There are a several far fetched stories that have grown up around the Cavalier and have almost become part of the breed's folklore. Probably the most famous is of how the lozenge or blenheim spot came about. In 1701 the war of Spanish Succession broke out and General John Churchill (later to become the first Duke of Marlborough) was prominent in leading a number of campaigns. His greatest success was at the battle of Blenheim which took place on 18th March 1704. It is believed that he always had a small spaniel with him, even when he went into battle. It is said that while the battle was raging his anxious wife was back home holding a small pregnant bitch for comfort. She kept pressing the bitch's head with her thumb and when the litter of puppies were born they all had lozenge marks on their heads and this is where the Blenheim spot came from. A lovely little story but it's doubtful if anyone believes it.

There is also the widely circulated story of Mary Queen of Scots going to her execution with a small comforter spaniel under her clothing. This is often quoted as being factual. However there is absolutely no documented evidence of this ever having occurred. The story is most likely to have originated in the late Victorian era.

Another myth that is often quoted as being true is that Cavaliers and King Charles Spaniels are the only breed of dog that are allowed to enter ALL public buildings. It is said that Charles II insisted that some of his dogs should accompany him whenever he entered Parliament. As dogs were not allowed to enter the building he passed a law decreeing that his breed of spaniel should be exempt from this ruling. This is indeed a falsehood, no law was ever passed. The truth is more likely that parliamentarians did not want to offend the King so nobody raised any objections.

Lastly there is the legend that breeds of dog that have tan markings above their eyes, (tricolours and black & tans in the case of Cavaliers), have a second sight that enables them to activate their sixth sense. The myth states that these dogs are able to see ghosts, phantoms and other apparitions. I'm a great sceptic and regard these sorts of stories as pure nonsense. However, many Cavalier owners often say that if anything is likely to spook their dogs it is always the tris and black & tans that are the first to react and bark. Eerie, or what?