Tonight is the night!!!!

I cannot wait for the next season of Downton Abbey.  I have shared this article before but, it is too good not to share again in anticipation of the season 4 premier.

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Editor’s Note: You asked, and we’ve delivered: Check out our latest experiment in photoshop: The Dogs of Mad Men! And hey, you didn’t ask for this, but we also did The Dogs of Game of Thrones for kicks.

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You watch Downton Abbey, right? If you don’t, you’re probably living in the woods under a rock on a desert island in a time warp in an alternate universe. And even then, you’re probably lying.

Everyone is watching this show, and we’re no exception. The beautiful period garb, restrained acting, and insane soap-operatic plot lines have us hooked.

Because we also love dogs, and because we were so struck by how much Bates resembles a Basset Hound, we decided to compile a list of some of the Downton Abbey characters as dogs. Why not? Let’s do this!



1. Robert, Earl of Grantham: English Bulldog

 

Generally docile but sometimes willful,  bulldogs’ aggression has been bred out, and although they once had higher aspirations, they’re now content to snooze on the couch all day. Still, he remains somewhat of a busybody, equally disturbed by loud noises and prolonged silences.



2. Cora, the Countess of Grantham: Collie



 

This b
reed excels most when it has a job, otherwise gets very bored and prone to depression. Enjoys bossing superiors but understands when to take orders from superior intellects (cats, lady’s maids, etc.)



3. Lady Mary Crawley: Poodle

 

Easily bored; loves to make mischief; haughty demeanor earned through centuries of breeding and/or inbreeding.

4. 

Lady Edith Crawley: Bedlington Terrier



 



Basically an ugly Poodle. Loyal to a fault, hard-working, and just wants someone to notice. Longs to curl up at your (or anyone’s) feet and finally be loved.



5. Lady Sybil Crawley: Schipperke



 


Attractive, fussy, loud, and constantly in everyone’s business. Would totally wear fancy dress pants, if possible.



6. The Dowager Countess of Grantham: Persian Cat (yup, no dog could possibly be as haughty as her)

 

The ultimate regulator, the DC doesn’t give a crap about what you think or want, and will get her way every time.



7. Cousin Matthew Crawley: Golden Retriever

 



Loyal, adorable, and totally milquetoast.



8. Bates, Lord Grantham’s Valet: Basset Hound



One word: Jowls. Also, mopey like Eeyore; slow-moving; and generally sad-making. Still, you can’t help but pity-love the big guy.



9. Anna, Head Housemaid: Springer Spaniel



 

Alert, attentive,  friendly, and very eager to please. Considered to be perhaps the most excellent of all working dogs, she asks for very little in return for a job well done. Inexplicably attracted to mopey martyrs (see Bates).

10. O’Brien, the Countess’s maid: Pumi



 

Reserved, intelligent, protective, and not easy to socialize, Pumis make excellent spinsters.



11. Thomas the Footman: Doberman Pinscher



 



From Wikipedia: “Although they are considered to be working dogs, Doberman Pinschers are often stereotyped as being ferocious and aggressive.” Yep. Thomas is a bitch, but he really just wants to be an entrepreneur! Misunderstood, handsome, and somewhat sinister in appearance even when he’s just trying to be himself. 



12. Carson the Butler: Sheepdog

 

Overworked, underappreciated, and loving it. 



Did we get it right? Or are we total suckers and is O’Brien OBVIOUSLY a Hungarian Puli? Do you have any doggie suggestions for the other Downton Abbeycharacters? Let us hear it!

All artistic manipulations courtesy of the awesome Audrey Fukuman.