In the late 1880’s, the wealthy Pittsburgh industrialist, William Wade, took an interest in the Old English Sheepdog and promoted the breed among his friends. By the turn of the century, five of the ten wealthiest American families, the Morgans, Vanderbilts, Goulds, Harrisons and Guggenheims, all owned, bred and exhibited the Old English Sheepdog. In fact, the social prominence and importance of the owners and spectators at the Old English Sheepdog ring at the 1904 Westminster Show in New York prompted the show superintendent to discreetly advise the judge to “take plenty of time; the dogs in the ring are the property of some of our leading Americans.” No pressure there!

Image: The 1914 publicity of the 1914 Westminster Best In Show winner, “Slumber.”  Slumber was owned by Ms. Taylor Vic. Photo from Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show archives