A Spaniel history, the favourite of Kings
Most of you will probably not be aware that the Spaniel breed is one of the oldest type of dogs in recorded history. Amongst the experts on Spaniel history there is a little disagreement, but the experts but the general concensus is that the name Spaniel derives from the country of Spain which was once known as Hispania However some think the Spaniel breed comes from France because of the French word S'espagner which means to crouch. Some also claim the Romans introduced us. 
Proof of the ancient origins of our magnificent breed can be seen by the first mention of a Spaniel in irish laws dated A.D.17
which by my reckoning is a very long time ago.
It seems there is a statement in these laws that Water Spaniels have been given as a tribute to some king or other. Nice one! Spaniels also turn up a few years later in A.D.94 in Wales where King Howell Dha ( also known as Howell the good )loved us Spaniels so much that we get a special mention in one of the country's laws.
And this is what he had to say
You'll like this. " For the price of one Spaniel,one could buy a number of Goat's,Women,Slaves and geese" Old Howell certainly did like us but I'm not sure about that good title anymore. That statement might have been OK in A.D.94 but not to hot for the modern day even if we Spaniels are ultra lovely
I also assume that the Women's movement had'nt begun yet. The Spainel breed appears again some 600 years ago in the published work of a feudal Baron called Gaston De Foix who lived in the bottom of France near the Spanish border. He was also convinced that Spaniels originated from Spain. Also here is a little fact you probably did'nt know. Spaniels are mentioned in nine of Shakespear plays although it is beleived that he was'nt much of a dog lover. Not a problem I don't know of any dog that enjoy's the bard's offerings either.
Here's another little snippet from history. Did you know that when the pilgrim fathers set sail in 1620 on the good Ship Mayflower it had two dogs on board.
One was a Spaniel and the other was a Mastiff. I'm pleased they did'nt breed from them, Love-your-maniel really does'nt sound right.
Breeds such as the stocky bundle of energy known as the Springers or the cute and intelligent Cocker Spaniels as well as the wonderfully loveable Cavaliers. I've have tried to find out more about the history of each different kind of Spaniel,please take a look. PS If you think anything is incorrect or you have more information I would be very grateful if you could let me know. My Kindest regards to you all Skipper x
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One things for sure though Spaniels have certainly got around over the centuries and the beauty of us is we have diversified into many wonderful different breeds.
