British Dogs – 1979

This issue was released on 7th February 1979 and was a set of four stamps designed by Peter Barrett. The 9p showed an Old English Sheepdog, 10 1/2p a Welsh Springer Spaniel, 11p a West Highland Terrier, and the 13p an Irish Setter.

This issue continued the popular animals theme which stated with the wildlife stamps and the horses issue. The date of issue coincided with the staging of the Crufts Dog Show. This annual event held under the direction of the Kennel Club of Great Britain, is the most famous of its kind in the world.

The Royal Mail commissioned a survey of favourite breeds and the four dogs were chosen and were then immortalised by the wildlife painter Peter Barrett. The Springer Spaniel featured on the 10 1/2p is a painting of the artists own dog, “Charlie.”

Interestingly, due to a mistake by the Post Master of the Paddington Post Office, some first day covers were dated 7th February 1978, instead of 1979. This caused great embarrassment to the Post Office and are a much sought after item by collectors!

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