Vintage Dogs

Just as there are vintage clothing styles, so are there vintage dogs. Or should I say, were. Thinking back to the dogs that were popular in the US during the 50s and 60s, the breeds that you saw in every neighborhood seem as familiar as beehive hairdos, saddle shoes, and Peter Pan collars: recognizable, yet quaint.  Today we have our designer mixed-breeds and recently imported rare breeds, and the look of the neighborhood dog has changed. Like looking back at the black and white photos of our parents in their shoulder-padded suits and youthful faces, those of us who grew up with Beautiful Joe and Rin Tin Tin, can indulge in a little nostalgic review of the dogs that shared our early days.

The Fox Terrier was a fixture in the 40’s and the Pekingese was a curious pet. The Fox Terriers may have been the Rat Terrier strain, and versions of these dogs were often called Trixie, Tippy, or other chipper, snappy names that suggested the breed’s upbeat outlook, high energy, and dapper black-and-white coloring. Somewhere after the war when folks were settling into suburbia in vast numbers, the Cocker Spaniel became one of America’s favorite dogs. Honey-colored or black, the Cocker was a favorite family dog, known for a sweet disposition and feathery-eared charm. Wiggly and friendly, the Cocker Spaniel of the 50s was even featured in the popular Dick and Jane reading books, the first literacy texts back in the day. Their names were as homey and simple as their personalities, Cinders, Honey, or Missy.

The Collie, today’s full-coated show Collie, was regarded as a kind of wise family mascot and guardian, much like the popular Lassie series of books and television shows depicted them. The German Shepherd rose to popularity around the same time, often called the German Police Dog in its early years. Big dogs like these often had names derived from royalty: Prince, King, and Duchess were favorites. The dapper Dachshund, playful Boxer, and many other breeds had their share of loyal fans as well. Not to dismiss the “Heinz 47” mixed breeds that were, as always, delightfully unique.

Between the 50s and 60s the poodle arrived and still represents the era, trimmed in a Dutch clip, immortalized on a circle skirt that probably danced to some 45 r.p.m. records. The French background of the poodles was part of their persona, called “French Poodles” in the beginning, and this carried over into their given names: Fifi, Pierre, and whatever else suggested a somewhat effete and stylish French influence, somewhat amused by its own affectations. The joie de vivre and fabled poodle intelligence ensured them a permanent place in the American dogscape.

Of course, we each have our own precious collection of memorable dogs. The vintage dogs we remember are the ones that shared our homes and childhoods. Like Elvis and Lucy, they live on in memory of a day that seems hopeful, and rich in innocence. Trixie, Tippy, King, and Honey, we remember you well.