Ten Vintage Photographs of Dogs

jnavary — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 06:55:15 +0000

The first American camera was patented by Alexander Wolcott in 1840. Since that time dogs have consistently ranked amongst the favorite animal models for photographers. Dogs played many roles in early photography, representing mascots, war dogs, novelty photos, guardians, hunters and entertainers. Of course, some older photos portray dogs in the role with which we are most familiar – that of loyal companion.

It can be fascinating to observe the physical development of various breeds throught the years. By comparing what we see today with photographs of the same breeds taken many years ago, changes over time can be quite notable. For example, the practice of selective breeding for aesthetic purposes has increased the size of the bulldog’s head. This change in physical appearance can, unfortunately, result in health problems. For the bulldog, the modification of the head has increased the probability of problems with both breathing and giving birth.

In the first photo below you can see a thinner, smaller headed and longer legged bulldog – characteristics making him closer to the look of his ancestors who were originally bred for the “sport” of bull baiting.

I hope you enjoy this small collection of vintage dog photos as much as I did while collecting them!

Dreamworld Irish Boy (c. 1910’s-20’s)

The bulldog in this photo, Dreamworld Irish Boy, went on to win Best In Show at Westminster in 1914.

Photo Credit: U.S. Library of Congress

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Portrait of a girl with a dog. Stockholm 1865-1875

Photographer: Wilhelm Lundberg

Photo Credit: Stads Museum, Stockholm, Sweden

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Buccleuch Avon (b.1885)

Buccleuch Avon was one of the founders of the modern Labrador, and he carried the “liver” gene. He is believed to be the ancestor of all chocolate Labs.

Photo Credit: U.P. Labradors

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An Old Sea Dog - 1905

Photo Credit: U.S. Library of Congress

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Kennel master at the White House for Herbert Hoover's dogs.

Robert R. Robinson, kennel master at the White House for Herbert Hoover’s dogs, Buckeye, a German police dog; King Tut, a Belgian police dog; and Englehurst Gillette, a Gordon setter.

Photo Credit: National Photo Company / U.S. Library of Congress

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Who is cuter?

Photographer unknown – early 20th century

Photo Credit: Vintage Portraiture on Flickr.com

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Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his daughter, Anna, with their German Shepherd dog, "Chief of the Mohawk". May 1920 during the Seventh annual Dog Show of the Washington Kennel Club.

Photo Credit: National Photo Company / U.S. Library of Congress

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The Bath - Circa 1914

Cute photo by Harry Whittier Frees featuring a dog dressed as human appearing to give another dog a bath in a tub.

Photo Credit: Harry Whittier Frees / U.S. Library of Congress

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George Custer and his dog - 1862. Taken during the Peninsula Campaign in Virginia.

Photo Credit: Civil War glass negative collection, U.S. Library of Congress

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Helen Keller with her dog, 1904

Photo Credit: U.S. Library of Congress

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