Jane Austen and Selective Breeding

Posted by Caroline on January 15, 1998 at 21:30:32:

Have you noticed that JA is really particular in describing the pets of her characters? Henry Tilney lives with a Newfoundland puppy and some Terriers, not just a few dogs. Willoughby has his devoted Pointer bitch, not a dog, but a bitch, and won't let Sir John have any of her puppies. Lady Bertram 's affection is wasted on Pug, who sounds just revolting, besides seemingly changing sex halfway through the story!
Since I am under the definite impression that JA never wastes a detail, what does this say about her characters? Or about the society in which she lived, where selective breeding was just beginning to be scientific?
Also, Harriet Smith has a cow, not just an ordinary cow, but an Alderney. Is an Alderney a viable pet? Why would JA give her an Alderney(well, I think I know why, but I'd like your opinion!)
Do any of the Austen characters have other pets? I cannot recall any cats mentioned, whether purebred or not....

Anyone find this interesting?

REPLIES:

• Welsh cows Lesley 23:01:00 1/16/98 (2)
  • Alderney Cows in 19th Century Literature Caroline 00:39:05 1/17/98 (0)
  • Pretty little cows P. Bingham 00:26:00 1/17/98 (0)
• If you have a pet cow it *does* make sense to marry a farmer :-> nfm Linda Ann 19:13:42 1/16/98 (0)
• Pets Marie Bernadette 15:11:04 1/16/98 (0)
• Me, I do, I find it interesting Amy 00:19:23 1/16/98 (1)
  • It was in the book... Helen 07:45:16 1/16/98 (0)
• Newfoundlands and terriers... Patricia Bingham 23:53:06 1/15/98 (3)
  • The Newfie is why Henry is a superior being....;-) Caroline 01:01:11 1/17/98 (2)
    • toy poodles P. Bingham 01:46:41 1/20/98 (0)
    • breeds of animals P. Bingham 13:24:08 1/17/98 (0)

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