Attending the Holliston Antique Show in Massachusetts was the perfect cure for what seemed like endless weeks of snow. The sun was shining, the roads were clear. I was ready to enjoy the company of good friends while hunting for formerly loved treasures.
Collecting Staffordshire Dogs was a natural progression from my love of animals and my life of incorporating canines into our human family lifestyle.
Staffordshire Dogs, like real dogs come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. The most recognized is the brown and white spaniels complete with gold leash and locket. These were produced in the Staffordshire area of England and were most popular during the 19th Century.
The dogs came in pairs that faced in opposite directions. No Victorian home was complete with a pair of Staffordshire dogs gracing the mantle.
The expressions of the Staffordshire dogs differ, as they were all hand painted. Some carry baskets of flowers. I find these to be exceptionally charming.
While most dogs were made to stand guard on the mantle some dogs were made to be used as pitchers.
The spaniel is most popular, due to the popularity of the breed with English royalty. In the 1600s King Charles owned a spaniel. Queen Victoria had her spaniel "Dash."
Staffordshire dogs were also produced to represent other breeds, including boxers, pugs, greyhounds, and poodles.
This adorable set of English Stafordshire poodles is one of my favorites. They sport a coat of confetti fur, similar to the spaghetti poodles of the 1900s.
Collecting Staffordshire dogs opens a world of canine delights. The variation in painting and expression of the dogs will make collecting these dogs a very special experience.
Till Next Time, Stay Well, Stay Happy
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