Cover Story
Canine Kitsch
By Julie Diamond
Apr 8, 2008, 21:25

Some people collect stamps or coins. Others collect art. And some people, particularly those who love dogs, find comfort by surrounding themselves with canine collectibles.

People have been creating and collecting souvenirs and knick-knacks reflecting their love of dogs for as long as I can remember. One year, a childhood friend was at a loss for what to give me for my birthday so in a last ditch effort to come up with a clever gift, she found a ceramic figurine that looked just like my poodle mix, Princess. Now, 30+ years later I still have it displayed on a shelf.

I can remember shopping with my dad every August to pick out a new lunchbox for school. Invariably I'd go for one with an image of a cute, cuddly puppy on it. If I'd hung onto those old lunchboxes they'd be worth a fortune now.

With the advent of E-bay, canine collectibles have become big business. Everything from t-shirts to tape dispensers depicting images of different breeds is available. Designers and illustrators create clever dog designs that become fashion statements. One designer by the name of J.R. Miller created a complete line of products for dog lovers and called it Nothin Butt Dogs. His logo features what else - dog butts.

Well known animal author and artist Ron Hevener began selling handmade dog souvenirs to tourists at farmers markets in Pennsylvania. Today his limited edition figurines are traded throughout the world and his dog portraits can be found for sale on Ebay.

Susan Philbrook of Rancocas, NJ explained the dog enthusiast's love for collecting memorabilia depicting certain breeds. "Mainly dog fanciers of specific breeds are also in the habit of collecting just about anything that has to do with their breed(s). Usually artwork of this type is matted, framed, and showcased on the walls of the dog enthusiast. Also by collecting vintage artwork, dog enthusiasts are able to piece together the history of their breed(s), which can prove to be a valuable tool when tracing the progress of a breed from past to present."

There is even a publication in Australia that advises readers on where to find the best deals on canine collectibles. Canine Collectibles Courier provides information that will give collectors "new sources for their favorite genre, new leads, new information and reviews of important information from the past. Information to find such treasures as snuff boxes, umbrella handles, stamps, and all dog loving artists and crafts people."

As diverse as dog breeds are, so are dog gifts and collectibles. Whether you're interested in collecting memorabilia featuring your favorite breed, or you just like dogs in general, you're bound to find something fun to tickle your fancy by visiting any number of street fairs, flea markets, garage sales and yes, even Ebay.

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