Pet World Insider Article – Kate Kelly’s “Dog Days of Summer” Series – The RCA Dog, An American Icon

Though my series is generally dedicated to American dogs, we’re going to permit Nipper, a Brit, to make an appearance because he qualifies as “very well known by Americans.” As it happens, the trademark was listed as one of the Top 10 of Famous Brands of the 20th Century.

Nipper
Nipper (1884-1895) belonged to one of several brothers in the Barraud family of Liverpool. The dog was born in Bristol, where an older brother lived. When the fellow died unexpectedly, younger brother Francis Barraud (1856-1924), a struggling painter, took the dog home with him to Liverpool.

Nipper was probably a terrier mix. Some think he was a Jack Russell Terrier, but others feel that he was a Fox Terrier, a Rat Terrier, or a Pit Bull Terrier.

The name Nipper came about because of his tendency to bite the backs of visitors’ legs. This may have simply been a trait of his puppyhood.

Model for a Painting
Though Nipper died in 1895, Barraud did not start this particular painting until 1898. He explained that the family had a phonograph, and Barraud decided to try to depict the puzzled look the dog had when the family phonograph played.

Barraud originally called his work, “Dog looking at and listening to a Phonograph.” It was not an instant success. Barraud approached the Royal Academy, hoping to have it displayed, but he was turned down. The painting was also rejected by several magazines.

Thinking commercially, Barraud wrote to the Edison Bell Company in New Jersey, noting that the dog was listening to an Edison Bell cylinder. “Dogs don’t listen to phonographs,” was the response from Edison Bell management.

To read the entire story:  The RCA Dog – An American Icon