In the 18th and 19th century every house had a fireplace, and therefore a mantlepiece, and in the grander houses, several mantlepieces. These, along with shelves and cabinets, would be decorated with all manner of things from clocks, candlesticks, photograph frames and pottery and brass ornaments.

Hundreds of pottery factories were set up in Staffordshire during the Victorian period, many of them producing crude colourful figures, sold to decorate the more humble households. In a dark cottage in winter they must have seemed so bright and joyful, their colours brightening all rooms from kitchen to bed chamber.
 
Here we have a small pair of Staffordshire King Charles Spaniels, made c.1870.

Both pieces have the expected light crazing to the glazed surface, one is in good condition, the other has hairline cracks running around the feet on the front of the figure and behind the head on the reverse of the figure (please see the last two photographs for closer details). 

Dimensions: each measures 13cm x 8cm