 The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel originated from a competition held by American Roswell Eldridge in 1926 . He offered a prize fund for the best male and female dogs of " Blenheim Spaniels of the old type , as shown in pictures of Charles II of England 's time , long face , no stop , flat skull , not inclined to be domed , with spot in centre of skull . " Breeders entered what they considered to be sub ‐ par King Charles Spaniels . Although Eldridge did not live to see the new breed created , several breeders banded together and created the first breed club for the new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in 1928 , with the Kennel Club initially listing the new breed as " King Charles Spaniels , Cavalier type " . In 1945 , the Kennel Club recognised the new breed in its own right . The American Kennel Club did not recognise the Cavalier until 1997 . 
