CKCS United Members

These breeders were instrumental in preserving the historical chocolates and solid blacks over the decades. Without their contributions ensuring the quality of the genetics bred along with superior pedigrees, the chocolates and black may have been lost forever. We honor them and thank them for being brave in a time when non-standard colors were frowned upon. They are truly the foundation and paved the way for new generations of breeders to continue on towards getting the Chocolates and Blacks the recognition they deserve. 

While they may no longer own or breed non-standard colored Cavaliers, they should still be honored for the pioneers they were, and take their place in the history of the non-standard colored Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

1. Miss Mostyn Walker was a key figure in the early revival of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, best known for breeding the influential Ann’s Son, whose type helped define the emerging standard. Less often noted, however, is that she also bred Wizbang Timothy, Ann’s Son’s littermate—a black and white dog who, unlike today’s tricolors, did not exhibit tan points. While Walker did not retain ownership of Timothy, he was very much a product of her breeding program and represents one of the earliest known appearances of the black and white color in the foundational gene pool. His absence of tan markings lends weight to the theory that both he and Ann’s Son may have carried a/a on the A locus, a recessive genetic signature that CKCS United continues to protect and restore today. For her role in preserving this early diversity of type and color, Miss Walker’s legacy is honored here.

2. Hon. Mrs. Neville Lytton (Judith Blunt‑Lytton) chronicled black‑and‑white, chocolate, and solid black toy spaniels in her seminal 1911 work Toy Dogs and Their Ancestors…, providing early documented evidence of these color varieties.

3.  Mrs. Amice Pitt, founder of the famous Ttiweh Kennel, is widely credited as the driving force behind the revival of the long-faced Toy Spaniel, which became the modern Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. In the 1920s, when the Kennel Club standard favored flat-faced Toy Spaniels, Mrs. Pitt defied convention by preserving and promoting the “old type” with longer muzzles, inspired by the dogs seen in 17th–19th century portraits.

Among her most significant contributions were Carlo of Ttiweh and Wizbang Timothy, two of the six male foundation dogs used in rebuilding the breed. Carlo was bred by Pitt herself, and Wizbang Timothy, though often credited to another kennel, was born from her breeding—and was described as black and white without tan markings, a coat color often dismissed or discouraged in later breed standards.

Their presence in early pedigrees suggests the survival of the recessive a/a genotype, responsible for producing black-and-white and solid black dogs—colors that existed historically but became rare due to selective breeding. Mrs. Pitt’s commitment to preserving type over trend, and her willingness to maintain diverse color genetics in her program, laid essential groundwork for today’s restoration efforts. CKCS United honors her as a foundational preservationist whose work continues to echo in the genetic legacy of Cavaliers.

4. Molly Marshall -  In the early sixties, Molly, one of the original founders and president of the ECCKCSS managed to produce both solid black Cavaliers and black and whites sired by Ch. Don Miguel of Kormar . She tried several times to get the solid blacks recognized as a color but this request was rejected by the Cavalier Club.  Molly Marshall’s breeding efforts with solid blacks and black-and-whites, along with her persistent advocacy for their inclusion, offer a direct link to the genetic diversity CKCS United aims to preserve today. Her legacy exemplifies early, principled resistance to color exclusion—making her a foundational figure in the fight for whole‑colour recognition. 

5. Susan & William Cochran - Susan Cochran was a trailblazer in the preservation and resurrection of the chocolate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, beginning her efforts in 1985. As a true pioneer, she corresponded tirelessly with breeders in the United Kingdom, meticulously ensuring accurate records were maintained and brought to the United States. Alongside her husband William, Susan’s dedication and tenacity laid the foundation for the chocolate Cavalier’s modern lineage, with most pedigrees today tracing back to their lines. Thanks to Susan’s hard work, chocolate Cavaliers can enjoy registration with the AKC, securing their place within the breed.

6. William & Mary Mink - Bill and Mary Mink have been pivotal figures in the preservation and restoration of chocolate Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for the past five decades. Their steadfast commitment to providing breeders with affordable lineage ensured the continuation of these unique bloodlines. Their work, has been instrumental in maintaining and promoting the recognition of chocolate Cavaliers within the breed's history.

more to come....