Things I Miss #4

In the late 1960s and early 1970s I remember often in the UK seeing nodding dogs on the rear parcel shelves of Ford Escorts and Hillman Avengers. These were stylised figures of dogs sitting or lying prone, usually made of plastic with some plush-effect covering to simulate fur. The oversized head was separate, contained a heavy weight, and was attached to the dog’s body by a hook. The movement of the car would cause the head to nod and sway.

My maternal grandparents never owned a car but, for some reason, did own a nodding dog. This was kept on the windowsill in the bedroom, and fascinated me. The bedroom had red and pink flock wallpaper, and I remember how the slightly disconcerting feel of the flock was mirrored by the feel of the nodding dog’s “fur.”

I believe that the nodding dog has made a slight comeback as Churchill Insurance now offer a dog in the shape of their “mascot” Churchill, the bulldog.

Nodding dogs are not to be confused with American “bobblehead” dolls or “wobblers”.