Staffordshire dog figurine

In Scotland, they were colloquially termed Wally dugs[Note 1][4] and were manufactured in bulk at potteries in places such as Pollokshaws in Glasgow and Portobello near Edinburgh.

The spaniels were seated in pairs, decorated with a gold chain and locket, and with a creamy white base coat.

[11] The Staffordshire mantel dog's expression can be soft or fierce, deplorable or self-satisfied, inquisitive or pleased.

The base coat is layered over with polka dots or brushed patches of rust, copper luster, or black.

A less common group of dog figurines do have utilitarian purposes, serving also as spill vases, ring holders, banks, and jars.

Children as young as seven or eight years were paid two shillings a week to paint the gold chains often included on the spaniels in the 1800s.

In the United States, the 1952 Supreme Court case F. W. Woolworth Co. v. Contemporary Arts, Inc. concerned copyright infringement regarding the design for a cocker spaniel figure.

You can also find other Staffordshire dog breeds, such as pugs, afghans, greyhounds, collies, poodles, and Dalmatians.

[15][16] "Wally dugs" (china dogs) have been mentioned in Scottish poetry, including "The Queen of Sheba" by Kathleen Jamie[7][17] and in a poem describing life in a Glasgow tenement.

It was washed twice a year, frae its tail tae its lug, And pit back on the shelf, was the wee wally dug.

Various examples of Staffordshire dog figurines were included in the Marx-Lambert collection, which was put on display at Compton Verney House in 2004.