Dashenka, Czech literature’s most famous puppy, celebrates 90th anniversary
This year marks 90 years since the publishing of Karel Čapek’s children’s book Dashenka, which chronicles the life of a fox terrier puppy growing up in the famous writer’s household. To mark the anniversary, the Karel Čapek Memorial at Strž near Dobříš has prepared a special summer programme dedicated to the legendary dog.
Dashenka, the Wire Fox Terrier puppy, is perhaps the best known dog in Czech literature. It was born to Karel Čapek’s dog Iris and grew under the watchful eye of the famous writer, who recorded its life through a series of texts, photographs and whimsical illustrations.
Dashenka or the Life of a Puppy was first published in 1933 and has since become a children’s classic, says Zdeněk Vacek, director of the Karel Čapek’s memorial at Strž near Dobříš:
“Dashenka has definitely brought a smile to many generations of Czechs. The famous book by Karel Čapek was published for the first time ninety years ago and it was a funny story about his little dog, a fox terrier that grew up in his household.
“The book is not intended only for children. Even adults will be charmed by the lovely style and also by Karel Čapek’s illustrations and photographs of Dashenka.”
The story of Dashenka’s own life is also accompanied by the fairy tales Čapek told his puppy while trying to get her to sit still for photos. They explain various dog-related mysteries, such as why dogs wag their tales or why they bury bones.
One of the most influential writers of the twentieth century, Čapek is perhaps best known abroad for his science fiction play Rossum's Universal Robots, which first popularized the word "robot". But even his book for children has found its fans abroad, says Mr. Vacek:
“Dashenka is known practically all over the world and I am really not exaggerating. A number of translations appeared very soon after its first publishing.
“As for the English translation, it was published in Great Britain already in 1933. And, by the way, in Japan they even have a fan club dedicated to Dashenka.”
After she grew independent from her mother Iris, Dashenka eventually left the Čapek’s household and, despite her popularity, nothing is known about her later whereabouts.
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the famous children’s book, the Karel Čapek’s Memorial near Dobříš has prepared a special summer programme for the children, called Looking for Dashenka.
They have also called on the public to share any information that could help trace the descendants of the famous fox terrier puppy, says Mr. Vacek.
“On September 23 we will celebrate 60 years since the opening of Karel Čapek’s memorial to the public and on the occasion, we will share any news we get about the later life of Dashenka.
“Throughout the whole summer, visitors to our memorial especially those with a dog, can come to our garden, where there is a special memorial that dogs will simply love!”
