BLUE BOOK TOYS POCKET-SIZE POOCHES FEATURED IN 1938 AKC PUBLICATION
by Dan Sayers
I n 1938, the American Kennel Club published a book of “bench show dogs” that provides a snapshot of the sport as it existed in the US more than 80 years ago. Described as a volume devoted to the outstanding dogs of the preceding year, this one of a kind “Blue Book” features many im- ported and American-bred dogs that helped to raise the visibility of pure- breds during the Great Depression. At a time when people yearned for trustworthy allies and creature com- forts, pedigreed dogs (particularly Toy dogs) found greater acceptance as both companions and comfort- ers. Dog shows of the day appealed to people from all walks of life, although these events certainly found their greatest supporters among the na- tion’s hoi polloi . As recognized breeds became a status symbol of sorts, their patronage by ladies of society pro- pelled Poms, Pekes, and Pugs into the American consciousness—and into American homes. The collection of Toys that follows provides a photographic record of a dozen recognized breeds that were embraced by the American fancier and, subsequently, by the American family. For some, the heady days of popularity seem a distant memo- ry. For others, the best is certainly to come.
Ch. Burlingame Dubarry (Meadowlands Rubus x Meadowlands Angelica)
“…searched England for the choic- est foundation stock that could be purchased and [her] selections made history in many show rings.” The Burlingame Kennels housed both im- ports and homebreds, including Ch. Hitane, Ch. Idla, Ch. Gerrards Chiff Chaff, Ch. Bridesmaid, and Ch. Aus- tral Lil Black Sambo. At 18 months of
BRUSSELS GRIFFON A wedding gift of a Brussels Griffon inspired Rosalind Layte to begin her hobby kennel in Short Hills, New Jer- sey. In the AKC Blue Book of Dogs, Mrs. Layte relates, “I was so excited… really, I do not know which got the more attention, the dog or the groom!” The breed’s newest fancier reportedly
28 • T op N otch T oys , N ovember /D ecember 2020
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