Museum of English Rural Life uncovers 18th century dog pictures

We’re officially obsessed with dog pictures on Instagram – but it turns out it’s something that dates back centuries.

A museum has uncovered a diary full of dog doodles from way back in 1784.

The Museum of English Rural Life, based in Reading, Berkshire, tweeted about a collection of diaries they were archiving.

Looking through one book, owned by Richard Beale, from a farm in Biddenden Kent, museum staff discovered these doodles.

The staff believe Richard was 13 years old at the time.

The book was mainly used for beautifully laid out mathematical equations.

But like most of us, Richard doodled around his work – with his family owned dog being his favourite subject.

He drew it at a kennel and chasing a rabbit.

But it wasn’t the only animal he sketched – Richard also drew this 18th century chicken wearing a pair of trousers.