Dundee dogs of the 1970s and 80s: Furry friends, canine crimefighters and cartoon campaigns.

We dug through our archives to find some images of dogs in Dundee from the 1970s and 80s.

Enjoy! Gayle Ritchie Dogs have long maintained a special place in our hearts, and that connection shows no signs of waning. Whether cuddled up on the couch or galloping with us over crowded streets, they’ve always been more than just pets.

They are devoted companions, steadfast defenders, and valued family members. These vintage photographs from decades ago illustrate that bond in vivid clarity.

These moments were captured on camera long before smartphones and social media existed, serving as a reminder that, while the world around us has changed, dogs’ roles in our lives have not.

They feature proud Dundee owners at dog competitions, canines enjoying training sessions, and even canine crimefighters on the beat.

A few also demonstrate our fondness for cartoon dogs, particularly the renowned talking Great Dane Scooby-Doo.

Take a look, see if you can recognise yourself or someone you know, and enjoy.

Pampered poodle

A poodle stands still for the clippers as it is trimmed in the Wattie Croal Dog Food Shop on Dock Street in Dundee in December 1971.

He was undoubtedly converted from a scruffy mongrel into a gorgeous puppy.

Canine crimefighter

Sergeant James Dykes and Superintendent Frank Young pose with German Shepherd Jaff and his trophy, which he won at the Scottish Working Trials Society competition in Lauder, Berwickshire, in May 1974.

Sergeant Dykes of Dundee City Police trained Jaff when he was around two years old.

It was the dog’s first competition, and he nearly swept the board, scoring 198 out of a potential 200.

Multi-talented hound

Here’s Jaff in action two years later, in June 1977. Sergeant Dykes tests the skilled hound during a police dog presentation at Warddykes Primary School in Arbroath.

Watch Jaff soar over this hurdle as a large gathering of youngsters watches in the background. What a legend.

Bingo dog

Jimmy Smith, manager of the Rialto Bingo Club in Lochee, poses with Ri, the club’s dog, in September 1983.

The club’s managers and patrons adopted Ri, a stray. He assisted Jimmy in delivering sticks of rock and candy to youngsters in Dundee’s orphanages and hospitals.

Club members had gathered rock from all around the world, including a stick from Ohio, America, as well as the more conventional Blackpool rock.

Adorable Afghans

These beautiful Afghan hounds have been meticulously groomed! However, they needed to look their best because they were competing in the Dundee Canine Club Show in St Salvador’s Hall in June 1976.

The photograph shows the dogs with their pleased owners, Isobel Gibbon (left) with Zara and Elizabeth Scott (right) with Kashif.

Terrific training

In April 1988, members of the Dundee Alsatian Training Club took their dogs to Camperdown Park for a special Easter Fun Day.

The organisation set up a display to inform people about their activities, and the dogs demonstrated how well-behaved they can be.

Leap of faith

Betty Chesser of Dundee puts her dog Emma through her paces at the Dundee Alsatian Training Club’s Easter display at Camperdown Park in April 1988.

That is an impressive leap!

Ball control

Police dogs assist in clearing the pitch at Dens Park following an intense encounter between Rangers and Dundee in March 1979.

It appears that there were some really interesting moments!

Pleading eyes

In March 1985, staff at Brown Street Kennels showed some of the unwanted dogs in their care.

Hopefully, some nice folks stepped forward to adopt these lovely-looking dogs.

Danger zone!

Mary Henderson of Barnhill keeps her dogs away from a dangerous hole in the wire mesh on the Monifieth side of Balmossie Halt bridge, which occurred in August 1988.

The dogs don’t seem concerned, but Mary isn’t taking any chances!

Cartoon campaign

When the BBC announced that the classic cartoon series Scooby-Doo will be cancelled in 1971, James (also known as Jimmy) Brown planned protest marches. The 12-year-old, seen with his dog Nora, also delivered a petition to the BBC signed by himself and over 700 of his pals.

This photo, taken in April 1971, shows Jimmy, victorious, having received the wonderful news that the BBC would bring Scooby-Doo back to screens. He was clearly over-the-moon, and delighted to exhibit his placard that reads: “We’ve saved Scooby-Doo”.

Best in show

Dog shows at Camperdown Park were always quite popular.

This photograph depicts dogs participating in a show during the Festival Finale, a park event held in July 1978. Aren’t they beautiful?

Bosom buddies

 

What a cute couple! This photo shows Afghan dog Zorba and her owner’s daughter, Melissa Houston. In April 1981, they participated in a dog show in Longforgan.

The show was conducted to collect funds to repair the Longforgan Parish Church spire, which was destroyed by lightning in the summer of 1980.

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