Add a whimsical element to your home decor with these Victorian-inspired pieces.
Eric Roth
Cheerful and quirky, Staffordshire dog figurines have long been part of home decor.
History of Staffordshire Dog Figurines
The original Staffordshire dog figurines date back to 19th-century England.
Credit:Eric Roth
The original designs would be considered a bit rough by todays standards, Ontiveros says.
It wasnt that surprising since the Southern homes have always enjoyed traditional decor, Ontiveros says.
But the interest spread rapidly, and soon she was seeing interest across the entire country.
Staffordshire dogs took the entire community by storm, she says.
Everywhere you looked you saw Staffordshire dogs popping up and selling fast.
She says King Charles Spaniels, Pekingese, greyhounds and pugs among the most desired pieces today.
Ontiveros says its almost impossible to find an original pair in pristine condition these days.
Initially, the antiques and antique-style reproductions of Staffordshire dogs are what started the decor comeback.
They make for great conversation starters.
Purely decorative, Staffordshire figurines might be slightly out of place in strictly modern homes that lack ornamentation.
However, its easy to incorporate them in more transitional, contemporary, and traditional stylings.
Ontiveros suggests choosing reproductions for more modern spaces.
They will balance each other really well, Ontiveros says.
