For those in need of temporary diversion, we share a selection of American historical prints depicting dogs. Arranged chronologically, these prints range from the sentimental to the absurd, and we hope they provide a pleasant distraction during troubling times. Since more of us are now staying home and working remotely, it’s also a good reminder to embrace that extra bit of quality time with our own pets.

James Akin, The Most Noble Lord Timothy Dexter [Engraving, 1806]. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society.

 

Peter Maverick, Untitled (Two Puppies) [Lithograph, ca. 1830]. Courtesy of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

 

W. S. Pendelton, Docility [Lithograph, ca. 1830]. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society.

 

W. S. Pendelton, Puppies [Lithograph, ca. 1830-32]. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society.

 

Childs & Inman. Esquimaux Dog [Lithograph, between 1831-1833]. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society.

 

Nathaniel Currier. All Right! [Lithograph, between 1835-56]. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

 

John Sartain (engraver), The Playful Pets [Mezzotint with etching, 1842?]. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

 

E. Jones, Two Dogs [Lithograph, between 1845-50]. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society.

 

Nathaniel Currier, Julia. “Love me, Love my dog” [Lithograph, 1848]. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society.

 

J.H. Bufford & Co., A Quiet Smoke. After dinner [Lithograph, between 1856-66]. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society.

 

Currier & Ives, Happy Little Pups [Lithograph, between 1857-72]. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society.

 

A large dog howling while puppies try to climb onboard a raft [Wood engraving, 19th century]. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

 

James Bateman (artist), A Distinguished Member of the Benevolent Society “Give a poor dog a bone” [Mezzotint and engraving, between 1870 and 1875?]. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society.

 

L. Prang & Co., Dogs Not Admitted [Chromolithograph, 1872]. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

 

Graphic Company, Throw Physic to the Dogs [Chromolithograph, 1873]. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society.

 

L. Prang & Co., Domestic Dogs. Order-Carnivora, or Flesh-eating Animals. Family-Dogs (Canidae) [Lithograph, 1874]. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

 

Dupuy, Child at table with dog begging at left [Chromolithograph, ca. 1875]. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society.

 

Metropolitan Print, Educated Dogs [Lithograph, 1875]. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

 

Compliments of Sheppard, Arrison & Sheppard, 1008 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia [Lithograph on Japanese paper, 1876?]. Courtesy of the American Antiquarian Society.

 

H. Bencke, Two dogs chasing mouse through open case of champagne [Lithograph, 1878]. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

 

P.O. Vickery (publisher), “The First Lesson” in Book of Cabinet Chromos [Chromolithograph, 1881]. Courtesy of the Library Company of Philadephia.

 

Lawrence & Bullen Lmtd., Cock Bird & Dogs [Woodcut, 1901]. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

 

Taber Prang Art Co., No. 2042. Waiting. [Chromolithograph, 1906]. Courtesy of the Jay T. Last Collection, Huntington Library.

 

J. Ottmann Lith. Co., Yard of Puppies [Chromolithograph, proof before letters, 1907]. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.