Popular Victorian spaniel figures made in Staffordshire, England from c. 1840-1900 presented with a detailed look at all of the Spaniel variations, history, and recent reproductions beautifully illustrated with color photographs. Spaniel types and sizes, tips for collectors, and a helpful glossary are included. Captions offer descriptions, sizes, dates of manufacture, and current values.

Staffordshire dogs usually took pride of place on mantelpieces in 19th century homes where they could

Over 700 color photos display the ceramic dogs produced by potters of England's famous Staffordshire district during the Victorian era. They include King Charles Spaniels, Whippets, Bull Mastiffs, Poodles, St. Bernards, and many others. Among the figures are dogs alone, and with men, women, and children engaged in a variety of pursuits. Histories for potteries known to produce Staffordshire dogs are presented, including James Dudson, the Par-Kent Factory, Poole & Unwin, Ridgway & Robey, and Sampson-Smith. Instruction on differentiating original antique Staffordshire dogs from modern reproduction are provided. The various decorative treatments used on these popular dogs over the decades are also discussed. Value codes are provided in every caption.

This unique book offers an in-depth look at the cultural, socio-economic, religious, political, and technological conditions that defined the subject matter of Staffordshire Figures. Each chapter is a self-contained study of the potteries, the potters, and various categories of pre-Victorian and Victorian figures including spaniels and other animals, the monarchy, religious figures, children, heroes and rouges, architectural figures and much more. Included are over 550 superb color photographs of Staffordshire figures (some previously unrecorded), and detailed captions with values.

Poring over this beautifully photographed guide is as much fun as exploring flea markets, second hand shops and antique stores with someone who is knowledgeable about the most popular collectibles you are likely to find there.

Combining heroic stories of dogs with the latest scientific and psychological information, this book has provoked controversy with its lists that rank more than 100 breeds and its exciting new insights into the thoughts, emotions, and inner lives of dogs.