Dogs Playing Poker I used to be very entertained by the dogs playing poker poster that my grandfather had in his basement. Back then I was a kid, and my imagination was pretty vivid. I used to love to stare at the poster and think about what the dogs would say to each other. I had watched my grandfather and the other men play poker a number of times, and I sort of knew how the table talk went. Different people had different strategies. Some of them were subdued, others were loud and brash, while others were secretive and coy. Some loved to play up worthless hands as if they were perfect while others loved to play down excellent hands to lure other people into an unsuspecting bet I would look at the card playing dogs and imagine them as the different men in my family. One of the great things about the dogs playing poker is that they all seemed to represent types so clearly. I remember a big gruff pit bull that had a cigar dangling out of its mouth in a don't mess with me fashion, and a more subdued collie looking cool and unflappable. There was even a dainty little scotty dog, completely absorbed in his own game and carefully and methodically calculating his next move. I remember how much he seemed to like that poster. I think he even had a couple of them. Apparently, the original dogs playing poker posters were a series painted for a cigar company. There were several of them made, and they all had a different look to them. Since then, they have been imitated literally dozens of times. Nowadays, it is such a recognizable cultural icon that almost no one Remembers where it originally came from. That just goes to show how broad the appeal is. Thinking about this, I decided to get him a dogs playing poker poster he did not own for his birthday. I knew that he would be thrilled. When I started looking for it, however, I couldn't be sure which ones he had and which he never owned. I did not want to get him a duplicate, so I decide to get him something else. I found a dogs playing poker collectible complete with several of the original dogs done in small models. It was just the kind of thing that my grandfather would like. Best of all, it would let him know that I remembered the hours I spent hanging out with him when I was young. Summary Dogs playing poker is a very familiar nostalgic piece enjoyed by generations of people. There is just something about this work that delights and enchants. Most people have seen it and you can find gift ideas online featuring this classic picture. Take a browse around, and you may find some great gift ideas. Related Articles Choosing Room Decorations Art Nouveau Related Sites