Definition:Spaghetti Dogs

Spaghetti dog figurines are ceramic pieces decorated with the applied-strand technique: thin coils of clay are extruded and applied to the surface before firing to simulate a dog’s coat, creating a texture that resembles cooked pasta — hence the name. The technique is formally called applied slip decoration or coleslaw decoration. Spaghetti dogs were originally produced in Italy from majolica pottery immediately after WWII, then in much larger quantities in Japan through the 1950s and 1960s for the American export market. While poodles are the most common subject — giving rise to the specific term ‘spaghetti poodle’ — the technique was applied to many breeds including dachshunds, Scotties, and spaniels. Quality varies considerably: the best pieces have dense, individually distinct strands and precise face painting; lesser examples have fused or blurred coils. Color rarity significantly affects value — black examples are more sought-after than white or pink.