Edinburgh – Bonhams will present an exceptional litter of dog paintings this year on the 23 July in Edinburgh. Bonhams has been holding dedicated Dog Sales for over 30 years, across New York, London, and, for the past three years, in Edinburgh. The consistent success and international interest of these sales serves to reinforce the timeless appeal of these wonderful pictures of man's best friend.

Leo Webster, Picture Specialist in Edinburgh, said, "We're exceptionally lucky to be offering paintings by of some of the most sought-after artists of dogs, from the 19th century to the 21st. The sale contains a wonderfully diverse range of breeds from large Deerhounds, St. Bernards, and Setters to smaller, toy breeds like Affenpinschers, Spaniels, and the ever-charming Dandie Dinmonts. There's something for every dog lover.

The Dog Sale consistently sparks fantastic interest from collectors around the world, and this year's auction is no exception; we're certainly seeing that same international buzz building already. The works in this sale come from a range of sellers, including some passionate collectors who've dedicated years, even lifetimes, to building their dog art collections – the loyalty goes both ways.

A few paintings in this year's sale once belonged to Charlie Watts, drummer for The Rolling Stones, and judging by the Collies featured in his collection, it's safe to say he had a soft spot for them."

Leading the Dog Sale this year is an exceptionally rendered painting by Eugène Verboeckhoven, titled Duke, depicting a magnificent King Charles Spaniel, estimated at £15,000 – 20,000. The blue ribbon on the key in the foreground perhaps indicates that this was either a favourite pet or a top breeding dog - the blue ribbon traditionally being associated with things of the highest order. Five years prior to the present work, in 1845, Verboeckhoven was commissioned by King Leopold I of Belgium to produce a group portrait of the king's favourite pets. Amongst others, the work included a Newfoundland, Whippet, and two Spaniels - a Blenheim type and the other a King Charles.

Another exceptionally sweet image in this sale is Robert Alexander RSA RSW (British, 1840-1923), A proud mother, estimated at £4,000 - 6,000. This gorgeous painting shows a collie tired but dutifully watching over her new puppies as they play with each other, pull a rug, and lap from a dish. It was originally exhibited at the Royal Academy, London, in 1879, and was held in the collection of Charlie Watts. Watts himself, was a devoted lover of dogs, being a patron of the Forever Hounds Trust, and personally owning nine collies with his wife.

Also in this sale is A. P. B. (British, 19th Century) Dandie Dinmont Terrier Ginger III estimated at £3,000 - 5,000. These beautiful long bodied, short legged terriers were named after central character in the Sir Walter Scott novel Guy Mannering, Dandie Dinmont. The character in Scott's novel is thought to be based on farmer and terrier owner James Davidson, who is credited as the original developer of the breed. Pepper or Mustard coats are characteristic for this breed, and were the names Davidson gave to is terriers.

Other highlights include:

John Emms (British, 1843-1912) "On the scent - Foxhounds "Rover", "Sailor" and "Worker"". Estimate: £8,000 - 12,000

Arthur Wardle RI (British, 1864-1949), "Portrait of a Scottish Terrier". Estimate: £2,000 – 3000 (the sale includes several Wardle works which were originally in his family collection)

Maud Earl (British, 1863-1943), "Who Called?" Estimate: £3,000 - 5,000

John Sargent Noble RBA (British, 1848-1896) "The Sentinel's Companion". Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000

Morgan Dennis (American, 1892-1960) "'Impudence' - A Chow Chow". Estimate: £700 - 1,000