Historical information

Staffordshire dog figurines are matching pairs of pottery spaniel dogs, standing guard, which were habitually placed on mantelpieces in 19th-century homes. Mainly produced by Staffordshire pottery factories, these earthenware figures were also made in other English counties and Scotland. They are also known as hearth spaniels or fireplace dogs as they were positioned on top of the mantelpiece. Many other breeds were produced, particularly the greyhound, though the spaniels were especially popular and this is attributed to royalty favouring the King Charles Spaniel breed. In Scotland, they have colloquially been termed 'Wally dugs.' and were manufactured in bulk at potteries in places such as Pollokshaws in Glasgow and Portobello near Edinburgh. Though the most popular, the dogs were only one of many types of Staffordshire figures; other animals and human figures of various kinds were also popular.
Staffordshire dogs are nowadays collectors’ items and since the 1720s, spaniels had been produced by various pottery factories in Staffordshire. The quality of the modelling and painting of the Staffordshire dogs may differ from factory to factory. As the popularity of the figurines increased towards the end of the 19th century, the quality began to decline. Thousands were manufactured but originals in good condition and their correct pairs are now uncommon. These figures continued to be made until the 1920s and early models are of better quality. However, reproductions were still being manufactured in 2009.

Significance

Early 19th century pair of Staffordshire dogs used as a mantle place display however given their damaged condition and being of a later provenance have little historic or monetary value.

Physical description

Ceramic white dog, figurine one of a pair, with painted face and collar. Both are nearly identical except one sits to the left while the other sits to the right.

Inscriptions & markings

None