The
Spaniel Breeds of the UK & Ireland
Spaniels have long been the sportsman’s favourite
gundogs and they are one of, if not the oldest
breeds of gundogs. The origins of these
spirited little dogs go well beyond the advent of
the firearm. The first record of spaniel like
dogs come from a report on the wild tribes of
Britain, around 150 AD. We know this
because of the writings of a Roman poet named Oppian
who record a valiant breed of tracking dog called “agasseus”.
Excavations on the site of a Roman villa in Dorset
revealed ceramic tiles depicting a spaniel like dog
hunting a stag. Oppian’s dog is likely to be
of this breed.
Much later, spaniels appeared on the Bayeux Tapestry
that illustrated the conquest of England by William
I. If the opportunity of visiting the
tapestry arises then do look out for the spaniel
breed there. It is not in the main
illustration, rather on one of the supplementary
illustrations, right at the bottom edge of the
tapestry, around the halfway-mark on this amazing
work of art.
The 14th century English writer, Geoffrey
Chaucer, in a poem of 1387 records the earliest use
of the word “spaniel” in English literature.
Derived from the French “espaignol” it simply meant
Spanish dog. Indeed, the breed originated in
Spain and made its way to Britain, probably with the
migrating Roman legions.
Undoubtedly spaniels are one of the world’s most
popular gundog breeds and their temperament has much
to comment the breed to shooting people.
Obedient, hard working, tender mouth and an
excellent nose are the ingredients for the all-round
shooting man’s dog.
