Welcome to the forum , natashaz .
Perhaps , if you unscrewed the handle from the bell , more might be gleaned about the possible ivory handle (things like the age of the insert into the handle , tool marks & etc.) .
I'd say you've gotten your moneys' worth , for an item that you like .
It does seem like the dog-head handle is a bit large , for the size of the handbell .
Perhaps this is a bell to signal "Release the Hounds !!!" .