Since the dawn of time, dog has been our copilot. Although the origins of dog domestication are still shrouded in mystery, research suggests they have been partners with humans in our great adventure on this planet for at least 15,000 years. Dogs accompanied our ancestors over the Bering Land Bridge 13,000 years ago and are depicted as part of hunting parties in 7,000-year-old Persian cave paintings.
Since dogs have lived alongside humans for millennia, it’s not surprising that they have played a prominent role in our history, dating back to the most ancient civilizations.
Early Dog Lovers
Dogs were probably more highly regarded by the ancient Egyptians than even their deeply revered cats. The Greek historian Herodotus wrote that when a cat died in Egypt, members of the household would shave their eyebrows, but when a dog died they would shave every hair on their bodies. Some Egyptian gods – such as the jackal-headed deity, Anubis – were part canine.
Many dogs were mummified because their owners couldn’t bear the thought of separation from their beloved pets. This practice may also have been a kind of afterlife insurance policy, since Anubis was the Egyptians’ lord of the land of the dead.
Dogs were so well respected in ancient Greece and Rome that they were depicted on coins of the realm. Their status in these ancient city-states was a mixed blessing, however, since it made them more likely to be sacrificed to the gods.
Dog Worship
Many ancient religions were enamored of dogs. One of the seven sacred books of Zoroastroism, a religion introduced in Iran about 2,750 years ago, is entirely devoted to the care and breeding of dogs.
In Hindu art, the god Shiva is often accompanied by four dogs that represent the Vedas, the most ancient Hindu scriptures. Other Hindu deities, including Indra, Yama, and Varuna, are also often depicted with canine companions.
Dogs are integral to the history of Buddhism, as well. An ancient symbol of Buddhism is the Fo Dog (Fo means Buddha, or “awakened one,” in Chinese). Originally the Fo Dog referred to a lion the Buddha reputedly trained to obey him, just like one would train a dog. In keeping with Buddhist philosophy, one can safely assume this to be a metaphor for taming the mind.
When Buddhism spread eastward from its native India, the Chinese took the concept more literally and Chinese Emperors began the custom of keeping “sleeve dogs” – small canines that could be carried in the voluminous sleeve of one’s robe, such as the Pekingese. These dogs, being spiritually significant, were welcomed into the company of royalty and eventually were considered to be a kind of royalty themselves. One emperor of the Tang Dynasty even took a Pekingese as his legal wife.
Christian traditions have also long been dog friendly. St. Christopher, patron saint of travelers (Rovers?), was sometimes painted with a dog’s head on his shoulders. Legend has it that St. Patrick was guided toward his destiny by a mysterious gray dog with markings on his chest that resembled a white cross.
In many religions – including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity – dogs have served as symbols or messengers of the Divine.
Dogs in Native American Cultures
Some indigenous American cultures revered the wolf, the coyote, and even ordinary domestic dogs. Many tribes had wolf clans, and healers and shaman wore wolf skins when performing rituals. As did the Greeks and the Romans, Native Americans sometimes sacrificed dogs to the gods – an act of great respect by their standards, but it’s hard to know how the dogs might have felt about the honor.
In some tribes, an average family might have 30 dogs. That’s a huge number by today’s standards, but they were needed for hunting and transporting supplies. Their transport role was especially important among nomadic tribes, including the Inuit in what eventually became the state of Alaska, where Huskies still play an essential role.
In many tribes people were described as being close relations to their dogs, such as sisters or brothers, and as such dogs were treated as contributing family members who slept in the living quarters and shared food.
For many indigenous Americans, the coyote was a trickster, clown, and cultural hero all rolled into one. In the mythology of some tribes, coyotes were the creators of humans and/or the entire universe. The Pawnee and Blackfoot people called the Milky Way the “Wolf Trail.” Coyotes and dogs make frequent appearances in Native American creation myths.
Dogs have been bred for hunting, herding, companionship, blood sport, and service of many kinds throughout the ages. Their special qualities have been recognized and celebrated since ancient times and they have influenced the evolution of civilization in countless ways.
Right up to the present day, in America and around the world, dogs have been an inseparable part of our cultures, our psyches, and even our metaphysics.
Praise dog!
Some Notable Dogs of History
Laika is arguably the most famous real dog in history. He became a household name throughout the world in 1957, when the Soviet Union launches him into orbit aboard Sputnik II and he became the first earthling to enter the vastness of space.
Fala, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s beloved Scottish terrier, runs a close second in the race for fame. He was present for the signing of the Atlantic Charter, the document that outlined Allied war objectives during World War II and laid the groundwork for the United Nations. (Winston Churchill’s poodle, Rufus, was also on hand for the historic moment.)
Iditarod fans would nominate Balto, a Siberian husky, who led a team of dogs on a 650-mile trek from Nenana to Nome, Alaska to deliver diphtheria serum in 1925. He saved untold lives and also sowed the seeds of the world-famous annual sled dog race.
Less well known but certainly noteworthy is Saur, who sat on the throne of Norway for three years during the 11th century, after the Norwegian king was deposed by his subjects.
Among fictional dogs, who can forget Petey of the Little Rascals, “Good Dog Carl,” and the much beloved early Hollywood stars Lassie and Rin Tin Tin – not to mention Asta of Thin Man fame. Certainly Gromit, Nick Parke’s brilliant clay-mation mutt, is in a class by himself. And let’s not neglect our favorite cartoon canines, including Pluto, Snoopy, and Marmaduke.
Countless other dogs deserve honorable mention, but we’re out of space!
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Main article photo by: Susan Synarski
