Canine Symbolism: Loyalty, Protection, & Wisdom Unveile

1. Loyalty and Empathy

Loyalty is the most common trait associated with dogs, but as domestic animals closely intertwined with our lives, the diverse lifestyles of dogs make them the closest to humans and the most irreplaceable companions.

2. Prosperity and Fortune

During the Shang Dynasty, dogs were not only pets but also beloved animals. The "Ji Zong Zhou Shu" records that during the reign of Tang, dogs from all directions were presented with pearls, jade, and tortoiseshell trinkets. The "Tang Shu·Di Zhi" also mentions that "Henan Province Pu State Pu Yang County presented silk dogs."

3. Companionship and Familial Affection

As dogs were domesticated, they transitioned from working dogs to family members, gaining the meanings of "companionship" and "affection." As described in the "Chen Shu," "After Zhang Biao's defeat, he left with his wife Yang Shi, but only the dog Huang Cang accompanied them, never leaving their side," illustrating the dog as a last relative.

4. Faithfulness and Loyalty

Like loyal soldiers, dogs embody the spirit of loyalty in people's hearts, as seen in the famous saying, "Willing to serve as a dog or horse." The concept of dogs in people's minds has been elevated to a sense of loyalty, dedicated to their country, their masters, and their friends.

5. Predicting Good and Bad Omens, and Exorcising Evils

There's an old saying, "Dogs understand human language and know people's hearts," reflecting the ancient belief that dogs are sentient beings capable of foreseeing good and bad omens. The color of a dog's fur, even, was believed to be a symbol of fortunetelling.

For instance, hearing a dog's bark at the "Yin" hour (35 AM) was thought to signal the arrival of wealth; at the "Mao" hour (57 AM), it might indicate a child's misfortune; and at the "You" hour (79 PM), it could also suggest a child's impending trouble.

6. The Significance of Fur Color

According to the "Six Livestock Divination," certain fur colors were believed to bring specific fortunes. A black dog with yellow eyebrows was considered suitable for guarding the home, a yellow lion dog symbolized good fortune, and a black lion dog was thought to bring wealth. The lighter the yellow lion dog's eyebrows, the better; deeper eyebrows were considered inauspicious.

Ultimately, the highest praise for dogs lies in their unwavering loyalty.

Pet Doctor's Tip: To learn more about dogs, click on "How to Tell If a Dog Has Rabies" for informative articles.