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By David Hartwig
Great Britain’s Royal Mail celebrates the United Kingdom’s most popular dog breeds in a set of 10 stamps issued June 6.
Presented in two horizontal se-tenant (side-by-side) strips of five, the stamps show 10 different breeds of dogs.
The stamps in one of the strips of five are valued at the first first-class rate (currently £1.35), and the stamps in the other strip are valued at the second-class rate (currently 85 pence).
The first-class stamps depict a Siberian husky, Chihuahua, cocker spaniel, Pembroke Welsh corgi and a pug. A dalmatian, Jack Russell-type terrier, Labrador retriever, border collie and whippet are shown on the second-class stamps.
The dogs represented on the 10 stamps exemplify the popularity of different breeds with Britons from a wide variety of demographics.
Certain breeds shown on the stamps have often been associated with nobility. Dalmatians gained a reputation as carriage dogs running with the horses pulling the carriages of the nobility. Corgis are famously associated with the British royal family, particularly Queen Elizabeth II.
The pug has deeper roots with English royalty. In the 17th century, monarchs William III and Mary II brought their pugs with them from the Netherlands before they ascended the English throne. Queen Victoria owned more than 30 pugs during her reign.
Other breeds, such as the Jack Russell and border collie, have long been staples in the British countryside due to abilities that make them assets on a farm. Breeds such as the Labrador retriever and border collie are also popular in rural settings due to their skills as hunting dogs. …
The presentation pack for the issue includes all 10 stamps along with information on different groups of dog breeds, such as the hound, pastoral, terrier and working groups.
Royal Mail offers other related materials along with the stamps, including first-day covers and postcards. The FDCs have two available postmarks. …
The stamps and other related materials can be ordered from Royal Mail’s website. In addition to the website, ordering information also is available from Royal Mail, Tallents House, 21 S. Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9PB, Scotland.
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