This Map is Going to the Dogs

"Dog Map of the World", Smith, J.L.

This unusual promotional piece was produced for Spratt's pet food company. Presented to the reader is a a world map surrounded by 66 illustrations of dogs, which are keyed to the map revealing each breed's country of origin. Additional information for each breed is provided including date of founding, height, and weight. The map demonstrates that the distribution of breeds is concentrated to only a handful of countries, with 37 originating in Great Britain/Ireland and only 3 in the United States. The cartouche at lower left states that "on the border of this map are shown most of the breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club," and in the top right corner is Lord Byron's "Epitaph to a Dog." Below the map are advertisements for Spratt's. Drawn by Joseph Sims and published by J.L. Smith in Philadelphia. Accompanied by the original, unused mailing envelope.

References: cf. Rumsey #9765.

Condition: A

An excellent example with no tears or fold separations. Accompanying envelope has a few tiny spots, but otherwise fine.