Art Deco Dogs - Popular As Ever!

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Art Deco Dogs! What a fabulous combination!

The fascination with speed and all things streamlined in the Art Deco era even influenced the popularity of certain breeds of dogs. The sleek lines of the Greyhound made it the ideal fashion accessory.  It appeared in photos and fashion illustrations of the day complementing the pure, long lines of the female silhouette of the era.


Georges Barbier - Autumnal SymphonyGeorges Barbier - Autumnal Symphony


The tall and elegant Borzoi with its graceful curved tail was popularized by Queen Alexandra, who was presented with her dog Alex by Tsar Nicholas of Russia.  The dignity of the Borzoi and its origin in the Russia of the Ballet Russes with all its exotic associations also made this dog popular for the fashion conscious of the day.


Queen Alexandra with Borzoi 1935Queen Alexandra with her Borzoi, from Hutchinson's Dog Encyclopedia, c. 1935
Borzoi image on Art Deco playing cardBorzoi Dogs Shown on an Art Deco Playing Card

It was inevitable that the Saluki, whose mummified remains were found in the tombs of the Pharoahs, and is one of the oldest pure bred dogs in the world should become popular in the Art Deco era. 

The classic Erté  image of a woman and a dog "Symphony in White" could well be a Saluki, or perhaps a Greyhound.


Erte Symphony in WhiteErté Symphony in White


"Surely no mother love can equal the all absorbing interest we feel in our pets" 

Hon. Mrs J. Rodney, Vogue 1932. 

This was the way ladies felt about their pampered pooches in this era, and they went everywhere.  The ladies cloakroom at many a smart hotel would be filled with the doggie guests having their own lunch parties. 



Of course, the love of dogs meant that images of their favourite hounds would have to appear on pins and brooches so they could be remembered at all times.  There was a plethora of dog pins available in every conceivable material from the beginning of the century, with little Scottie dogs and charms in Celluloid being mass produced.  The Greyhound, Borzoi and Saluki forms created the perfect silhouette for an elegant brooch. 

Even More Art Deco Dogs!

Also popular were the Pekinese, the Dachshund, the Poodle with its outrageous haircut, all kinds of Terriers, and the French Bulldog. 


Vera Salotti with her French Bulldog, 1935The Silent Movie Actress, Vera Salvotti with her French Bulldog. She was President of the Italian Women's Kennel Club in 1933. From Hutchinson's Dog Encyclopedia, c. 1935.
French Bulldog on an Art Deco Playing CardFrench Bulldog on an Art Deco playing card


The English Bulldog also came into its own in the Churchill era, with lots of pins and brooches being made of that less than elegant creature. 

The Great Dane was the ultimate in power and elegance, with its height and sleek coat.  The perfect 1930s accessory.


1930s Lady with Great Dane1930s Lady with Great Dane


Many Art Deco artists used dogs in their work.  Louis Icart was a very popular artist at the time and a famous painter of animals.  His paintings included Scotties, Poodles, Greyhounds and Borzois among others.


Louis Icart - Mealtime - Girl With PuppiesLouis Icart - Mealtime

What is it they say about owners looking like their dogs?....

Or is it the other way round?


Carol Lombard and her dogCarol Lombard and her dog, from Hutchinson's Dog Encyclopedia, c. 1935


There's a huge range of Art Deco dog collectables on Etsy.    Click here if you only want Scotties!  Choose from sculptures, jewellery, prints and more.  

See more fabulous Art Deco Jewelry

If you love architecture and dogs you will love this blog....

> > Art Deco Dogs

Vintage Car with DogsPhoto from Hutchinson's Dog Encyclopedia, c.1935


Etsy has a surprisingly good range of Art Deco furniture, interior decor, art and prints, 1920s and 1930s fashion, accessories, jewellery and Bakelite.  Click the banner to explore.  



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