Here was a special discovery I made doing a search for an entirely different subject and came across this original 1936 photo (above) for sale. Needless to say I purchased it immediately which sent me off on a hunt for more information about James Cagney, his wife and their beloved Chow Reddy.
His wedding to wife Frances Vernon (“Willie”), resulted in a marriage that lasted 64 years (ending with his death). Since my initial discovery of the above photo , I have purchased more over the years,…mostly lovely casual shots
Above is James Cagney and again I’m assuming Reddy in 1934 by the fountain at his Califorina home. What a beautiful image!!!
The above 2 photos seem as though they were 2 different littes of puppies. I need to research more to find out if the Cagneys’ bred these litters or if they came from somewhere else. Precious images!
And this final image is a bit later in the 1940’s…assuming it’s Reddy once more as the dog looks the same throughout the years. I am still on a search for more images of this amazingly talented man (who loved his chow)
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Above is a photo IoI purchased and restored of a fancy car, with what looks to be James Cagney in the middle and a chow who looks so much like the Cagney’s “Reddy” in the rumble seat. I’m not certain, but have a hunch this might be the song and dance man himself..or a VERY close likeness!
I can’t believe I came across your website. I have owned chows for the past 40 years. Now my daughter is the next generation. Our chows are in the same line as Martha Stewart Paw Paw. We have the same breeder. Anyhow, I had no idea Jimmy Cagney had a chow. I live in Stanfordville NY and his estate is just 4 miles from me. In fact we bought our home from his previous caretakers daughter. I am delighted to have found this wonderful tribute to a most beautiful dog. I came across it as I had a copy of Icart’s 2 beauties and his solo chow and since lost it in moving. I am searching for another set as they have always been my most favorite of chows. Thank you for all your wonderful information of which I am passing to all my chow family
Chowfully yours
Dawn Smyth
Gee, I haven’t seen a lot of these! I love Chows, especially their tongues. However, my preference has alway been Scotties. We are on #7&8 now. I know they were popular during that time period but
Cagney never owned any. I know Bette Davis did and Bogie, plus some others.
Didn’t know Cagney bred Chows. Haven’t seen 4,5,6 before.