Mallard & French Spaniel.

James de Connick established the first breed standard for the French Spaniel in 1891. French Spaniels were thought to have originated during the Crusades of the 11th century and was referred to as a specific type of Spaniel by 1660 and was noted as being distinctive from the King Charles Spaniel of the Holland type. The breed was popular during the Middle Ages with it used for falconry and as a settling dog for net hunting. They became a favourite of French Royalty and Kings and Princes at the royal courts of Versailles favored them over other breeds of hunting dogs. From the original edition of the, &quotThe Sporting Magazine&quot which noted that the French Spaniel &quotThe rough French Spaniel has been found the best companion on these occasions: he watches the conduct of the sportsman, and, with a velocity unequalled, darts on the wounded prey, presents it with all possible speed at the feet of his master.&quot