Symbolic Significance of Dogs: Loyalty & Protection

The Symbolic Significance of Dogs

1. Loyalty and Intelligence

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

2. Prosperity and Good Fortune

During the Shang Dynasty, dogs were cherished pets, as evidenced by the records in "Jici Zhou Shu" which mentions, "During the time of Tang, dogs from all directions were presented, including those adorned with pearls, jade, and tortoiseshell." Additionally, the "Tangshu·Dizhi" also notes that "Henan Province, Puyang County, presented silk dogs." These accounts reveal that dogs were beloved pets among ancient people.

3. Companionship and Family Ties

Dogs have been symbolized with "companionship" and "family ties," earning them the of the best companions of humans. The "Chen Shu" records the story of Zhang Biao, who, after his defeat, was accompanied by his wife Yang and his dog Huang Cang, who never left his side, illustrating the dog as his last family member.

4. Faithfulness and Loyalty

The phrase "willing to serve like a dog and a horse" imbues dogs with a sense of loyalty and righteousness. Dogs are known for their loyalty to their country and friends.

5. Predicting Good and Bad Omens, and Exorcising Evils

Ancients believed that dogs were sentient creatures capable of foreseeing good and bad omens. Therefore, based on the time of the dog's barking and the color of its fur, various methods of divination were developed.

For example, hearing a dog bark during the "Yin" hour (35 AM) signifies the arrival of wealth; during the "Mao" hour (57 AM), it suggests potential misfortune for children (13 PM); and during the "You" hour (79 PM), it also indicates potential misfortune for children (79 PM). The color of the dog's fur is also significant. According to "Liuchu Xiangfa," a black dog with yellow eyebrows is suitable for guarding the home, a yellow lion dog symbolizes good fortune, a black lion dog signifies wealth, and a yellow lion dog with faint eyebrows is considered auspicious, while deeper eyebrows are considered inauspicious.

6. Luck and Prosperity

Additionally, ancient people regarded dogs as symbols of good fortune and wealth. If a dog suddenly appeared in a household, the owner would be delighted to adopt it, as it was believed to herald the arrival of prosperity. This is known as "cat poverty and dog wealth," and since the sound of a dog's bark is similar to "旺" (prosperity), it also carries the meaning of bringing wealth and good fortune.

Tip: Click on "Dog Behavior Interpretation" to learn about the meanings behind dog behaviors.