The Invention of the Modern Dog: Breed and Blood in Victorian Britain

The Victorian era saw the invention of modern dog breeds, which were defined by shape, size, coat, and color. This idea arose in response to a competitive dog show culture and borrowed ideas of inheritance and pure blood from livestock, horse, poultry, and other fancy breeders. The new breeds embodied and reflected key aspects of Victorian culture and quickly spread across the world, connecting scientific understandings of race and blood to Britain's global empire.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2022
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

For centuries, diverse dog breeds have been meticulously bred worldwide for various purposes, including work, sport, and companionship. However, it was during the Victorian era that breeders embarked on a journey to create distinct, specialized, and standardized breeds. In their book, "The Invention of the Modern Dog," Michael Worboys, Julie-Marie Strange, and Neil Pemberton delve into the historical origins and evolution of the modern approach to dog ordering and breeding. While the concept of breed was prevalent in the context of livestock prior to this period, the modern notion of a dog breed characterized by specific physical attributes, size, coat, and color emerged during the Victorian era in response to the flourishing competitive dog show culture. The authors elucidate how breeders, exhibitors, and showmen borrowed ideas of inheritance, pure blood, and breeding practices from livestock, horses, poultry, and other fancy breeders and applied them to a species that had traditionally been viewed solely in terms of work and companionship.

The newly developed dog breeds not only embodied but also reflected essential aspects of Victorian culture, spreading rapidly across the globe. Some of Britain's finest dogs were taken on stud tours or exported in a growing international trade, further contributing to the global popularity of these breeds. By examining the emergence and development of specific dog breeds in conjunction with scientific understandings of race and blood and Britain's position as a global empire, "The Invention of the Modern Dog" showcases the significance of studying dog breeding cultures in understanding the intricate social dynamics of late-nineteenth-century Britain.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421443294