NEW YORK - The most exciting group of paintings of Pointers in recent memory lead Bonhams 31st annual sale dedicated to dogs in art, set for February 12. Most significant is John Martin Tracy’s Haunt of the Woodcock: Sensation and Bang Bang (est. $100,000-150,000). Painted circa 1886, the canvas depicts two of the most important Pointers of their day, who were seminal in the foundation of the Westminster Kennel Club.  To this day, "Sensation" is found in the club's logo.

A rare painting of Pointers titled Ruby & Companions by John Emms, an artist whose work is most often associated with the hunt, is also included (est. $50,000-70,000).  A pair of canvases by Maud Earl depict head studies of Lorne and Kate, two fine examples of extremely rare Black Pointers (est. $18,000-24,000).  Also on offer is a splendid landscape showing a brace of Pointers in a vibrant meadow by Thomas Blinks (est. $60,000-80,000).

The sale's top lot, an extraordinary Old Master painting by Abraham Hondius, comes from the estate of American Kennel Club judge Walter F. Goodman. The Amsterdam Dog Market 1677,  a remarkable display of over 30 dogs set in a classical tableau, has long been considered the artist’s masterpiece (est. $200,000-300,000).  Mr. Goodman was a noted breeder of Skye Terriers and a number of paintings and ceramics representing the breed will be available.

Additional breeds that are well represented in this sale are paintings and prints of Field Spaniels from the collection of Sarah Evans and a number of paintings of Pekingese from the collection of Sascha Rockefeller.

The auction always includes works in a variety of media from oils, watercolors and prints to bronze and porcelain sculpture. This year’s edition includes a substantial collection of enamel and reverse-painted intaglio jewelry. The single owner collection was amassed in the 1950s and contains over 125 pieces consisting of brooches, tie clips and scarf or stickpins.  Many of the works are by the enamel masters William Essex and William Bishop Ford.

Dogs in Show & Field: The Fine Art Sale will take place on February 12 at Bonhams New York. The sale will preview at Bonhams February 8-12. Additionally, Bonhams will host the annual Barkfest Brunch on February 9 to benefit the American Kennel Club Humane Fund, which provides grants to pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and rescue organizations throughout the country. Tickets are $50 in advance by calling 212-896-6306, or $60 at the door. Canine companions welcome.

A complete catalog for the sale will be available at  www.bonhams.com/auctions/21338