Dog Figurines, Items Are Very Collectible

 

Who can resist big floppy ears and a wagging tail? Dog figurines and stuffed animals made by almost any maker is something many people can’t resist.

Most commonly when thinking about dog figurines, ceramics is the first thought. Names like Staffordshire, Beswick and Carltonware come to mind. Dogs from these makers often range from $50 to $100 and up. Various older dog figurines are not marked or simply marked with countries like Japan. These often are worth $10-$25.

One of the leaders in dog collecting are Scottish Terriers. Almost anything vintage (30 years or older) is collectible if it features a Scotty. Whether it is marked, unmarked, ceramic, plastic, wooden or brass, Scotty dogs are the most collected and sought after pieces of any dog items. For example a pair of Boness Scottish terriers from late 1800s is worth about $200. A single wooden vintage Scottie doorstop goes for at least $25.

A quick look on eBay showed over 7,000 items featuring the Scottie dog. Some vintage items like a pair of bakelite pins are being sold for over $1,000. Various doorstops are over $800. Some are asking $765 for a pair of 1937 Rookwood bookends. These adorable dogs are certainly the top of the line.

If you are not a Scottish Terrier fan, but a fan of dogs in general, you will find quite a large variety at lower prices. A vintage set of brass bookends, however, may still cost you at least $600.

Poodles may be the second most popular dog. These cuties can be found on jewelry such as pins, inkwells, tea sets, salt and peppers and clothing. Many pins are 14K and 18K and cost $500 and up. Often you can find a costume piece for under $10. The value of poodle figurines are all over the board, but keep an eye for ones made by Beswick or Lladro.

You may also come across cast metal dog items. Some may be banks and other just for decoration. These are usually valued over $25 apiece.

Don’t overlook stuffed animal dogs. Mohair dogs command the most value at close to $50 apiece. A Steiff mohair Pekinese is valued close to $50. Even beanie baby dogs are collectible. Value usually ranges around $4-$5.
When it comes to TV or comic dogs, none is more popular than Snoopy. I’ve seen items featuring Snoopy sell for anywhere from $10-$1,000. It depends on the rarity and condition of the item. If Snoopy is your passion, I suggest buying a book on collectible Peanuts items. You may be surprised at how much some of the items are worth.

Goofy is another big name in collectible dogs. Watches, toys, figurines, games, statues, puzzles and comics all are out there with Goofy on them.

Some less popular, but just as valuable imaginary dogs are Lassie and Rin Tin Tin. Real Lassie items are hard to find and most are paper items like books and photographs. If you purchase either of them make sure they are original first editions. Rin Tin Tin items are very similar with paper products being the most common, but you may find a few games and puzzles as well.

The best advice is to collect what you like. If you have a Schnauzer, you may choose to purchase items featuring that breed. There is no right or wrong way to collect dog items.

You need to remember broken or damaged items are not worth very much, unless you enjoy it.

So don’t spend too much money, but have fun collecting man’s and woman’s best friend.