Not Pugnacious: Antique Terracotta Pug Dog

The word terracotta is from Latin and literally means “burnt earth”. We use that term to refer to fine quality hard earthenware clay reddish-brown in color. With very fine modeling and paint this charming terracotta cast of a pug dog may certainly be awarded the blue ribbon for “best in class”. His facial expression and wide set cropped ears along with the original light brown glass eyes have captured the playfulness, dignity and outgoing personality that so enraptured Queen Victoria that the pug remains a favorite today.

In excellent condition and quite large in size,it measures 6-1/2 inches (16 cm) in height by a range of 2-3/4 inches (7 cm) to 4 inches (10 cm) wide. There is a minute spot on the chest that is most likely original to the casting. More than 125 years of affectionate caressing has rubbed a bit of black paint from the bottom of one of this fella’s ears. Dates to circa 1880.

Historical note: Toy dogs were almost expressly the keep of the wealthy. Lap dogs often accompanied members of royalty. For HRS Queen Victoria the pug became a favorite. In fact she outlawed the popular practice of ear cropping the pugs which changed their appearance to the one with which we are familiar today.