Over time the detailing changed and Victorian era potters in Staffordshire England engaged in less detailed modeling of the figures. When purchasing such a dog, learn first the variations and what clue this may suggest about purported age. Two similar dogs can look quite different when side by side. Unfortunately, you may not be able to look at them side by side. Study your dogs first in guides such as Collector's Guide to Staffordshire Pottery Figures , which shows such a side by side comparison.
Rarity is important in all collectible fields.
There were many Staffordshire spaniels produced, relatively fewer Staffordshire dalmations. Dalmations were sometimes produced on blue bases. Click picture for larger view Poodles were also produced and these, to my eye, make the most beautiful grouping, especially against a color. They are often quite detailed. Click picture for larger view.