Inside the Lavish Lives of Victorian Pets

Ever wondered if your cat might have been a duchess in a past life or if your dog’s ancestors strutted around in jeweled collars? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to whisk you back to the Victorian era, where pets began their ascent from mere status symbols to the pampered pooches and favorite felines of the household.

Pets as parlor flair

Let's set the scene: it's the Victorian era, right after the glittering days of "Bridgerton's" Regency period. While the Regency flaunted its flair for drama, the Victorians brought a new depth to the pet plot. During this time, pets were more than just animals; they were symbols of wealth and social standing.

Your choice of pet said as much about your rank and fashion sense as the clothes you wore or the carriage you rode. For the elite, a well-bred animal could affirm their status at the top of the social ladder, similar to sporting the latest couture in today’s fashion circles.

Two women and their dogs in window (Source, 1886)

Victorian parlors often featured these fashionable pets as living ornaments. Imagine walking into a high-society tea party where the ladies boast lap dogs decked in ribbons matching their gowns, and gentlemen discuss politics with a stately greyhound by their side. Persian cats lounged on silk cushions, their serene and somewhat aloof demeanor adding an air of mystique and exoticism that was highly prized.

This period also saw the emergence of pet accessories that would rival any modern pet boutique. Collars became particularly lavish, often made of fine leather adorned with gold and jewels, bearing the pet's name engraved on silver tags. These were not merely functional but decorative, designed to be seen and admired, enhancing the pet’s role as a status-enhancing accessory.

Owning rare or unusual breeds became a popular way for Victorians to exhibit their unique tastes and considerable resources. Exotic animals like the Chinese Crested Dog were brought to England, where their distinct appearances made them highly sought after by those wishing to stand out from the crowd.

The breed buzz: Victorian edition

Queen Victoria with her dog Turi (Source, 1899)

Queen Victoria wasn't just ruling the British Empire; she was setting the pet trends that swept the nation. Her beloved Pomeranian, Turi, was the era’s ultimate pet influencer. Picture Turi with his own Instagram today—his posts would be filled with royal engagements and lavish playdates, collecting likes and hearts across the globe. This royal endorsement sparked a Victorian breed craze.

Queen Victoria with her dog Sharp (Source, 1867)

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, with its soulful eyes and elegant demeanor, became a living accessory in many aristocratic homes, often found perched on the laps of high society ladies or included in family portraits. Similarly, the Scottish Terrier, known for its dignified posture and distinctive beard, complemented the ornate interiors of Victorian drawing rooms, adding an air of sturdiness and character.

These breeds weren't just chosen for their looks; they were a statement of style and class, embodying the Victorian affinity for aesthetics and social status. According to Jane Hamlett, professor of modern British history at Royal Holloway, University of London, “Pedigree dog breeding really [took] off in the Victorian period. Dogs were very popular for Victorians, partly because they embody cultural values Victorians were really keen on: they’re seen as steadfast, loyal, plucky and courageous."

Jack Russel Terrier and cat by Henry Stevens (Source, 1889)

Each dog breed carried a certain cachet that reflected its owner's position and taste, turning pet ownership into yet another fashionable expression of the era’s opulent lifestyle. In many ways, we can thank the Victorians for several of the breeds we know and love today.

Pets in portrait mode

As pets grew closer to their human counterparts, capturing their adorable mugs on canvas became all the rage. Commissioning a portrait of your spaniel was akin to posting a perfectly filtered selfie today. These weren’t just any sketches; they were elaborate, often sentimental pieces that celebrated the pet as a full-fledged family member.

Portrait of a family with their pet dog and cats (Source, 1860)

Much like today's social media profiles where pet photos often steal the show, Victorian pet portraits were a way for families to showcase their soulful sidekicks as integral parts of their lives.

These portraits were often masterfully crafted works of art, rich in detail and emotion. Artists would meticulously paint the soft fur of a napping cat or the loving gaze of a family dog, often positioning them against luxurious backdrops reflecting their owner’s status. These paintings not only decorated Victorian homes but also preserved the pets in family history, capturing their roles as companions and loved family members.

Suspense by Charles Burton Barber (Source, 1894)

Many artists such as Charles Burton Barber (above) and Edwin Landseer were groundbreaking for featuring pets as a subject all their own, which was slightly unusual, especially when compared to art from previous eras.

Father and daughter with small dog (Source)

By the late 19th century with photography's rise in popularity, affluent families began commissioning formal family photographs with their pets. Photos were quicker and more cost-effective and like paintings of the era, often featured elaborate settings and symbolized status, affection, and companionship.

The rise of pet portraiture underscored the emotional bonds that had formed between humans and animals, showcasing a shift in values toward recognizing pets as emotional beings. These portraits celebrated the pets not just for their breed but for their individual personalities and the joy they brought to their human families.

Paws and prose

Victorian literature transformed pets from decorative background elements to central figures, casting them as heroes, companions, and moral guides. Dogs in these stories served as symbols of loyalty and bravery, often playing critical roles that highlighted their intelligence and spirit.

Bill Sikes and Bull's-eye (Source, 1912)

Even when they weren't 'heroes', pets were often portrayed as having agency and internal motivation, similar to humans. Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist" provides a notable example with Bullseye, the devoted but dangerous dog of the villainous character Bill Sikes. Bullseye's unwavering loyalty to Sikes contrasts sharply with Sikes' own cruelty and violence, symbolizing the connection between mistreatment of animals and moral corruption.

Meanwhile, Victorian cats, shrouded in mystery and elegance, symbolized independence and quiet wisdom, adding intrigue and sophistication to the narratives. "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe features a pet cat, Pluto, through which Poe explores themes of guilt, madness, and the uncanny. He presents the cat as a complex and enigmatic figure that adds depth to the narrative. Poe ultimately suggests that cruelty towards animals not only reflects moral depravity but also brings about personal ruin and spiritual torment.

This profound shift in representation was more than a literary trend; it reflected and set in motion broader societal changes. Victorians began to see pets as sentient beings and protagonists. They applied emotional and moral qualities to pets, painting them worthy of artistic representation and a deep, respectful human connection, forever changing the dynamic of human-animal relationships.

The birth of animal rights

The Victorian era wasn't just about elevating pets to family status; it also sparked the dawn of animal rights as we know them today. Think of Victorians as the original influencers for animal welfare, who brought the plight of pets and other animals into the public eye.

They kickstarted a movement that led to the founding of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in 1824, a monumental step that could be likened to launching a viral social media campaign in today's terms. And in 1866, Henry Bergh founded the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) which emerged as the first humane society in North America, dedicated to advocating for the welfare and protection of animals.

The momentum didn't stop there. The Victorians introduced groundbreaking laws like the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835, banning sports such as dog fighting and bear baiting. These laws marked some of the first legal recognitions of animal rights, setting the stage for the modern animal welfare movement. Through public advocacy and legislation, the Victorians began a conversation about the ethical treatment of animals that continues to evolve every day.  

Victorian legacies and modern pet parenting

Fast forward to today, and we see the Victorian influence everywhere—from luxury pet spas to gourmet pet foods. They taught us the art of pet pampering and opened our eyes to the emotional depths of our four-legged companions. The Victorian era set the stage for the pet-centric society we see today, turning pet ownership into a loving, shared life with our favorite furry family members.

So, let's tip our hats (or paws) to the Victorians. Thanks to them, our pets can enjoy the spotlight they deserve, not just as animals but as the heart and soul of our homes. Next time you’re cuddling with your soulful sidekick, remember—you’re part of a long line of pet pamperers who’ve turned pet parenting into what it is today: full-blown love!

Annie Turner is the senior copywriter and editor for Figo Pet Insurance. Based out of Columbus, Ohio, she loves synonyms, enjoys painting rocks for her kids to hide in their garden of towering sunflowers, and rocks a mean messy bun.