CHAPTER LVI 

 ENGLISH TOY SPANIELS 



ENGLISH "Toy Spaniels," as now designated, are the offspring 

 of royal and aristocratic pets since the time of Henry VIII., 

 early in the fifteenth century, and comprise the four well-known 

 varieties, King Charles, Prince Charles, Ruby, and Blenheim 

 Spaniels. How long these dainty pets were known in England 

 before that period is a matter of uncertainty, or from what breed 

 or primary types they are the lineal descendants history does 

 not record ; but it is believed that they were imported into Spain 

 from Japan, and certainly the name " Spaniel," from espagneul, 

 shows Spanish connection or origin. A comparison of the present 

 King Charles with the Japanese Spaniel shows much that is 

 identical in colour, size, and general symmetry, and supports this 

 theory. If, however, the genealogy of these old-time favourites 

 is lost in obscurity, and the popular belief be true that it requires 

 two generations to make a gentleman, then surely these canine 

 pets, through the course of generations of culture under royal 

 auspices, are gentle-dogs indeed ! 



In their different varieties the Toy Spaniels are closely associated 

 with English history, and figure as the favourites of lord and lady, 

 of court and monarch, the pets of our stern and manly forefathers, 

 and the fitting subjects of artist, poet, and biographer. 



With regard to the obscurity of their origin, during the reign 

 of Queen Elizabeth, about 1570, the Spaniels were described at 

 length by the physician of the Queen, Dr. John Caius, who, 

 says a well-known authority, clearly connects them with the Maltese 

 Spaniel (Cam's Melitceus), as the latter then existed, and quotes in 

 support of this from the works of Dr. Caius. It may, of course, 

 be that to the Maltese the Toy Spaniel is indebted for its long 

 coat. 



Certainly these doggie favourites had a foremost place in 

 Queen Elizabeth's time, as well as during subsequent reigns. 

 So much did they entwine themselves round the hearts of their 

 various owners, we are informed that even the virtue of healing 



