The true history of the endearing toy spaniel is not known precisely. The Cavalier/King Charles spaniel was first captured in artwork back in 1554 by Antonio Moro. The artist depicted Queen Mary I with her husband Philip of Spain with a pair of the spaniels at their feet. An extremely loyal breed, which is so devoted that separation occurs only in extreme circumstances, like sickness and death. Mary, Queen of Scots was executed with her canine devotee hiding out beneath her skirts.

It was during Tudor times they were first attributed their name and we have King Charles II to thank for that. His love of this toy spaniel saw legislation permitting them entry into the houses of parliament. Even today that permit still holds.