Some breeders got together to save the old Toy Spaniel. To achieve this they used puppies with longer muzzles, which could still be found in the King Charles Spaniel litters. To use other breeds was forbidden. The first successful breeder was Mrs. Pitt, who with her Ttiweh-Kennel formed the base of today's breed of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels worldwide.

The name "King Charles Spaniel" was already taken but as both breeds came from the the dogs of King Charles, both should have "King Charles" in the name. The "new" old type was therefore called Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. In 1928 the English Cavalier King Charles Spaniel club was founded with Mrs. Pitt as club secretary. However, it wasn't until 1945 that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was recognized by the British Kennel Club. The first entry of a "Cavalier" in the Swiss annals we find in 1959.  Until 1966 only imported odd dogs were registered and only in 1967 the first two Cavalier litters. Lately however this most amiable of dogs has gained many friends. 195 registered puppies in 1997 show its increase in popularity

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