Resource Library

Welcome to the CKCS United "Must Read Books" section, where we present a curated collection of excellent historical books available for free download online. These texts, most written over a hundred years ago, offer invaluable insights into the foundation stock and colors of our beloved spaniels, highlighting the genetic origins that have given us chocolate and black Cavaliers. For anyone seeking to become a true connoisseur of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, these books are essential reading. We dare anyone to explore these original print works and still argue that chocolate and all-black Cavaliers should be omitted from the standard colors. Dive into history and discover the rich legacy of our spaniels. 

Our NUMBER 1 choice. If you read nothing else, this book is an absolute foundation must read. First published in 1911, it gives abundant reference to the black and white, chocolate, and all black KCS stock and breeding practices. 

You can purchase online or read online for free

First published in 1774, this is a fascinating work of natural history complete with colored examples of specimens. Numerous reference to black and chocolate spaniels (not cocker) . 

You can purchase online or locate the volumes online here (for quicker refernce use the search term: spaniel)

Copyright in 1904, this is a reference to the "trawler" which is accredited to the introduction of the black and tan into the KCS lineage. 

You can read online for free here

Copyright in 1967, written by a respected breeder and judge, this book provides a clear historical overview of the breed’s post‑revival development. Booth references chocolate, black, and black and white cavaliers and there availability.

Copyright in 2020, A Passion for Cavaliers — the fourth and final volume in Mary Colburn-Green’s acclaimed photographic series — is perhaps her most expansive and quietly significant work. Within its 260 pages and 1,000 images of Cavaliers from around the world, Mary made the bold and beautiful choice to include photographs of chocolate and black Cavaliers, celebrating their presence with the same artistic care as the more widely accepted colors.

Though never formally recalled, the book received unexpected backlash from breed purists who objected to the inclusion of non-standard colors. As a result, the title was quietly withdrawn from public circulation — not out of regret, but as a protective decision by an author concerned about her readership and future work.  Today, A Passion for Cavaliers is a rare collector’s piece, respected and cherished among breeders and owners of historically accurate Cavaliers. 

CKCS United honors this book not only for its beauty, but because it reflects Mary’s progressive eye and quiet courage. In showcasing Cavaliers of every shade, she affirmed what many are only now beginning to understand — that diversity in color does not diminish the breed, but enriches it. Her work stands as a quiet act of preservation and vision, and we recognize her as an artist ahead of her time.