10/20/19

Bobby: Houdini's Magical Dog


Not only did Bobby belong to Houdini, he would perform with the famous magician doing some tricks of his own.


Bobby and Houdini

Harry Houdini's wife Bess bought Bobby from the owner of a Harlem butcher shop when he wouldn't allow her to give the dog a bone. Houdini taught the fox terrier how to escape from ropes, handcuffs and straitjackets that were specially made to fit him. Bobby performed with Houdini a few times. In 1918, his escape act headlined at the 14th Annual Society of American Magicians dinner. He was known as the "Only Handcuff King Dog in the World." Bobby could also perform card tricks and do somersaults. According to Houdini, Bobby was "a wonderful card dog" and "the greatest somersault dog that ever lived." Bobby died on December 15, 1918. The Houdini's had their beloved dog for eight years.