Staffordshire Dogs: The One Collectible I Always Buy
If you've spent any time browsing House of Modern Vintage, you've probably noticed I have a bit of a thing for Staffordshire dogs.
Every time I come across a great pair, it's hard for me to leave them behind.
The funny thing is, I don't really have a favorite style. I love the traditional black and white spaniels just as much as colorful floral versions, blue and white chinoiserie-inspired pairs, and even the quirky little puppies. Somehow they all have their own personality, and somehow they all work.
Staffordshire dogs first became popular in 19th-century England, where they were traditionally displayed in pairs on mantelpieces. Today, they're just as at home on a bookshelf, coffee table, or entry console, and they've become one of those antiques that never seem to go out of style.
There's No "Right" Staffordshire Dog
One of my favorite things about collecting Staffordshire dogs is that there really aren't any rules.
Some collectors only look for antique Victorian pairs. Others love reproductions with bright colors and bold patterns. I tend to buy whatever makes me smile.
Whether they're classic black and white...
...or covered in colorful florals...
...each pair brings something different to a room.
They're Surprisingly Easy to Decorate With
People sometimes think Staffordshire dogs only belong in traditional homes.
I actually think the opposite.
They're one of those rare antiques that seem to work almost anywhere.
I love placing them:
- on stacks of coffee table books
- on a console table
- inside a china cabinet
- on open shelving
- beside a lamp
- on an entry table to greet guests
Because they're sculptural, they add height, personality, and just enough whimsy without making a space feel cluttered.
Mix Patterns Without Overthinking It
If there's one decorating rule I actually follow, it's this:
Don't worry about matching.
Some of my favorite Staffordshire dogs are blue and white.
Others are covered in colorful florals.
Some are solid white.
Others have rich reds or Imari-inspired colors.
I don't buy them because they match—I buy them because each pair has character.
When they're mixed with books, fresh flowers, silver, blue and white porcelain, or modern furniture, they feel collected instead of overly traditional.
Every Pair Has a Different Personality
That's probably what keeps me buying them.
Some have sweet expressions.
Some look slightly grumpy.
Some are elegant.
Some are wonderfully quirky.
And that's exactly what makes collecting them so much fun.
I don't think you need to know everything about Staffordshire pottery before bringing home your first pair. If you find a set that makes you smile every time you walk past it, that's probably the right one.
Shop Staffordshire Dogs
Whether you love traditional black and white pairs or colorful hand-painted versions, Staffordshire dogs are one of those timeless pieces that add charm to almost any room. Browse our current collection to find a pair that fits your style.
