Rover, Racism and Nativism: A Comparison of Eras of Canine Stereotyping Based on Notions of Nationality, Race and Belonging and Impacted by Canine Identity

Abstract

This paper examines and compares three eras of canine stereotyping in the United States and Great Britain, during which certain breeds of dogs were associated with, and conflated with, minority groups experiencing social isolation or targeting. As a result of this identification with human minorities, the specific canine breeds examined were then targeted for media and social campaigns, suffering abuse and discrimination. However, the author hypothesizes that canines themselves have a culture and history, and their own change in social status was a factor in the abuse and discrimination that they experienced.