Pairs
Staffordshire dog figurines were most frequently sold in matching pairs. Spaniel pairs like those seen below became so ubiquitious that they are still an icon of the Victoria era; see the Context page to learn more. Unique variations on the spaniel pairs were created, such as Disraeli spaniels (who sport the same hairstyle as Benjamin Disraeli, one of Queen Victoria's prime ministers) and flower basket spaniels, seen above. These days, such pairs are rare and highly valuable for collectors.
It's worth noting, though, that the Staffordshire potteries produced variations with many different breeds represented. In the 18th century, society became more interested in selective breeding of dogs, and potters reflected this cultural interest by creating figures of various breeds with their distinctive features detailed. Pairs of border collies and greyhounds can be seen below, but potters also made dalmatians, pugs, poodles, whippets, terriers, bloodhounds, and more.
Why were pairs of figurines particularly popular? Perhaps they just framed the fireplace well...or perhaps there was something else at play. One Victorian legend claimed that a wife used the figurines to send signals to her lover. The story goes that she put them in her window turned back-to-back to indicate that her husband was home, and turned them face-to-face when he was away and it was safe for her paramour to visit.
