NEW YORK.- Bonhams New York is pleased to announce the February 13, 2007 sale of dog-themed paintings, décor and memorabilia, marking its 25th anniversary of sales within this collecting category. Previous auctions have garnered world record prices for depictions of "man's best friend" and the 2007 offering includes works by: Thomas Blinks, John Emms, Henriette Ronner-Knip, Edmund Bristow, Edmund Henry Osthaus, John Dalby and Ruben Ward Binks, among others.

In 1982 Bonhams was the first major auction house to fully recognize this niche market, beloved by collectors and canine enthusiasts worldwide. Timed to coincide with the world famous Westminster Dog Show, Bonhams' auctions of dog-related works have grown into the largest offerings of their type on the auction calendar. This year's sale features more than 230 lots. The sale in February 2006 brought Bonhams' highest total ever, fetching more than $1.7-million, and achieving several world record prices, including a staggering $842,250 for the oil New Forest Foxhounds by John Emms.

Offered this year is an attractive work by Thomas Blinks, one of the finest of the 19th century sporting painters, who demonstrated an early aptitude for drawing. According to Alan Fausel, specialist-in-charge and V.P. and Director of Bonhams New York's Fine Art Dept., although Blinks received no formal training, his eye for detail and for capturing the character of a subject or the essence of a moment is unparalleled.

On offer from a private Australian collection is an oil on canvas titled Setters by Blinks. According to Fausel, the work "is one of the largest and most spectacular pictures in this genre to be seen for many years." The picture was reproduced by color lithograph after 1893. This original work is estimated to bring between $100,000 and $150,000.

Another lot expected to interest collectors depicts The Royal Rock Beagles. An oil on canvas by John Dalby features this pack in hot pursuit. The work, dated 1845, shows one of the oldest packs of beagles still hunting today. Estimated to bring $40,000 to $60,000, its is the only beagle painting in the sale. Other breeds represented include bulldogs, foxhounds, greyhounds, setters, terriers, pugs and spaniels, among many others.

Mrs. Cottinghams's Golden Retrievers... by Reuben Ward Binks (est. $2/3,000) is signed by the artist, dated 1926, and inscribed with the names of her dogs. According to the Golden Retriever Handbook published in 1953, Mrs. Cottingham (Woolley) had one of the strongest and largest kennels of the 1920s and '30s, and left a great mark on the breed.

Other pedigreed works from the sale include: a playful still-life with five dogs entitled Waiting for Lunch by Dutch artist Henriette Ronner-Knip (est. $40/60,000); Edmund Bristow's A Poodle in Landscape (est. $6/8,000); setters depicted in two works by American artist Edmund Henry Osthaus - Three Setters (est. $30/50,000) and A Setter and a Pointer (est. $25/35,000); Best Friends by Philip Eustact Stretton (est. $30/40,000); and John Emms' Waiting for the Hunt (est. $30/50,000).

Bronzes include: a 20th century Continental 12-inch high bulldog (est. $1,500/2,500) and a grouping of bulldogs comprising two seated and two standing bronzes (est. $600/800); a recumbent mastiff; several Pekinese; and a greyhound by Leo Lawrie which could bring as much as $1,800. A pair of Black Forest carved and stained linden wood models of hounds each stand more than three-feet high (est. $10/15,000) while an interesting French c. 1900 sculpture of a barking bulldog features a papier mache flocked body (est. $800/1,200). A group of three Royal Doulton bulldogs draped in Union flags should bring $600 to $900 while a 19th century inscribed British brass dog collar is expected to bring $1,000 to $1,500. Commemorative medallions, bookends, an Austrian three-piece desk set and a pair of trophies are to be offered as well.

Over the years the Dog Sale has grown to include charitable components including "Barkfest at Bonhams," a lively morning repast and viewing of the offered works, held in conjunction with the prestigious American Kennel Club. The auctioneers note that both two-legged collectors and the four-legged canine companions are welcome at the event.

All proceeds from the "Barkfest at Bonhams" will benefit the American Kennel Club's charitable public art project DOGNY - America's Tribute to Search and Rescue Dogs. Admission for "Barkfest at Bonhams" is a $50 donation to DOGNY. Guests will receive a complimentary auction catalogue as well as a goody bag in addition to a barking good time.