Rise in popularity:

Dogs have always been a major part of English society, particularly for herding and hunting. However, it wasn’t until the Victorian Era that Dog Fancy, or having dogs as pets became an acceptable addition to Victorian homes. In 1862, the first dog show in London propelled dogs into a solid position in Victorian upper and middle-class society. Once dog shows reached London, dogs were added to the most elite circles. This popularity encouraged individuals to add dogs to their home and seek for the best breeding.

Dog Shows:

In 1859 the first “modern” dog show took place in a small town of Newcastle-upon-Tyne as an addition to an annual cattle show. This dog show mainly focused on traditional sporting breeds--setters and pointers---but the event grew in momentum through the Victorian era. Later in 1859, the first dog show exhibiting both sporting and non-sporting breeds occurred in the larger area of Birmingham. This event was so successful that a social society was formed for the organization of such shows in the future. In the following year, the Birmingham Dog Show Society organized a show that included over thirty breeds. In 1862 dog shows were introduced to Londoners and was an instant phenomenon. In fact, it was so popular that by 1863 the show had over 100,000 spectators, including the Prince of Wales himself. From there dog shows grew into spectacular events, especially for the wealthy, and required professional organizers and judges.  

Lady Audley’s Secret

The dogs in the novel Lady Audley’s Secret play an important role within the novel. In Victorian Society, dogs are generally equivalent to an individual’s social status. Historically, there was a great cry of outrage as individuals attempted to “perfect” breeds by cross-breeding. And the question arose as to whether a dog’s function or outer appearance was more important in judging. This conflict is seen throughout the novel as it opens the conversation to whether breeding is essential, which is the same question that may be applied Lucy Audley. Dogs intrinsic ability to find truth also appears to be a slight paradox and begs to be explored. The function of dogs within this novel and in history open a conversation to the exploration of class stability and expectations.