Ancestors and their Dogs: Dogs included in the census

Many of us consider our pets to be part of the family. According to Sky News, 16% of households included their dog on their census form for the 2011 census. It’s nice to know that our Edwardian counterparts were no different.

Throughout the Victorian era, enumerators were responsible for collating householders’ details, and were provided lengthy instructions which were usually followed to the letter. The 1911 census was the first where the original forms filled in by our ancestors were kept, meaning we can see what they personally filled in and start to see their sense of humour. Here are some of examples of the dogs that were included with their families in historic censuses. 

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Roger the Airedale Terrier 

In 1911, journalist James Little of 118 Turney Road, Dulwich, London, filled in the census form for his family. Underneath the usual entries for his family, he stated “Incidentally, we have an Airedale Terrier. I do not know whether particulars are required, but in case you want them, here they are”. 

Roger was 5 years old, and his occupation was a watchdog who was responsible for “looking after house”. He was had been born in Keighley, Yorkshire, not far from the Airedale Agricultural show at Bingley where the breed obtained its name. Roger's marital status was unknown, but he had sired over 100 children. 

Roger the Airedale - Click to enlarge

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Biddy the Irish Terrier

Another dog to make an appearance in the 1911 census was 11-year-old Biddy the “Faithfull Irish Terrier Bitch”. She lived with her owners Arthur and Elizabeth Delve at 172 Windmill Lane, Smethwick, Worcestershire. Arthur described Biddy as a “magnificent watch” and “a demon on Cats and Vermin”. 

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Brestowe the watchdog 

2-year-old Brestowe lived with her parents William and Euphenia Chubb at 11 Lord Street, Liverpool; a grand 5 floor Georgian building in the centre of Liverpool where her parents were caretakers. Unamused, an official has later crossed through her detail in red ink.

References

Roger the Airedale - Census records. England. Dulwich, Camberwell, London. 02 April 1911. LITTLE, James Ange (head). RD 27. PN 2457. ED 07. http://www.ancestry.co.uk : accessed 08 July 2022. 

Biddy the Irish Terrier - Census records. England. Smethwick, Worcestershire. 02 April 1911. DELVE, Arthur John (head). RD 383. PN 17982. ED 40. http://www.ancestry.co.uk : accessed 08 August 2022.

Brestowe the watchdog - Census records. England. Liverpool, Lancashire. 02 April 1911. CHUBB, William (head). RD 453. PN 22209. ED 35. http://www.ancestry.co.uk : accessed 08 July 2022.