|
Pets were once a privlidge reserved for the affluent. People in rural areas might have dogs, but they were commonly working dogs. Of course that did not stop children from eenjoying them. Large numbers of moderate income people keeping pets is like many other aspects of modern life a creation of capitalism. Capitalism and the Industrial Revolution gave rise to a large middle class and greatly expanding cities. Many of these new middleclass families wanted to have dogs, perhaps rembering their experiences as children in rural areas. New smaller breeds were bred that were ideal for city life. We first see this in Britain, but the same process occurred in America as industrialization after the Civil War gave rise to an expanding affluent middle class and growing cities. World War I helped to make German shepards popular. Movies also affected pet popularity. As One of the joys of childhood is the relationship with the family pet which more often than not was a trusty pooch. This relationship is beautifully captured in many children's classics (Lassie, Old Yeller, Rin-tintin, and others). This was something that both wealthy children like this boy or children in more modest familes could enjoy, although in our more modern world, keeping a pet is becoming increasingly expensive. Boys probably preferred dogs more than cats and girls may have preferred cats more. There was, however, plenty of overlap between the two. And there are many bother possible pet choices. Since World War II, small pets like hamsters have become popular for younger children or children in apartmennts where keeping larger pets are difficult.
Pets were once a privlidge reserved for the affluent. People in rural areas might have dogs, but they were commonly working dogs. Of course that did not stop children from eenjoying them. Large numbers of moderate income people keeping pets is like many other aspects of modern life a creation of capitalism. Capitalism and the Industrial Revolution gave rise to a large middle class and greatly expanding cities. Many of these new middleclass families wanted to have dogs, perhaps rembering their experiences as children in rural areas. New smaller breeds were bred that were ideal for city life. We first see this in Britain, but the same process occurred in America as industrialization after the Civil War gave rise to an expanding affluent middle class and growing cities. World War I helped to make German shepards popular. Movies also affected pet popularity.
One of the joys of childhood is the relationship with the family pet which more often than not was a trusty pooch. This relationship is beautifully captured in children's classics (Lassie, Old Yeller, Rin-Tintin, and many others). The dog is perhaps the best know pet over time. We do not know much about dogs in colonial America, but given their utility they much have appeared very early in the colonies. Cats were primarily important to control vermine. Many things change over time, but there are also certain constants and children and dogs must have foreged bonds. And children on farms were often isolated. Dogs mut have thus provided valuable companions. America until about the turn-of-the 20th century was primarily rural. Thus dogs could be easily kept. The relationship between farm children and pets may have been different. Dogs on the farm had useful functions. And they lived outside. Guarding the farm buildings and livestock was one of their functions. And farm kids are used to livestock being slaughtered. As American moved into cities, this relationship may have changed. It became more difficult to keep dogs in the city. And new types of dogs--toy breeds more suitablre for city life. Cats were more practical. The relationship with children was different. As Americans moved into the suburbs keeping pets became more practical. And this is the experience that most modern American children have had with their dogs. They have grown up thinking of them as one of the family. And they often have virtually no practical function, other than emotional bonding. For the younger children they were a loyal, always available playmate. Not all children had the pleasure of growing up with dogs, but many did and forged a range of cherished childhood memories. There were of course other pets, but the childhood relations were different.
This was something that both wealthy children like this boy or children in more modest familes could enjoy, although in our more modern world, keeping a pet is becoming increasingly expensive.
Boys probably preferred dogs more than cats and girls may have preferred cats more. There was, however, plenty of overlap between the two.
And there are many bother possible pet choices. Of course the most common are cats and dogs. Since World War II, small pets like hamsters have become popular for younger children or children in apartments where keeping larger pets are difficult.
Pets of course are primarily a home activity. There are, however, some events that involve activuities outside the home. We notice all kinds of pet revents. The best known are pet shows where oweners snd breeders show off pure breeds. Probanlt the best knon are the kennel club dog shows. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an all-breed conformation show, traditionally held annually at New York City's Madison Square Garden The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of a handful of benched shows in the United States. Since 1934, the Westminster Kennel Club has bestowed the title of Best Junior Handler to one deserving youngster. These talented handlers come from all across the country to be judged on their dog handling skills with eight advancing to the finals competition held at Madison Square Garden. Crufts is an international dog show held annually in the United Kingdom organjized by the Kennel Club, it is the largest such show in the world. These are national events. Local chapters sponsor events leading to the national event. These events are primarily for adults. There are are all kinds of events involving pets aimed at chidren. And they usually are not limited to cats and dogs. Catholic chutches spoonsor bless animals events. Schools and community organizations sponsor pet events. These events do not focus on pure breeds and children with their beloved mutts can paricipate as wll as birds, fish, farm animals and what ever else to which the chilldren have become attached. These are local events in which even younger children can participate.
HBC has arcgived countless images of children and their pets. It didn't occurv to us at first to link them here, but will begin to do so. A goodc example is the Miziner boys and their big poch in South Dakota during the 1900s.
A recent example of how celberity-mad America thinks about pets was demontrated by Michael Vick--one of the most highly regarded NFL quarterbacks. American celeberties can get away with all kinds of bad behavior, but when Vick was found to be engaging in dog fighting, his NFL career was ruined and he found himself in jail (2008)
Lassie was even Americaized for TV. Rin-tin-tin was amovie favorite. Perhaps the greatest pet film in America was the Disney classic "Old Yeller" (US, 1957). Another important film was "The Yearling" (US, 1946).
There are many others.
Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Site:
[Return to the Main U.S. activities page]
[Return to the Main country pet page ]
[Introduction]
[Activities]
[Biographies]
[Chronology]
[Clothing styles]
[Countries]
[Bibliographies]
[Contributions]
[FAQs]
[Glossary]
[Images]
[Links]
[Registration]
[Tools]
[Boys' Clothing Home]
