Beeldje van een Staffordshire dog, met bruine en oranje kleuren

Staffordshire dogs

What began as an innocent souvenir of the English royal family soon took on a surprising supporting role in nineteenth-century street life. The so-called Staffordshire Dogs also served as a discreet means of communication for prostitutes. However, they could also be found on neat Dutch mantelpieces or in display cabinets. Dutch fishermen and sailors who fished off the coast of England often brought these dogs back as souvenirs for their wives or mothers.

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In the nineteenth century, these ceramic dogs, sold in pairs, were a status symbol for the English bourgeoisie. They were modelled after Queen Victoria of England's favourite dog, a King Charles Spaniel named “Darling Dashy” or “Dash”. They were made in pottery factories in Staffordshire, hence the name: Staffordshire Dogs.

“The Staffordshire Dogs are essentially Royal Family souvenirs, similar to the coffee mugs featuring images of William and Kate that are popular today.”
André Groeneveld
Conservator Zuiderzeemuseum

The story goes that the dogs were used as a discreet means of communication for prostitutes. The dog in the window indicated whether or not the lady was available: if the dog's muzzle was facing inwards, there was already a customer inside. With the dog's muzzle facing outwards, she was free; an invitation to come in.

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