CHAPTER XII. 



ENGLISH TOY SPANIELS. 



NOTWITHSTANDING recent introductions and 

 popularisations of other canine pets, the toy spaniels 

 appear to well hold their own in favouritism ; one 

 even fancies they are increasing in numbers, as they 

 certainly are in quality. The original toy spaniels 

 were black, tan, and white in colour ; and orange or 

 red and white, the former known as the King Charles, 

 and later the latter as Blenheims. The King Charles 

 were called after the second monarch of that 

 name, who had so great a partiality and fondness 

 for such creatures ; and the Blenheims obtained their 

 designation from the family seat of the Dukes of 

 Marlborough, where at one time they were bred to 

 perfection and kept with great care. 



However, I imagine that long before the restora- 

 tion of the Stuarts (1660), toy spaniels were general 

 favourites with the aristocracy. A story is told that 

 James II., on one occasion fleeing from a sinking 

 ship, suddenly discovered that some favourite 



