A Real Dog and Pony Show

By Kelli Huggins, Education Coordinator

 

Whenever you call something a “dog and pony show” today, you’re probably not referencing a literal dog and pony show. But travel back in time a mere 1o0 years or so and you would be surrounded by actual shows with dog and pony performers. In fact, in the late 19^th and early 20^th century, people wouldn’t understand any other meaning of this term. 

1897 ad for a Norris Brothers Dog and Pony show in Elmira.

Dog and pony shows were small travelling shows in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries comprised of trained domestic animal actors. They were different from other circuses of the era. Those often featured large wild animals, like elephants or lions. Starting a dog and pony show was easier than those larger circuses because the talent was cheaper and easier to acquire, even though a considerable amount of training and skill was still necessary to create a successful offering.

Some locals got in on the dog and pony show game. Elmiran George Carrier reportedly had a troupe of trained dogs that were “marvelously intelligent” and did shows in 1891. There are unfortunately, however, no further references to these dogs. Elmira’s Globe Theater manager Eugene Johnson served as the general agent of “Darling’s Little Darlings.”

1901 Darling's Little Darling's ad.

Elmira was also frequently host to dog and pony shows from around the country. The most famous dog and pony show proprietors were the Gentry Brothers of Indiana. Beginning in 1885, they grew their "Gentry's Equine and Canine Paradox” into an impressive force in the world of late 19^th century entertainment.  They had multiple touring groups operating at the same time, each with upwards of a few dozen dogs and ponies. 

The Gentry show frequently came to this area. An 1893 show included 16 ponies and some of their babies that drilled, danced, and answered questions. There was also “an army of dogs, poodles, greyhounds, pugs and all kinds of fine dogs. One of the most wonderful feats is the complete back somersault of Barney, a little fellow whose breed is doubtful. Three of the dogs ride ponies at full speed. The greyhounds do some wonderful high and distance leaping. The performance closes with a pyramid of dogs and horses.”

1893 Gentry show in Elmira.

The Gentry brothers weren’t the only game in town. Other shows came through the area with great frequency. One Professor Williams and his dog and pony show gave a performance to an audience of children from the Orphans’ Home children in 1896.

1896 advertisement

Children at the Orphan's home enjoyed a Professor Williams show

 The dog and pony shows ultimately fell out of fashion by the early 20^th century. Americans turned their attentions to other forms of entertainment, including vaudeville, larger circuses, and the newly emerging film industry. Now we’re just left with a phrase for which most people don’t even realize the real canine and equine origins.