15 Interesting Facts About Cavalier King Charles Spaniels By Allen Abby - Cavaliers are house dogs and should not live outdoors. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is the descendant of a small toy spaniel depicted in many 16th, 17th, and 18th Century paintings of northern Europe. This dog was originally bred to warm laps in drafty castles and on chilly carriage rides. Please follow and like us: