Dogs are so important in our society that they have even inspired toys which provide children with a reliable friend. There are all kinds of toys involving dogs, from stuffed animals to educational materials.
Children's toys have been around much longer than movies, television and comic strips. Toys contribute to a child's emotional and creative development. The first toys based on images of dogs were made with clay, dough, or wood. At first, they were mounted on slabs of wood with wheels for children to pull. Later, they were jointed - with a mouth that opened, a tail that wagged - to make them more realistic.
Next to the bear, the dog is one of the only animals whose appeal in toys has lasted for centuries. Still today, dogs have a privileged place in children's playtime activities. Dogs are used to decorate the rooms of little and big kids, where they take the form of armchairs, clothes racks, lamps and all sorts of stuffed animals. For infants, a soft, cuddly stuffed animal friend is trustworthy, protective and, most importantly, just the right size. As in movies and television, breed is important in toys. Most often, stuffed animals are based on a character from the latest animated feature (like 101 Dalmatians), but the irresistible German Shepherd and Saint Bernard also have their place.In the interest of early childhood education, many wood, fabric and plastic toys are created each year to enhance the development of children three months to two years old. The results include discovery mats and toys that make the noise of a dog barking. In these toys, the dog plays an instrumental role in teaching and raising the young.Children's toys involving dogs may be so popular because real dogs require time, space and a great deal of responsibility. Wooden and stuffed dog toys give children a playmate, a friend who's just the right size and a gentle teacher who, most importantly, requires no parental attention!
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