Mary Allen
Introduction: The Turnspit dog
The Turnspit dog is an extinct breed of dog that was once used in kitchens to turn meat on a spit. The breed was small, short-legged, and long-bodied, and it was well-suited for the task of running in a wheel to turn meat over a fire. While the Turnspit dog is no longer in existence, it played an important role in kitchens for centuries.
Historical context of the Turnspit breed
The Turnspit dog originated in England during the 16th century, and it was used in kitchens until the 19th century. During this period, meat was cooked over an open fire, and the Turnspit dog was used to turn the spit to ensure even cooking. The breed was highly valued for its ability to perform this task, and it was often kept by inns and public houses. However, as cooking technology evolved and mechanical devices were invented, the Turnspit dog became obsolete and eventually disappeared.
Purpose of the Turnspit dog
The Turnspit dog was bred specifically for the purpose of turning meat on a spit. The breed was well-suited for this task due to its small size, long body, and short legs, which allowed it to run in a wheel to turn the spit. The Turnspit dog was also known for its stamina and endurance, as it was required to work for long periods of time in hot and smoky kitchens.
The Turnspit’s physical characteristics
The Turnspit dog was a small, short-legged breed that was approximately 25-30 cm tall and weighed between 9-14 kg. It had a long, narrow body and a short, rough coat that was usually black or tan. The breed’s ears were long and droopy, and its tail was short and curly. The Turnspit dog’s physical characteristics made it well-suited for its role in the kitchen, as it could fit easily into a wheel to turn the spit.
Training and working conditions
The Turnspit dog was trained from a young age to run in a wheel to turn the spit. The breed was also trained to work in hot and smoky conditions, as it was required to work for long periods of time in kitchens. The working conditions for Turnspit dogs were often harsh, and they were sometimes mistreated or abused by their owners.
The Turnspit’s role in the kitchen
The Turnspit dog played an important role in the kitchen, as it was responsible for turning meat over a fire to ensure even cooking. The breed was highly valued for its ability to perform this task, and it was often kept in kitchens by inns and public houses. Turnspit dogs were also sometimes used in large estates and castles.
Decline of the Turnspit breed
The Turnspit dog became less popular as cooking technology evolved and mechanical devices were invented to turn the spit. The breed eventually disappeared, and it is now extinct. While the Turnspit dog played an important role in kitchens for centuries, its decline and extinction are a reminder of the impact of changing technology on traditional practices.
Modern-day Turnspit dog preservation
While the Turnspit dog is no longer in existence, there are efforts to preserve the breed’s legacy. Organizations such as the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in the UK work to preserve and promote rare breeds of livestock and pets, including the Turnspit dog. There are also efforts to recreate the breed using similar breeds, such as the Welsh Corgi and the Dachshund.
Similar breeds to the Turnspit
The Turnspit dog was a unique breed, but it shared physical traits with other breeds, such as the Welsh Corgi and the Dachshund. These breeds were also used for hunting and as companion dogs, but they were not specifically bred for turning meat on a spit.
Criticism and controversy surrounding the breed
There is little information on the treatment and living conditions of Turnspit dogs, and it is likely that they were mistreated and abused in some cases. The use of dogs for labor has been criticized by animal welfare organizations, and the Turnspit dog is no exception. While the breed played an important role in kitchens for centuries, its history is also a reminder of the exploitation of animals for human use.
Conclusion: The legacy of the Turnspit dog
The Turnspit dog is an extinct breed that played an important role in kitchens for centuries. While the breed is no longer in existence, its legacy lives on through efforts to preserve its memory and recreate the breed using similar breeds. The Turnspit dog is also a reminder of the impact of changing technology on traditional practices and the exploitation of animals for human use.
References and further reading
- "The Turnspit Dog." The Kennel Club.
- "Turnspit Dog." Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
- "The Turnspit Dog." National Trust.
- "Turnspit Dog." Wikipedia.