Collecting Dog Memorabilia
      By: Sari B. Tietjen

 

 

Bronze Boxer Head Dog lovers are avid collectors of anything that deals with dogs. Antiques, paintings, bronzes, crystals, books, post cards, stamps, toys anything and everything that depicts the dog - are all prime collectibles. The items can be old, used, reproductions, or new oftentimes only the availability, subject and size of the bank balance are the determining factors.

1.   Collect only what is truly desired. As with anyone seeking to create, develop or maintain a collection, an item of purchase must be something that is liked for itself, not just because its your breed, nor for its potential as an investment piece or as a compromise because something else was not affordable and/or available. If you do not like something when you buy it, that dislike will probably just grow rather than diminish over time.

2.   Collect only the breeds or groups that you are interested in. There is a lot of dog-related material available. In order to fine-tune your interests, stay with those breeds you really like; or

Boxer Plate 3.  Collect specific artists regardless of the breeds involved. If you like the way a particular artist portrays dogs, then expand your collection by seeking out other works of art by the same artist. Beware, however, that you will not necessarily admire all of the works done by that artist.

4.   Be prepared to be patient good dog art work is not always available.

5.   Take time to look for pieces something you may like could be far away or as close as your neighborhood antique store. In either case, casual perusing in stores, catalogs, auction listings, dog show booths - all can yield something that needs further investigation.

6.   Seek out the best quality you can find. A few superior items makes for a better collection that a lot of inferior ones.

7.   Collect what you can afford. Do not over spend. Be aware of price and condition. Know what you are buying before you make the purchase.

Boxer Statue 8. Learn as much as you can about the particular medium you are interested in collecting. Read reference materials, study your likes and dislikes, and fine-tune your eye.

9.   Do not be afraid of selling earlier items you collected if your collection ideas have changed and your eye has drawn you to another style. If you do not want or like a particular piece anymore, then sell it.

10.   Also sell if you have more items than you have room to properly display or store. This is especially true if you continue to be an avid buyer.

Collecting anything in the dog-related genre is fun. It is also a natural extension of your love of the dog. As you love being around your dog, you also enjoy being around objects reminding you of that dog. This is one reason why dog lovers are such inquisitive and acquisitive collectors.
 

The original article can be found on the AKC web page.

 
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