The Golden Age of Canines: Americans Roll Over for Dogs Post-WWII

Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast

In this episode, we explore how the prosperous post-war era shaped the role of dogs in America, and how those dogs have shaped us since.

Dogs have always been a part of the American story, but during the post-war boom, the new idealized self-portrait of the rising middle class included the family dog.

Some breeds saved from extinction by American breeders rallied to become cultural icons, TV heroes, and Best in Show winners, while a comic rendering of the most popular breed of the time fascinated the nation by imagining the war through a dog’s eyes. Join us as we take a walk through our shared history and our shared boom era.

Bonafide Bits:

• With his first win In 1951, Bang Away the Boxer was the first dog to top 100 Best-in-Show titles.
• At the onset of the 1950s, Charles M. Schulz introduced the world to the beloved beagle Snoopy, and shortly after “Beagle-mania” ensued.
• Westminster’s stately Best in Show winner in 1952‒’53, Storm, a Doberman Pinscher, stood motionless for a full thirteen minutes.
• In 1955, bulldog Kippax Fearnought, aka Jock, was the first dog show champion to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated.
• In 2010, Christie's auctioned off the mounted remains of Bullet, the wonder-dog star of the Roy Rogers show.

Featured Breeds:

Cocker Spaniel

• The merry and frolicsome Cocker Spaniel, with his big, dreamy eyes and impish personality, is one of the world’s best-loved breeds. They were developed as hunting dogs, but Cockers gained wide popularity as all-around companions. Discover more about Cocker Spaniels at AKC’s Cocker Spaniel Breed Biography.

Beagle

• Not only is the Beagle an excellent hunting dog and loyal companion, but it is also happy-go-lucky, funny, and — thanks to its pleading expression — cute. They were bred to hunt in packs, so they enjoy company and are generally easygoing. Discover more about Beagles at AKC’s Beagle Breed Biography.

Wire Fox Terrier

• The Wire Fox Terrier, 16 to 18 pounds of coiled energy, is a sturdy, symmetrical, short-backed hunter with fire and intelligence shining in its dark, round eyes. The predominantly white coat is rough and wiry; the V-shaped ears are neatly folded forward, the better to point up the face’s distinctive, and completely irresistible, expression. Wires are delightful pets for families looking for an upbeat, friendly companion with loads of personality. They are smart and companionable; training can be a challenge but by no means impossible. Excellent athletes, natural comedians, and charming housemates, Wires are long-lived and low-shedding. Discover more about Wire Fox Terriers at AKC’s Wire Fox Terrier Breed Biography.

Border Collie

• A remarkably bright workaholic, the Border Collie is an amazing dog — maybe a bit too amazing for owners without the time, energy, or means to keep it occupied. These energetic dogs will settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done. Discover more about Border Collies at AKC’s Border Collie Breed Biography.

German Shepherd Dog

• There are many reasons why German Shepherd Dogs stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but experts say their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. German Shepherd Dogs will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians, but, the breed standard says, there’s a “certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.” Discover more about German Shepherd Dogs at AKC’s German Shepherd Dog Breed Biography.

Saint Bernard

• The Saint Bernard does not rank very high in AKC registrations, but the genial giant of the Swiss Alps is nonetheless among the world’s most famous and beloved breeds. Saints are famously watchful, patient, and careful with children. Discover more about Saint Bernards at AKC’s Saint Bernard Breed Biography.

Poodle

• Forget those old stereotypes of Poodles as sissy dogs. Poodles are eager, athletic, and wickedly smart “real dogs” of remarkable versatility. The Standard, with his greater size and strength, is the best all-around athlete of the family, but all Poodles can be trained with great success. Discover more about Poodles at AKC’s Poodle (Standard) Breed Biography.

Boxer

• Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. Bright and alert, sometimes silly, but always courageous, the Boxer has been among America’s most popular dog breeds for a very long time. Discover more about Boxers at AKC’s Boxer Breed Biography.

Doberman Pinscher

• Sleek and powerful, possessing both a magnificent physique and keen intelligence, the Doberman Pinscher is one of dogkind’s noblemen. This incomparably fearless and vigilant breed stands proudly among the world’s finest protection dogs. Discover more about Doberman Pinschers at AKC’s Doberman Pinscher Breed Biography.

For more information about a specific breed visit the breed’s parent club or AKC.org.

Shareables:

• In the 1950s, the AKC granted Snoopy an honorary registration of “Beagle 1.”
• Post WWII, the National Geographic Society suggested the U.S. government conduct a dog census.
• Why did the registration of purebred dogs double from 1946 to 1958?