Man’s Best Friend Through The Years – 15 Vintage Photos Of Dogs
The first camera was patented almost 170 years ago and since that time dogs have been captured in photographs. Dogs played many roles in early photography, being represented as mascots, war dogs, guardians, hunters and entertainers. Of course, some older photos portray dogs serving the purpose most of us are most familiar with – beloved companion.
It’s interesting to be able to document the physical development of breeds into what we see today through photographs of the same breeds taken many years ago. For example, selective breeding for ascetics has increased the size of the Bulldog’s head (which can cause health issues pertaining to breathing and birthing). In the photo below you can see a less bulky, longer legged bulldog who was closer to the look of his relatives bred for their original purpose.
I hope you enjoy this collection of classic dog photos as much as I did as I found them!
Girl Teaching Dog To Sit ( c. 1930′s)
Photo by State Library of New South Wales collection
Dog Barking Into Phone (1957)
Photo by State Archives of Florida
Little Girl With Terrier (c. 1935)
Photo by Sam Hood/ State Library of New South Wales collection
“You Ought To See The Other Fellow” (c. 1885)
Photo by George Eastman House
Girl With Bull Terrier (1934)
Photo by State Library of New South Wales collection
Owney The Mail Dog (c. 1895)
Owney was a stray who who was taken in by postoffice clerks in Albany, NY. He never left and soon began riding the rails on Railway Post Office trains and was dubbed their unofficial mascot.
Photo by Smithsonian Institution
Puppy – Taken on The First Australasian Antarctic Expedition (c. 1911-1914)
Photo by State Library of New South Wales collection
Sargent Stubby (1920′s)
Read more about this brave War Dog here
Photo by Nationaal Archief
Boy With Donkey and Dog (c. 1950)
Photo by State Archives of Florida
Dreamworld Irish Boy (c. 1910′s-20′s)
The bulldog in this photo, Dreamworld Irish Boy, went on to win BIS at Westminster in 1914.
Photo by The Library of Congress
Rabbit Hunter’s Pack (c.1884-1917)
Photo by Powerhouse Museum Collection
Dog Using Chamber Pot (c.1920)
Photo by MyDearDogs
Fawn, the Great Dane (1939)
Photo by Antique Dog Photos
Posing Sighthounds (c. 1875)
Photo by markdowlrods
Couple With Pit Bull (c. 1903)
Photo by ambulldog
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April 1st, 2009 at 1:48 am
Wow Dan, these photos are outstanding! I love the one with Sargent Stubby, he looks so proud! Where did you find all these?
August 4th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
I haven’t ever seen such beautiful pictures of dogs in any other antique photos. I wish I could frame any one of them. Amazing!!!