The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is descended from the small toy spaniels seen in paintings from the 16^th, 17^th, and 18^th centuries.  During Tudor times they were quite common as pets among the royalty.  They were “lap warmers” and often went along on carriage rides to help keep their owners warm.  It was under the Stuarts that they were given the royal title of King Charles Spaniels.  History tells that King Charles was seldom seen without one or more of these little dogs at his heels.  It is told that he was so fond of his little dogs, that he decreed that the little spaniel must be allowed in any public place, even the House of Parliament.

During the reign of King William lll and Queen Mary ll, the Pug came into fashion.  Later, during the 18^th century, John Churchill, 1^st Duke of Marlborough kept red and white spaniels of the Toy/King Charles type that went on hunting excursions with him.  His estate was named Blenheim (pronounced blen-um) in honor of his victory at the battle of Blenheim.  His influence led to the red and white variety being called the Blenheim.

Over the years, attempts were made to create the original King Charles Spaniel.    The first standard was created, based on a dog named “Ann’s Son”.  

In America, the history of the breed is fairly recent.  The first recorded Cavalier living in America came here from Britain in 1956.  W. Lyon Brown with Elizabeth Spalding and other enthusiasts founded the Cavalier King Charles Club USA.  The club is still present to this day.  It wasn’t until the 1995 that the breed obtained recognition from the AKC.