Dog trade cards are a fun collectible and a great choice for a new collector. They are inexpensive, numerous, readily available, and take up little space.

Trade cards commonly advertised tobacco products, but also candy, coffee and tea, soap, toothpaste, medicines, and even thread (as in the J&P Coats Thread trading card below).

Some people collect complete sets such as these:

• Companies, like John Player & Sons, and Gallaher, Ltd. issued numbered sets of cards, each featuring a breed illustration and profile.
• The Berlin Morning Post (der Berliner Morgenpost) issued a collectible print each week in 1960 of various breeds.

Other collections could reflect:

• a breed
• a time period
• a country
• the product advertised
• cards that are printed on unusual media, such as silk, playing cards, cigar bands, and even film transparencies.

You can’t go wrong if you remember the old rule, collect what you love.

Most cards are vintage, but some are more recent. My trade cards range from the 1890s to the 1990s. Ask whether the card you’re interested in is an original, or a reprint. Some popular cards, such as the Player and Gallaher sets were reprinted; reprints should be less expensive.

The Corgi and Newfoundland cards above were both premiums with tobacco products. The Corgi card was printed in the UK in 1979. The card back gives breed details, while the front features a charming drawing of a Corgi.

The 94-year old Newfoundland card is unusual; it was printed on silk. This card shows a prominant Newfoundland of that era on the front, and pedigree, show, and ownership details on the back.

To learn more about dog-themed trade cards:

• Select your breed (or any well-represented breed) on Donna’s Dog Cards of the World site, and read the details of the cards shown. This will give you a thorough overview of the types of cards that were made.
• Read Dogco.com’s article The Dogs of Victorian Trade Cards.

Are you ready to search out your own dog-themed trade cards? Check out my favorite sources for dog cards; Donna’s Dog Cards of the World, and eBay.

Enjoy!

If you’ve been thinking about adding a dog to your family, why not start your research with Pet Finder? You can browse their research library, and even view adoptable animals in your area.

If you are not yet ready to bring home a new friend, you can sponsor an animal being cared for by a rescue organization, or make a contribution to your local shelter.

If your own sweetheart is an animal lover, a contribution or sponsorship in his or her name would certainly sweeten their day. Tuck a card announcing this special gift into that box of candy or bouquet of flowers.

I can’t think of a better Valentine!

It’s the dog world’s answer to the Super Bowl, and the second oldest sporting event in the United States. It’s two wonderful days when the world seems to focus on dogs.

Having a Westminster Party at home or with your dog club?

• Print scorecards for your guests.
• Mix up a batch of “Puppy Chow” for your guests. Serve in a (clean) dog bowl.
• Don’t forget the dog biscuits for four-legged friends at the party!
• Put on your own pre-game show by watching last year’s Westminster breed judging clips on your computer. (Click the heading “Videos”)

Watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on the USA Network (or set your Tivo).

• On Monday, February 12th, the line-up will be the Working, Terrier, Toy, and Non-Sporting groups.
• On Tuesday, February 13th, the line-up will be the Sporting, Hound, and Herding groups, and Best in Show.

Watch for features on dogs away from the ring, such as Westminster’s Angel on a Leash dog therapy program, and profiles of people in the fancy.

Stay in and stay warm; curl up on the couch with your favorite furry friend and enjoy.