Sociocultural influence of pets on 19th century England.

Identification of "elite animals as well as elite owner was not a confirmation of the owner’s status but a way of redefining it" - Harriet Ritvo

The hierarchy and societal recognition of the Victorian Era(19th century) had a lot to do with pets.

Most particularly with man's best friend 🐶.

Back in the 19th century, division of dogs into categories was used a yard stick for social order.

This was based upon the classification of dogs into pedigrees.

Pedigree as you must have heard, measures how pure, native or original a breed of pet is compared to the standard. However, back in the nighteenth century, it only reflected the status and lineage of its owner, therefore used as a tool to emphasise social status.

So, does it mean that if a very wealthy and elite member of the society had a schnauzer and coincidentally an average individual had one that they both would be classified as high standard citizens?

Or was there a rule that prevented certain people from getting what species based on how wealthy or poor?

Well,

Giving the social divide that plagued that era, the introduction and popularity of dogs withing the society paved way for inter class relationship. It served as an easy way to gain recognition and respect as the level of care that could be given to your pets became a leading factor accessing how much self sufficient a family, self or clan his.

So I guess the easiest way to standardise was just to simply get a pet dog, at least similar to that of a popular elite with all your savings if that's what it takes, and enjoy much societal hype as he/she does