This charming Spaniel (Fig. 123) cannot be traced as far back as the King Charles, but it is believed to have been first imported from Spain in the reign of Charles II., by John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, since which time the breed has been so closely associated with that illustrious family as for ever to bear the name of their home - Blenheim Palace.

The colour of the Blenheim is a pearly white and bright tan. The original in both type and character was very different from that of the present day ; indeed, so great is the difference that many people find it difficult to believe that they are one and the same. The ears were larger and the coat was wavy, as may be seen by the pictures of the old masters. The character of the early Spaniel more nearly resembled that of the miniature Cocker; indeed, we are told that a former Duke of Marlborough used the Blenheim for hunting purposes.

An old writer referring to the Blenheim of the last century, says: "The smallest Spaniel passing under the denomination of Cockers is that peculiar breed in the possession and preservation of the Duke of Marlborough and his friends; these are invariably red-and-white, with very long ears, short noses, and black eyes; they are excellent and indefatigable, being held in great estimation with those sportsmen who became possessed of the breed." How far this breed would suit the sportsman of to-day experience does not give us an opportunity to say, owing to the changes the Blenheim has undergone. In the writer's experience he is often a game little dog, but predominantly a lady's pet.

The following description and anecdotes, furnished by the owner of Bowsie, one of the well-known champions of the past twenty years, is somewhat typical of the best qualities of the breed: -

"My old favourite would never make friends with any strangers, unless he considered them drawing-room guests; then he would don his most gracious airs, poise his head on one side, and put out his paw to be shaken, at the same time waving his flag in token of welcome. But woe be unto a back-door intruder if Bowsie were near, no Bulldog or Mastiff could appear more formidable, and many a time some unfortunate tradesman, or tramp, has rushed away, leaving a pattern of his most important garment in Mr. Bowsie's teeth.

Fig. 123. - Blenheim Spaniel.

Bowsie was a most sagacious dog. How dearly he loved a carriage drive, a railway journey, or a show! When the show hampers were brought out he would frisk and bark with delight, and would quickly open the lid with his tiny nose and paw, and dive in, defying anyone but his mistress to remove him, and only then when the assurance was given him that he would start for the show next day, could he be persuaded to come out to eat. On one occasion, when we were living in the country, Bowsie narrowly escaped being taken by express train to London. 1 had gone to town, and Bowsie, thinking that it was to a show, escaped from home by jumping from the window of an upper room, where he had been locked in for safety. He ran to the railway-station, a distance of half a mile, and dashed into a first-class compartment of a train in waiting, where he complacently seated himself between two lady passengers. Fortunately, the station-master, seeing and recognising my lord, sent him home safely, though crestfallen and disappointed.

In the matter of food Bowsie was an epicure, and if one of his favourite dishes was on the table, and likely to be removed without his being served, he would sit with his back firmly planted against the door, defying the maid to pass with the dish, and tear her apron to ribbons should she dare the attempt. This little dog always went to bed with one of the children, and passed away at the age of fifteen, when he was sleeping in the arms of my youngest son. Never has there been a truer and more faithful friend than this animal, and although many years have passed since his death, I can scarcely keep the tears back as I write of him."

It is claimed by Mr. J. W. Berrie that "the modern Blenheim, from a phrenological point of view, possesses properties and organs more nearly resembling those of the human head than any other kind of dog. He had Individuality, Eventuality, Comparison, and Causality very largely developed." The writer is not qualified to pass judgment upon this as a phrenological delineation, but certainly the experiences of many owners of the Blenheim and all Toy Spaniels go to prove that the characteristics enumerated are predominant in the variety.

The modern Blenheim is undoubtedly made up with the old Marlborough breed, crossed with the King Charles, by reason of which we get the short nose, square muzzle, and large, bold skull. He is very sharp, quick of hearing, full of life and intelligence, and makes an excellent house-dog. He enjoys long country walks, or a run after a cycle or a carriage, and often exhibits his ancestral traits in the field.