Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone

For close to 150 years, the nursery song, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone has been a favorite for children in one language or another. It was originally written in German by Septimus Winner, titled Der Deitcher's Dog in 1864.

Oh Where Has My Little Dog gone was not originally a happy song. It was a drinking song. It was suppose to be sung by a man hoping to use his dog to perform tricks to earn money for his beer. Only, he lost his dog, thought to be stolen by the local butcher. But, the words were changed for a nursery rhyme version.

Winner was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He wrote under many songs under pseudonyms as well as his own true name. He partnered with is brother, Joseph Eastburn Winner, for a period of about 10 years, publishing music as well. Septimus Winner also offered his talent as a teacher and established himself as a music critic.

Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone has remained popular and has sold in massive amounts during Winner's lifetime and still today. There is little doubt that children love dogs, and hence, love songs about them.

To learn more about composer, Septimus Winner, visit Wikipedia.