When it comes to antique Halloween postcards the cat is the animal that really holds the limelight (for obvious reasons).

1918 Halloween postcard featuring a Jack-o'-lantern, owls, and a frightened dog. Whitney Co Publishers, embossed. Sold for $33 in 2006.

However, look around and you will discover a few dogs being pursued, harassed and troubled by Jack-o'-lanterns, witches and the ubiquitous black cat.

It is most probable that the earliest exploitation of Halloween in America began in the 20th century with Halloween postcards.

These reached their heyday between 1905 and 1915 and featured hundreds of different designs. Dogs are not as common as more obvious themes but they can frequently be found.

Halloween Children, J-O-L, Black Cat, White Dog divided back early postcard.

Dennison Manufacturing Company, which published its first Halloween catalog in 1909, and the Beistle Company, were pioneers in commercially made Halloween decorations, particularly die-cut paper items.

German manufacturers specialized in Halloween figurines that were exported to America in the period between the two world wars.

Halloween images with dogs can be a great addition to any dog ephemera collection.

Cute old postcard! Boy and his wagon filled with large Jack-o'-lanterns with a black cat atop and a scared little puppy dog. 1920, Sold $11

And if you are not a collector why not buy one and use the image wherever you need a Halloween graphic. They make great fronts for invitations and cards.

If you are simply buying an antique Halloween postcard for the image or illustration you need not be as concerned about the card's condition as it is very easy to scan the image and clean any blemishes with basic photo manipulation software.

With the imminent approach of Halloween you would be advised to start searching now for that unique old illustration which includes a dog.

circa early 1900s Halloween postcard made by the Fairman Co. The image is of a smiling witch riding atop a running jack-o-lantern with a spotted dog and black cat. The black cat is considered lucky in the United Kingdom.

1908 Halloween Postcard, Ellen Clapsaddle design, a dog and boy with Jack-o'-lantern chasing a girl. $14 Sold