Discover the fascinating history of poodles and their association with wealth and fashion in the 1950s. Learn about the remarkable life of Masterpiece, a poodle who achieved fame and success through his stud and modeling fees. Explore the aftermath of the dog-napping of Masterpiece and speculate on his fate. The hosts also share information on illustrations, social media, and the Criminal Plus membership program.
Poodles became popular in the 1950s due to Count Pulaski's efforts in promoting the breed through his store, Poodles Inc.
The dog-napping of Pulaski's poodle, Masterpiece, created a news sensation and solidified poodles as fashionable pets.
Deep dives
The Rise of Poodles as Fashionable Pets
In the 1950s, poodles started becoming popular due to the efforts of Count Pulaski, a Russian count and poodle enthusiast. Pulaski established Poodles Inc., a store exclusively catering to poodles, offering grooming services and fashionable accessories. Pulaski's own poodle, named Pulaski's masterpiece, gained fame and became the most recognizable dog of that time. Masterpiece was a showpiece in New York society, appearing in advertisements, TV shows, and even having its own bank account. However, tragedy struck when masterpiece was dog-napped and never seen again, leaving behind a legacy that solidified poodles as fashionable pets.
The Mystery of Masterpiece's Disappearance
After masterpiece's theft, the search for the dog became a news sensation. Count Pulaski, hoping for the dog's safe return, pleaded with the public and offered rewards. There were theories about the motive behind the dog-napping, ranging from ransom demands to political rivalries. However, the fate of masterpiece remains unknown. Pulaski's devotion to the breed and his extravagant promotion of poodles contributed to the high-profile nature of the dog-napping and the intense public interest.
Legacy of Poodles and Count Pulaski
Despite the loss of masterpiece, poodles remained a popular breed, even topping the American Kennel Club's most popular breed list for many years. Count Pulaski's influence on the breed and his book, 'Pulaski on Poodles', showcased his love and dedication to poodles. The legacy of the fashionable poodle craze and Pulaski's devotion continue to be remembered, with poodles still being cherished as beloved family pets today.
In the 1950s poodles were all the rage — one tabloid even reported that when a girl “makes the big time she traditionally acquires 3 things — minks, gems, and a poodle.” But one poodle in particular put the breed on the map. His name was Masterpiece… and police in 13 states knew exactly what he looked like.
This episode originally aired in 2018.
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