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I'm not all bows, blades and bangs 🙂 I was very taken recently with the little Phalènes I am holding in these photos. For my film ‘DOGS OF THE TUDORS’, now streaming on History Hit, we assembled some present day owners of chamber dogs at Hever Castle to take a look at the types of dog popular in the Tudor and Elizabethan court and some of the stories associated with them. They were central to court life.The linguists among you will know that phalène is French for moth. A Papillon dog is so called because the pricked ears resemble a butterfly (in French – papillon). A Phalène is the same type of dog but with the ears down, like a moth’s folded wings. The prick-eared Papillon type did not yet exist in the 16th century but these little Phalènes are straight out of the art of the period – a wonderful living example of a Tudor style dog. Phalènes, Papillons and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are al variations of a ‘Toy Spaniel’ – that is a working spaniel that has been progressively miniaturized over successive generations by selective breeding. The apple head of present day King Charles is the result of later cross-breeding with pugs. If you look at them in 16th and 17th century portraits they have a longer face – just like these Phalènes.Take a look at these dogs + a spectacular sequence of bloodhounds chasing down a fugitive, + Poodles retrieving rubber ducks and crossbow bolts (all is explained), + the Watchman’s dog, + an explanation of how some Spaniels were used to hunt with a hawk. It is all there in ‘DOGS OF THE TUDORS’ . To view - on phone, computer or smart tv – sign up for a FREE TRIAL: History Hit - www.historyhit.com/subscription/PLEASE SHARE AND HELP ME GET THE WORD OUT. THANK YOU. ... See MoreSee Less

Wondering what to watch this weekend? Try this!It is part one (of 2) films I have made about dogs in history. This has been a passion project that I first had the idea to do 20 years ago. It took that long to persuade a broadcaster to take in on (not for the lack of trying!). I'm so grateful to History Hit for being that broadcaster and for having faith in the idea. Before mechanical machines (ie the vast majority of human history) our lives were much more enmeshed with animals - for work, hunting and play. Dogs have played a huge part in our story. Their story is also our story. You can access History Hit on your phone, your computer or your smart TV - just download the App and sign up for a 14-day FRE TRIAL. There are literally hundreds of great historical documentaries on there, including several others from me. www.historyhit.com/subscription/ ... See MoreSee Less

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