21 Vintage Dog Collectibles Worth More Than You Would Guess

Dog lovers have collected dog-themed things for over a hundred years, and some pieces now draw real interest from collectors. Here are 21 to look out for at yard sales, thrift shops and in your own attic.

1. Cast iron dog doorstops

Heavy painted cast iron dogs held doors open in homes for decades. Original paint in good shape is what collectors look for.

Check the bottom: older pieces are often made in two halves joined together, and the paint has natural wear.

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2. Ceramic dog figurines from the 1950s

Pottery dogs from mid-century makers sat on mantels everywhere. Rare breeds and signed pieces stand out.

Look for a maker's mark under the base and no chips or repairs.

3. Old dog licence tags

Metal tags in odd shapes, stamped with a town and year, are a small but devoted collecting niche.

Early years and unusual shapes such as hearts or hydrants are the ones people hunt for.

4. Vintage dog food tins

Printed tin cans and store displays from old dog food brands are prized by advertising collectors.

Bright, unrusted labels make all the difference.

5. Antique dog collars

Brass and leather collars, sometimes engraved with a name, show up in old barns and estates.

Engraving and good leather condition add the most interest.

6. Bookends shaped like dogs

Bronze, cast iron and chalkware bookends in dog shapes are popular with both dog people and book people.

A matching pair is worth far more than a single.

7. Dog-themed salt and pepper shakers

Small, cheap when new, and now eagerly collected, especially the cartoonish pairs.

Both pieces need to be there and unchipped.

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8. Old dog show ribbons and rosettes

Faded silk rosettes from mid-century shows carry a lot of history.

Ribbons with the show name and year still readable are the most interesting.

9. Vintage dog postcards

Illustrated postcards with dogs in clothes or funny scenes were mailed by the millions.

Unused cards and those with famous illustrators stand out.

10. Chalkware carnival dogs

Painted plaster dogs were carnival prizes in the early 1900s. Many broke, so good ones are scarce.

Expect some paint loss. Cracks lower the interest a lot.

11. Wooden pull-toy dogs

Children's wooden dogs on wheels, with a string to pull, are loved by toy collectors.

Original paint and working wheels matter most.

12. Dog-head walking canes

Carved or metal dog heads on cane handles were a gentleman's accessory.

Fine carving and old silver or brass handles draw attention.

13. Vintage dog prints and paintings

Framed hunting dog prints and portraits hung in many homes. Some are by recognised artists.

Look for a signature and an old frame. A local appraiser can help.

14. Enamel dog pins and brooches

Costume jewellery brooches of terriers and poodles were fashionable for decades.

Signed pieces and intact stones are the ones to keep.

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15. Old dog grooming tools

Wooden-handled brushes and antique clippers tell the story of grooming before electricity.

Complete sets in their original boxes are the most appealing.

16. Vintage dog-shaped cookie jars

Ceramic cookie jars shaped like dogs were kitchen favourites.

Lids break easily, so a jar with its original lid is the prize.

17. Mid-century dog calendars

Calendars with painted dog illustrations were giveaways from local shops.

Complete calendars with all months are hard to find.

18. Porcelain dog teacups

Fine porcelain cups painted with dogs were made as gifts and keepsakes.

Look for hand painting and a maker's mark.

19. Old dog training books

Early training manuals with photos and odd advice are fun to collect.

First editions and books with their dust jackets are the best finds.

20. Dog-themed tins and biscuit boxes

Decorated tins from bakeries and tea companies often featured dogs.

Bright paint and no rust are key.

21. Handmade folk-art dogs

Carved wooden dogs made by hand in farmhouses have charm that factory pieces lack.

Age wear and hand carving show they are genuine.

Prices change a lot by condition and demand, so check recent sold listings or ask a local appraiser before you sell.

And if you have a piece you love, the best value might be keeping it.

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