This brief account of H.H. Princess Sophie Duleep-Singh appeared in C. H. Lane's Dog Shows ... and Doggy People in 1902 (see bibliography for full details). The illustrations were scanned and the text formatted for our website by Jacqueline Banerjee. You may use the images without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the source and (2) link your document to this URL in a web document or cite the Victorian Web in a print one. [Click on the images to enlarge them.]
H.H. Princess Sophie Duleep-Singh. From photo by Lafayette, Ltd., New Bond Street. [Lane 93]
IF any confirmation were required of my statement in another part of this book as to the widespread popularity and fascination exercised by dogs, I think the fact that I am, by her gracious condescension, able to include the subject of this sketch amongst Doggy People, as well as so many others in all ranks of life, would be sufficient. And this, in my opinion, is one of the many charms connected with dogs the love of them brings all classes together; and I have often had in the same show specimens from the Royal and other distinguished kennels competing, not always to the advantage of the former, with others belonging to members of the working classes. I am quite sure it is to the advantage of any branch of the Fancy when it receives the patronage and support of the higher classes, and tends to elevate all the surroundings.
I am pleased to be able to give an excellent portrait of Princess Sophie, who will be known to many of my readers as an occasional exhibitor at some of our leading shows, her charming little Black Pomeranian Joseph having taken many specials and first and second prizes, always in strong competition. He is a medium-sized specimen about 9 lb. weight, good in coat and colour, and of more than average merit. There are other Pomeranians in the same kennel, but so far Joseph has eclipsed his comrades.
H.H. Princess Sophie Duleep-Singh with her toy Pomeranians. From photo by The Kitchener Portrait Company, New Bond Street. [Lane 94]
The Princess also keeps some of the elegant Borzois, and has taken some honours with them, even in the strong competition now in vogue, Floe having taken first at the Paris Dog Show, and Preciosa first at the Crystal Palace.
The two varieties favoured by the Princess are very different in most respects of size, shape, and character; but the writer has been assured that their mistress has always been extremely fond of dogs, and likes them not only from a show point of view, but also for themselves.
The above sentiments warrant the hope that we may see more exhibits forthcoming from Her Highness's kennel, and that the Princess may long be numbered amongst the ever-increasing ranks of Doggy People, who are honoured by her presence and personal patronage.
Besides the larger portrait of Her Highness, I am able to give one with the Black Pomeranian Joseph and two of his comrades. [92-95]
Related Material
Bibliography
Lane, Charles Henry. Dog Shows ... and Doggy People. London: Hutchinson, 1902. Internet Archive, from a copy in the University of California Libraries. Web. 20 September 2020.
Created 20 September 2020