Calgary's dogs through the ages

From firehalls to front yards, military barracks to the backwoods, a photo history of Calgary dogs

Image | Anna Gunn training family dog, Calgary, Alberta.

Caption: Anna Gunn training her family dog, 1930. (Glenbow Archives)

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This story was originally published Aug. 27.

There are about 99,500 four-legged friends living in our city these days, and dogs have been part of Calgary since before there was a Calgary.
We know that dogs make great companions, but social scientists say they actually help build the social fabric of a city. Huh?
Yep. Every time you take Rex, Bella or Rover for a walk, you're probably going to stop and chat with other people in a park, on the sidewalk, or just in your front yard.
Asking to pet a stranger's dog is a surefire way to strike up a conversation. Dogs help us bond to each other as a community.
So, on that note, here are a series of photos of Calgarians and their dogs through the ages. Enjoy.

Image | Calgary Fire Department mascot wearing his fireman's hat, date unknown.

Caption: Calgary Fire Department mascot wearing his fireman's hat, date unknown. (Glenbow Archives)

Image | Alexander Ross and his dog. c. 1886

Caption: Alexander Ross and his dogs, c. 1886. (Glenbow Archives)

Image | Mr. William Pitman, his family, and the family dog. c. 1900

Caption: Mr. William Pitman, his family, and the family dog, c. 1900. (Glenbow Archives)

Image | Insp. C. H. West, of the North West Mounted Police, and his dog

Caption: Insp. C. H. West, of the North West Mounted Police, and his dog, c. 1902. (Glenbow Archives)

Image | Dorothy Ellis-Browne trains her dog, April 1907.

Caption: Dorothy Ellis-Browne trains her dog, April 1907. (Glenbow Archives)

Image | Grace L. Winter sits on her veranda with her dog

Caption: Grace L. Winter sits on her veranda with her dog, c. 1910-1929. (Glenbow Archives)

Image | James Ivan Linton training his dog Pat. C.1913

Caption: James Ivan Linton training his dog Pat, c. 1913. (Glenbow Archives)

Image | The De La Vergne children and their dogs, c. 1913.

Caption: The De La Vergne children and their dogs, c. 1913. (Glenbow Archives)

Image | Greta Riddock takes her dog out in a pram. C. 1916

Caption: Greta Riddock takes her dog out in a pram, c. 1916. (Glenbow Archives)

Image | Paddy the dog

Caption: 1st and 2nd class warrant officers, staff sergeants and sergeants, 4th Canadian Field Ambulance with their mascot 'Paddy', July 1918. (Glenbow Archives)

Image | Walking Buffalo (Tatanga Mani) with his dog

Caption: Walking Buffalo (Tatanga Mani) with his dog outfitted for the trail, 1930s. (Glenbow Archives)

Image | A Calgary dog show, May 3, 1954.

Caption: A Calgary dog show, May 3, 1954. (Glenbow Archives)


Calgary at a Crossroads is CBC Calgary's special focus on life in our city during the downturn. A look at Calgary's culture, identity and what it means to be Calgarian. Read more stories from the series at Calgary at a Crossroads(external link).