The earliest written history of the English Setter dates from 1576, when Dr. Johannes Caius wrote in his book The Dogs of Brittain: "There is also at this date among us a new kind of dogge brought out of Fraunce, and they bee speckled all over with white and black, which mingled colours incline to a marble blewe". Caius continued, describing the breed as “…serviceable for fowling, making no noise either with foote or with tongue, while they follow the game.” The earliest written registry of field dogs (pointing, flushing, and retrieving breed), such as the English setter, is claimed by The Field Dog Stud Book. It is the oldest American purebred dog registry, with records starting in 1874, and is published by The American Field, the oldest continuously published sporting dog journal in the U.S. This FDSB Certificate of Pedigree for “Lady of Whitehall” issued in 1941 records a lineage going back six generations, serving as a link to human/canine relations that, so archaeological and historic records tell us, go back almost as far as settled culture. From the human perspective, breeding in favorable traits and breeding out unfavorable ones, has of necessity been central to the enduring success of that relationship. Whether the practice has outrun the best interest of the silent partner is hotly debated. Condition: Excellent. Original frame, re-backed. Dimensions: 17"x 20".