How were they displayed?

Victorian households traditionally placed pairs of spaniels on either end of the fireplace mantelpiece. They faced inward toward each other, guarding the hearth. Larger versions stood directly on the floor beside the fireplace as fireside ornaments.

How do I identify a Victorian piece?

Nineteenth-century examples feature heavier earthenware bodies, hand-painted enamel details, and characteristic crazing in the glaze over time. Subtle variations in the brushwork indicate individual hand decoration. Earlier models often show distinct moulding traits such as separate front legs or textured clay fur rather than smooth painted surfaces.

What breeds are most common?

Spaniels, frequently known as comforter dogs, appear most frequently in pairs with black and white or red markings. Poodles with textured coats and pugs with glass eyes also form a large portion of surviving figures. Sporting dogs like setters, greyhounds, and hunting hounds appear less commonly as standalone figures or part of spill vases.

Home > Staffordshire Pottery Dog > Page 6

Staffordshire Pottery Dog

85 items · page 6 of 6

← Page 6 of 6 →

Staffordshire pottery dog figures are quintessential Victorian chimney ornaments modelled as spaniels, poodles and pugs that bring quintessential hearthside character to any room.