Explore the History: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
To explore the possibilities and history of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel we will go back to the small gentle spaniel, otherwise called “the comforter” of the 16th century of England. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel of today is a direct descendant of the small spaniel of the 16th century and before. After thoroughly reading the acclaimed book written by Barbara Garnett Wilson, “The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, In fact and Fancy”, I truly believe that this small gentle spaniel existed long before the 16th century. The Stuarts love of the little spaniel is well documented. It was under the Stuarts that the small spaniels were given the royal title of King Charles Spaniels. Charles I was accompanied by his little spaniel Rogue, while he lived in Carisbrooke Castle. It was Charles II, however with which this breed is associated. It is said of Charles II “His majesty was seldom seen without his little dogs”. In fact Charles II was so fond of his little dog that he issued a Royal Decree that stated, “No King Charles Spaniel can be denied entry to any public place, which included the House of Parliament”. This decree is still in existence today in England. The presents of “the Royal Spaniels” throughout the Royal Families of Europe, are well documented by numerous paintings, which span the sixteenth, through the eighteenth century. Many of the paintings show small spaniels with flat heads, high ear sets, almond shape eyes and pointed noses. During the mid-nineteenth century dog breeding and dog showing became serious endeavors in England. It is during this time that many breeds were developed, while other breeds were altered. The King Charles Spaniel underwent several changes at this time. Among these changes the dog became smaller, with a dome-shaped head, low set ears, and a short muzzle with a pushed up laid back nose. This breed became known as the English Toy Spaniel. In 1926 an American named Roswell Eldridge presented a challenge to the King Charles Spaniel breeders that would change the course of history. Mr. Eldridge offered a prize money of L25 each for the first place dog and bitch of old type which read as follows; “Blenheim Spaniel of the Old Type, as shown in pictures of Charles II time, long face, no stop, flat skull, not inclined to be domed with spot in centre of skull. First prize of L25 in Class 947 and 948 are given by Roswell Eldridge Esq., of New York, USA. Prizes go to the nearest type required.” This challenge was presented to the breed enthusiasts to see what they could produce. In 1924 Mrs. Hewitt Pitt, purchased a Blenheim King Charles bitch puppy as a pet for her mother. Mrs. Pitt entered the bitch at Crufts in Mr. Eldridge sponsored class and won the class. Mrs. Pitt became interested in the possibilities of breeding this “old type” spaniel. Thus the “Ttiweh” prefix came into being and the suggestion of the idea of a Cavalier Club was first sown. In 1928 a dog named “Ann’s Son” owned by Miss Mostyn Walker, was awarded the prize for the dog class. Unfortunately Roswell Eldridge died in 1928, only a month before Crufts , so he never saw the full results of his challenge prizes. At the Crufts show of 1928 breeders of “old type King Charles Spaniels” united forming the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club. “Ann’s Son” was used as a live model for the breed standard. A standard that is practically the same as it is today. Mrs. Pitt went on to impact the re-establishment of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel through her dedication to the breed and her high standards of perfection. Mrs. Pitt’s prefix “Ttiweh”, is found in the ancestry of Cavaliers all over the world. - Click HERE to view breed standards. In 1945 the Kennel Club (England) granted separate registration status to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It is recorded in 1946 that the first Cavaliers were imported to America. In 1954 Mrs. Sally Brown of Kentucky, whom owned a Black and Tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, established a group of Cavalier enthusiasts in America. While the group was fewer than a dozen, Mrs. Brown led them to the founding of the Cavalier King Charles Club, USA. The CKCSC, USA flourishes today and has been the official United States breed club and sole registering body for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for over forty years. In 1961 the American Kennel Club recognized the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with entries in the miscellaneous class. In 1995 the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were granted full recognition by the AKC as members of the Toy Group. |
