Working Dogs in the 18th and 19th Century Information for Reenactors and dog lovers! General Information Jobs for Dogs in the 18th Century - Native American - Hunting- large dogs capable of tracking and chasing large animals - Pulling -medium size dogs that pull or carry Travois Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, World Historic Site, Alberta, Canada. Pack Baskets Other Packs Toboggans Toboggans
Sleds (Northern Regions) - Camp Guards - small dogs alert camp of strangers -friendly, not aggressive with family or group -barking as a warning-intruders or strangers -not allowed to display aggressive behaviors in camp Jobs for Dogs in the 18th Century - European - Hunting dogs Spaniels, Pointers, Wolfhounds English Setter
Foxhounds and terriers -Herding dogs Collies, Bearded Collie - herd sheep, cattle - Pulling dogs Toboggans - Hudson Bay Trappers Carts - deliver provisions in cities, help on farms
Encyclopedia Brittanica - 1771 First published in 3 volumes (1768-1771) Article on Canines -Focus on British dogs -No concept of breeds at this time -Family tree of dogs shows supposed relationship between dogs - Illustrations of several important types recognized as breeds today
-Illustrations of several important types recognized as breeds today -Discussion of Greenland dog, Siberian dog -No mention of Native American dogs Correct Dog Breeds Use historical information to determine appropriate dogs for your presentation Most Period Correct dog breeds do NOT look like they did in the 18th century -First person descriptions and historical research -Many paintings of the period show Native American dogs Focus on appearance of dogs -Don t use dogs that appear modern Labrador Retrievers today do not look like period appropriate dogs Standard Poodles, correctly groomed, are period correct. Period correct costumes -Animals need correct costumes just as people do -Use of modern nylon collars, leashes, coats or flexi- leash is anachronistic and not appropriate Collars and leashes - Use leather or cotton or linen webbing with no studs, carving or other decorations. - Buckles should be plain brass or steel Harnesses -Cart and toboggan harnesses can be leather or cotton webbing
Harnesses Travois and Pack basket harnesses in leather Fittings and buckles should be brass finish if possible Early European Dog harnesses look much like what was used for horses. Appropriate presentations 18th century history with modern limitations -Native American demonstrations of hunting or packing are appropriate. - Hunting or Travois scenarios require very little equipment, all easily made -European carting demonstrations focus on use of dogs on farms or in towns or cities Hauling wood, water or selling commodities are good scenarios Modern limitations -Dogs must always be kept on a leash in camp or on the field for the safety of the dog and all participants and public -Most sites require dogs to be leashed at all times.
Dogs in Living History Be a good participant -Dogs must be under control at all times and on a leash at all times. The OWNER should be at the other end of the leash at all times. Dogs should never be left tied up in camp. -Best way to secure a dog for the night is in a wire crate in your tent, not on a tie out rope that could be chewed -Do not allow your dog to approach another dog Working dogs are not in camp to play or socialize Do not allow your dog to interfere with any other presentation Do not allow your dog to interrupt or disrupt another animal s work -Aggression toward other dogs, animals, or people is not acceptable and is dangerous A dog that shows aggression toward people should never be brought to a living history event.
Be respectful of other re-enactors and their camps Excessive barking is not acceptable. Keep your dog away from other camps unless you are invited and have been given specific permission to enter. Health and Insurance -Dogs should be up to date on all recommended vaccinations ( check state and local requirements). Copies of health and vaccination records should be available for inspection by event coordinators and civil authorities at all events Training and Temperament -Basic Obedience class is recommended as a starting point. Sit, down, stay, walk in controlled manner on leash would be the minimum -AKC Canine Good Citizen course This trains and tests your dog on 8 positive behaviors required for interacting with people and other dogs