Dogs lend themselves to antiques and collectibles

We've all experienced lost opportunities. One of mine may have occurred in an antique mall in Pasadena, California.

I was wandering through the mall and spotted a china pitcher in the shape of a dog. The black-and-brown smiling dog was in a sitting position, with his front paws forming the spout. I debated whether or not to buy him, but reluctantly put the little guy back on the shelf. Not buying him may have been a mistake.

Dog-related antiques and collectibles are as varied in type as they are in market value. Dogs have been the subject of art since primitive times; ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics show hunting dogs.

Down through the centuries, those of us who love dogs have created and collected everything from original oil paintings to salt and pepper shakers in the shapes of dogs.

Julia Szabo, Displays of Affection, Country Living, quotes New York City art dealer William Secord about the popularity of dogs as subjects of paintings: “Queen Victoria famously adored dogs, which was one of the reasons for the flourishing of dog paintings in 19th century England.”

Painters in America then adopted dogs as subjects, accommodating patrons' requests for the era's most poplar breeds, as well as several paintings of mixed breeds. 19th century oil paintings of dogs can range in price from $1,500 to $50,0000.

The breed portraits have been popular. However, mixed breed portraits are so rare, an 1885 portrait of a mixed breed dog named Pointy by John Singer Sargent sold at Christie's for $432,000.

There are other dog-related antiques and memorabilia that are available to collectors, including old photographs, antique and modern buttons, cast iron dogs, dog toys (puzzles and games), advertising pieces, brand name items and cookie jars, to name just a few.

Some collectors search for antique photographs of dogs, including daguerreotypes, the first practical form of photography, tintype images and other types of images that trace the history of photography in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Collectors interested in dogs on antique buttons can choose from a variety of designs, including different breeds and materials.

Dog collars are another category. Erin Fogarty, “Antique Dog Collars — From Spikes to Precious Stones,” www.dogco.com, notes dogs have worn functional and decorative collars for thousands of years. Their uses have ranged from protecting a dog's neck to a symbol of status for the owner.

Fogarty notes the 17th to 19th centuries saw the lined metal collar become popular. In the 19th century, dog registration/license tags came into more widespread use, necessitating a cheaper collar for the masses. Thus, leather collars began to appear in the Victorian era.

So, if you're interested in dog art antiques and memorabilia, there is a collectible out there for you. While you're looking, if you happen to come across a small, black-and-brown dog pitcher with its front paws making the spout, please give me a call. I'd like to know what it's worth today.

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.