Staffordshire dog figurines originated in the Staffordshire region of England from the 1720s and became very popular, especially in the Victorian era, to decorate mantelpieces. They were made from slip poured into molds, and were often produced in pairs, featuring breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, inspired by Queen Victoria's dog, as well as many others. Production peaked in the late 19th century and was sometimes done by underpaid laborers.