A shaggy dog story: champion Wolverley Chummie
Every owner thinks their pet is a champion, but before Instagram pet accounts and dog-related memes, Wolverley Chummie was a bona fide four-legged superstar.
Born in 1899, the Skye Terrier was described by the Illustrated Kennel News as a 'huge headed pup' with an 'obstinate' (stubborn) coat yet despite the odds he was unbeaten in the show ring, winning 31 championship certificates. He later came to be known as a perfect example of his breed.
On his death in 1910 he was donated to the Museum's dog collection. His owner, Mrs McCheane, was so devoted to her pet that she wrote to the Museum in 1921 to ask to rearrange his coat as it was in disarray, and so that an artist friend could draw him.
© The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London
Today, Wolverley Chummie is part of Tring's extensive dog collection. The collection showcases the efforts of nineteenth and twentieth century dog breeders who developed many of the breeds we know and love today. The Museum's dog collection includes specimens found during archaeological excavations, skeletal specimens, and taxidermy. The specimens help us to understand how breeds change over time, as well as the biological diversity of dogs. They are used by vets as a tool of study.
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