AA-2026-993B71
On the image
A large, wet English Setter stands patiently, receiving a reassuring touch from a human hand. Pet ownership in the 1970s often involved a certain ruggedness for both animal and owner, and elaborate grooming was reserved for show dogs, not typically for those who recently encountered a body of water.
The dog's coat, still dripping, suggests a recent immersion, a common summer pastime when fences were less ubiquitous and municipal leash laws were more of a suggestion. His gaze, fixed intently on something out of frame, indicates a well-developed canine ability to detect squirrels or incoming mail carriers.
This was a time when a dog's primary job was often just to be a dog, and getting a little messy was part of the job description. Owners understood this implicitly, accepting damp fur as an unavoidable consequence of a happy animal.
The historian's note
This image features an English Setter, a dog breed recognised for its distinctive speckled coat and traditional hunting capabilities, photographed in a domestic outdoor setting during the 1970s. The dog's wet fur is consistent with recent aquatic activity, which was a common form of exercise and entertainment for sporting breeds.
The visible human hand providing physical contact highlights the close companionship between pets and their owners during this era. Pet care in the 1970s generally emphasised natural outdoor engagement and physical activity, preceding the widespread commercialisation of specialised pet grooming and accessories seen in later decades.
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Wet English Setter and Hand, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-993B71. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/wet-english-setter-and-hand-1970s.
@misc{aaAA2026993B71,
title = {Wet English Setter and Hand, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-993B71},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/wet-english-setter-and-hand-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Wet English Setter and Hand, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-993B71 UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/wet-english-setter-and-hand-1970s ER -
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