Collecting Canines
European Porcelain Dog Figurines: A Collector’s Guide to the Continent’s Finest Makers
European Porcelain Dog Figurines:
A Collector’s Guide to the Continent’s Finest Makers
By Donna & Paul at A Dog’s Tale Collectibles
Hutschenreuther Running Borzois by Karl Tutter — Currently in Our Shop
If you’ve ever held a European porcelain dog figurine in your hands, you know the feeling. There’s a weight and warmth to it — a sense that you’re holding something made with real care by a real artist, in a studio with centuries of tradition behind it. European porcelain dog figurines aren’t just beautiful objects. They’re miniature works of art, each one carrying the signature style of the house that created it. |
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Whether you’re a longtime collector looking to deepen your knowledge, someone who loves decorating with antiques that have a story, or simply a dog lover who appreciates fine craftsmanship — this guide will walk you through the major European porcelain houses and what makes each one special. We’ll share tips on how to identify makers’ marks, what to look for when buying, and how to care for your treasures once they’re home.
Rosenthal: The Art Deco Masters of Selb, Germany
Any conversation about European porcelain dog figurines has to start with Rosenthal. Founded in 1879 by Philipp Rosenthal in Selb, Bavaria, this studio became world-famous for its Art Deco animal figures in the 1920s and 1930s. Rosenthal’s dog figurines — particularly their Borzois (Russian Wolfhounds) — are among the most sought-after porcelain collectibles in the world.
What makes Rosenthal pieces so distinctive? It starts with the sculptors. Artists like Fritz Heidenreich, Max Valentin, and Theodor Kärner brought an extraordinary sense of movement and elegance to their work. A Rosenthal Borzoi doesn’t just sit there — it flows. The lines are long, sweeping, and unmistakably Art Deco. The glazes are typically creamy whites, soft greys, and warm ivories, sometimes accented with gilt details.
One of Our Old Friends: Rosenthal Reclining Borzoi by Max Valentin c.1923 — Sold
When you’re examining a Rosenthal piece, flip it over and look for the maker’s mark on the base. Rosenthal marks evolved over the decades, but most feature the company name in a distinctive script, often accompanied by a crown or wreath. Pieces from the 1920s–1940s — the golden era for their dog figurines — typically show a green underglaze mark with “Rosenthal” and “Selb-Bavaria” or “Selb Germany.” The sculptor’s name or initials and a model number are often incised into the base as well.
Rosenthal Art Deco Borzoi by F. Heidenreich — View in Our Shop
Hutschenreuther: Karl Tutter and Dogs in Motion
Just a few miles from Rosenthal’s studio in Selb, Hutschenreuther was producing its own masterpieces. Founded even earlier — in 1814 — Hutschenreuther is one of the oldest porcelain manufacturers in Europe. But it was sculptor Karl Tutter who put Hutschenreuther on the map for dog collectors.
Tutter had an extraordinary gift for capturing dogs in motion. His running Borzois, leaping Greyhounds, and alert terriers have a fluid energy that makes them feel alive. If Rosenthal’s dogs are elegant and poised, Hutschenreuther’s are dynamic and joyful. A Hutschenreuther Borzoi pair on your mantelpiece catches the light beautifully and becomes an instant conversation piece — guests always want to pick them up and look closer.
Hutschenreuther Skye Terrier — View in Our Shop
Hutschenreuther marks typically include a lion passant (a lion walking with one paw raised) along with “Hutschenreuther” and the location — either “Selb” or “Hohenberg.” Karl Tutter’s pieces are especially prized and will usually have his name or “K. Tutter” incised on the base.
Dahl Jensen & Royal Copenhagen: Scandinavia’s Porcelain Treasures
Cross the border into Scandinavia and the style changes completely — but the quality is every bit as breathtaking. Dahl Jensen and Royal Copenhagen share a deep connection: Jens Peter Dahl-Jensen got his start as a sculptor at Royal Copenhagen before founding his own studio in 1925. And you can absolutely see the lineage.
Both houses are known for dog figurines with the gentlest, most heartwarming expressions you’ll ever see. Their signature palette of snowy whites and soft muted greys gives every piece a luminous, almost ethereal quality. Where German porcelain tends toward bold drama, Scandinavian porcelain whispers — and that quiet beauty is exactly what makes it so captivating.
Dahl Jensen Pekingese No. 1146 — View in Our Shop
Old Friend: Dahl Jensen Cairn Terrier — Sold
Royal Copenhagen marks are among the easiest to identify: look for the famous three wavy blue lines (representing Denmark’s three waterways) painted under the glaze. Dahl Jensen pieces carry a “DJ” monogram with “Copenhagen” and “Denmark,” plus a model number. Both makers numbered their figurines, which makes identification and research much easier for collectors.
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Goebel: Whimsy and Warmth from Bavaria
Most people know Goebel for their M.I. Hummel figurines, but the Bavarian company also produced a wonderful line of realistic and whimsical dog figurines. The famous “Butch” series — a collection of cheerful, characterful Spaniels — is a particular favorite among dog collectors.
Goebel dogs tend to have a warmth and personality that’s instantly appealing. They’re the kind of pieces that make you smile every time you walk past them — perfect for a bookshelf, a side table, or as a thoughtful gift for the dog lover in your life. They’re also very well made, with crisp details and rich, stable glazes that hold up beautifully over the decades.
 Goebel “Butch” Spaniel |
 Goebel Grey Poodle |
 Goebel Black Poodle |
Royal Doulton: Britain’s Best-Loved Dog Portraits
No guide to European porcelain dogs would be complete without Royal Doulton. While technically British rather than Continental, Royal Doulton is one of the most important names in the world of dog figurines — and their HN series is legendary.
Royal Doulton employed some remarkable animal sculptors, including Frederick Daws whose lifelike dog figurines set a standard that’s never really been surpassed. The “Dogs of Character” series, inspired by illustrator Cecil Aldin’s beloved drawings, captures each breed’s personality so perfectly that collectors often say these figurines feel like real dogs. (We wrote a whole blog post about this series — read it here.)
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Other European Makers Worth Knowing
Beyond these major houses, there’s a rich world of European porcelain dog figurines waiting to be discovered. Royal Dux of Bohemia (now Czech Republic) produced wonderful sporting dog figurines with beautiful earth-toned glazes. Royal Bayreuth is famous for its figural creamers and novelty pieces — their Dachshund creamer is an absolute delight. Austrian makers like E&R Golden Crown created elegant Borzoi and Greyhound figures. And don’t overlook the smaller German studios like Karl Ens of Thuringia, whose naturalistic bird dogs and terriers are increasingly collectible.
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How to Spot Makers’ Marks and Authenticate Your Pieces
One of the most rewarding parts of collecting European porcelain is learning to read the makers’ marks — those stamps, incised marks, and painted symbols on the base of each piece that tell you exactly where it came from and when.
Here are some quick identification tips for the major makers:
- Rosenthal: Look for “Rosenthal” in script with a crown, plus “Selb-Bavaria” or “Selb Germany.” Green underglaze marks are typical of the classic period.
- Hutschenreuther: A lion passant (walking lion) with “Hutschenreuther” and “Selb” or “Hohenberg.”
- Royal Copenhagen: Three wavy blue lines painted under the glaze, with a crown above. Model number stamped on base.
- Dahl Jensen: “DJ” monogram with “Copenhagen” and “Denmark.” Model number incised.
- Goebel: Evolved through many marks over the decades. The classic “V with bee” mark is most recognized. Always includes “W. Germany” or “Germany.”
- Royal Doulton: A lion standing on a crown, with “Royal Doulton” and “Made in England.” HN numbers are stamped or printed on the base.
A good magnifying glass and a reference guide to porcelain marks (we recommend Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks or the Porcelain Marks & More online database) are invaluable tools for any collector. And when in doubt, we’re always happy to help — just reach out to us.
Caring for Your European Porcelain Dogs
These figurines have survived decades (sometimes a century or more!) and with a little care, they’ll be around for many more. Here are our top tips:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry brush — a clean makeup brush works beautifully.
- Never put porcelain in the dishwasher. If you need to clean a piece, use lukewarm water with a tiny drop of mild dish soap, and dry immediately with a soft cloth.
- Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, especially on pieces with overglaze painted details or gilding.
- Display on stable surfaces with museum putty or wax underneath to prevent sliding — especially helpful if you live in earthquake country or have curious pets!
- Handle with clean, dry hands. The oils from skin won’t damage porcelain immediately, but over time they can attract dust and leave marks on unglazed surfaces.
Start or Grow Your Collection With Us
At A Dog’s Tale Collectibles, we specialize in antique and vintage dog collectibles — and European porcelain figurines are one of our absolute favorite categories. Every piece in our shop has been carefully authenticated, and we’re always happy to share what we know about a piece’s history and provenance.
Whether you’re starting a new collection, adding a special piece to an existing one, decorating your home with something truly unique, or looking for that perfect gift for the dog lover who has everything — we’d love to help you find exactly the right piece.
All of our items ship free within the USA and arrive perfectly protected and beautifully wrapped just for you. Browse our full European porcelain collection here, or drop us a line — we love talking about this stuff!
References & Further Reading:
- Porcelain Marks & More — Comprehensive online database of European porcelain marks
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: European Porcelain — Historical overview of European porcelain traditions
- Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks: Pottery and Porcelain, 1850 to the Present — Essential reference for identifying makers
- Our Blog: Dogs of Character — Royal Doulton — Deep dive into the famous HN series
- Our Blog: Marvelous Mortens Studio — Another great European-influenced maker