Early Canine Equipment For Dogs

Collars used in the past were much more elaborate than those today. Large dogs which accompanied their owners primarily for the sake of ornament usually wore brass ones, attached to which was a neat padlock carrying the name of the owner, engraved on an inserted plate of silver or steel. Spiked collars were used for quite a different purpose, to save the dog if engaged in a fight. These were made of thick brass or leather and studded with metal spikes. They were frequently used by owners of dogs who wished to induce a fight, knowing that their own dog had an advantage over its opponent.

 The curb-chain collar was another variation. This was an imitation of the curb chain used to secure a horses bit, and was usually made of steel. It was kept polished and fastened by a bolt lock with a key. Most curb-chain collars had a brass or steel plate on which the owners name and address was engraved. The majority of collars were made of leather, some lined with flannel or chamois leather. Broad collars were used for heavy dogs but unfortunately many owners buckled these collars over-tightly to enhance the appearance of loose skin and wrinkles in the bull breeds.

Dog bedding

Because dogs were usually bedded down on straw and their exercise area was most probably covered in ash, dogs often wore coats before visiting a show, for it was realized that a well-presented coat went a long way toward achieving success in the showering. Indoors, materials such as a plain white calico was used in the summer months and in colder weather, fawn-colored horse clothing. Mackintosh sheets could be used in rain. The most popular style of coat was that which buckled in front and to which a breast cloth could be added in cold weather, of particular use in attempting to avoid draughts while at shows.

Little importance was paid to creating whelping boxes when litters were imminent, instead a bitch was far more likely to have a warm place allocated to her in the kitchen, perhaps next to the stove.

Dog food preparation

Larger kennels had their own special 'food-boiler' which required great attention to keep food at the boil without allowing it to burn. But with the advent of Parish's Steam Cooker, preparation became easier, for this could be maintained at a temperature which never rose beyond 210°F, thereby allowing bits of meat, gristle and other odds and ends to be stewed without leaving any waste. These cookers were available in sizes ranging from two to 32 gallons, so could be used by many kennels, whatever their size.

Dog kennels

Small house pets had beautifully made baskets in which to sleep, and some looked like little houses, miniatures of larger outdoor kennels. These were somewhat impractical as the dogs could so easily damage the basketwork, so they usually had a mat or rug placed inside to prevent the animal scratching the floor. More practical for indoor use were 'toy kennels', raised on castors.

Some of the outdoor kennels were very well made and there was even a folding, portable kennel which was made of wood, a convenience for those who wished to travel with their dogs. When traveling to shows, some exhibitors accompanied their dogs on trains, but often they were sent on alone. Traveling baskets or 'hampers' were needed as containers for the dogs. In the early years these were crudely constructed and were barely large enough to contain the dog inside. Unfortunately, little thought appears to have been given to the matter of ventilation in the hampers, and many cases of suffocation were reported.

Dog modern equipment

Thankfully, owners became more aware of their pets' needs and ventilation became an essential feature of any traveling basket. A particularly popular one was the 'Cottage-top Ventilated Hamper', available in numerous sizes to suit all dog types. The roof space could be used for stowing away items which exhibitors needed to take to a show, while the dog occupied the space beneath.

Sprats Patent brought out another clever piece of traveling equipment, a 'Combination Traveling Box and Kennel'. This had a moveable tray for carrying show equipment and a wire guard and door which covered the kennel's entrance when the dog was being transported. Powerful dogs, however, needed a secure traveling box rather than a basket, so these were provided with a lock and key and two strong handles. An important feature of any such equipment was a label which was clearly displayed on the outside, indicating the train's time and date of departure, in an endeavor to prevent the precious cargo from being left on the station platform as was sometimes the case.