Toy Spaniels have been a part of English life for over 500 years. From about 1840 the Spaniel type which were flat skulled and longer muzzled began to disappear in favor of the type of head we know as belonging to the English Toy Spaniel; ie. domed, with low set ears and a much shorter muzzle.
In 1925 Roswell Eldridge visited England and was unable to find the older type of Spaniel with the flatter head and longer muzzle. Mr. Eldridge proceeded to offer a prize of 25 pounds to the English breeder who could reestablish the older type Spaniel.
In 1930 Ann's Son, owned and bred by by Miss K. Mostyn Walker, won the dog class for the third year in a row. Ann's Son was never beaten in his show career and was chosen as a model upon which the breed standard was formed.
In 1945 the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was recognized by England's Kennel Club as a seperate breed
The first Cavaliers came to the United States in the 1940's. In 1954 the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA was founded. In 1995 the Cavalier was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club and entered AKC competition in January, 1996.
Cavaliers are now making their presence felt in Obedience and Agility trials as well as in the conformation ring.
