Every Good Boy Deserves Favor: Dogs in Literature, From Homer to Hemingway
You know that dogs are a human's best friend, but did you realize that they're also artists' and authors' faithful companions? Our furry four-legged friends have been featured in paintings, books, movies, and more for centuries. Whether they're depicted as loyal companions, symbols of fidelity or innocence, or even guides to the afterlife, dogs have a long and storied history in art and literature.
From Homer's Argos in The Odyssey to Lassie and Old Yeller, dogs have wormed their way into our hearts and imaginations. They've inspired some of the world's greatest authors, like Jack London, Ernest Hemingway, and Mark Twain. Painters from Goya to George Stubbs have also found dogs worthy subjects. In this series, we'll explore some of the most famous dogs in art and literature, learn about the artists and authors who created them, and discover why dogs remain so endlessly fascinating. Every good boy deserves his place in the canon, after all.
Famous Dog Portraits: Dogs in Fine Art Through the Ages
Dogs have been faithful companions to humans for thousands of years, so it's no wonder they've found their way into some of the world's most famous works of art. From ancient Egypt to modern times, artists have captured the likeness of our furry friends.
Early Examples
Some of the first known paintings of dogs appear in Egyptian art, like the Hunting Dog from the Tomb of Ip at Deir el-Bahari, dating back to the 15th century BCE. The ancient Greeks and Romans also depicted dogs, usually in a guarding or hunting capacity.
Dogs in Renaissance and Baroque Art
During the European Renaissance, as art focused more on secular subjects and accurate representation, dogs became a popular subject for portraits. Painters like Titian, Vermeer, and Goya all featured dogs in their masterful works.
Man's Best Friend
By the 19th century, as dogs transitioned to beloved household pets, they were frequently portrayed as loyal companions. Landseer's paintings, like “A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society” and “The Monarch of the Glen,” helped popularize the image of the dignified and devoted dog.
Modern Art
In the 20th century, artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol all incorporated dogs into their artwork. Photorealists like John Salt, Chuck Close and Don Eddy have created hyper-realistic paintings of dogs that showcase their subject's vivid details and textures.
Whether guarding a home, assisting a hunter, or simply keeping us company, dogs have been by our side for millennia. It's only fitting that humanity's faithful companions have found immortality through art. Artists from ancient to modern times have paid homage to dogs, ensuring they have a place in our cultural heritage.
Literary Legends: Iconic Dogs in Classic Literature
Some of literature’s most memorable canine characters have been man’s faithful companions for centuries. Who can forget Argos, Odysseus’ devoted dog who was the only one to recognize his master in disguise after 20 years away from home in Homer’s Odyssey? Or how about Buck, the rugged sled dog from Jack London’s The Call of the Wild, who tapped into his wild instincts to become leader of the pack?
- Cerberus, the three-headed hound who guarded the gates of the underworld in Greek and Roman mythology, struck fear into the hearts of souls attempting to enter or escape.
- In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, the detective’s bull terrier Gladstone provides comic relief.
- Old Yeller, from Fred Gipson’s novel of the same name, protects a frontier family in 1860s Texas. No spoilers, but have tissues ready!
Some pooches in literature aren’t always well-behaved. Charles Dickens’ Bill Sykes’ bull terrier from Oliver Twist is downright vicious, while the stray dog from Stephen King’s Cujo turns into a menacing beast.
Of course, Lassie is one of the most famous dogs in books, TV, and movies. Eric Knight’s 1940 novel Lassie Come-Home tells the heartwarming story of the loyal collie who travels hundreds of miles to be reunited with her owner.
Dogs have captured our hearts in stories for generations. Whether faithful friends, courageous heroes or frightening fiends, their memorable roles in literature have secured their status as man’s best friend between the pages. Our furry literary companions continue to inspire, amuse and frighten us with their timeless tales.
Pawprint on the Page: Canine Characters in Popular Fiction
Dogs have been faithful companions to humans for centuries, so it’s no surprise that they frequently appear in works of fiction. Canine characters often serve as a foil to highlight human personalities and relationships. They represent loyalty, friendship and unconditional love.
In J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series, Sirius Black transforms into a shaggy black dog. As Harry’s godfather and protector, Sirius’ animagus form is a perfect metaphor for his devotion and guardianship over the boy wizard. The massive boarhound Fang also appears at Hagrid’s side, as gentle and sweet-natured as his owner.
Jack London’s The Call of the Wild follows Buck, a St. Bernard-Scotch Collie mix, as he rediscovers his wild roots during the Klondike Gold Rush. Buck’s journey serves as a allegory for following one’s primal instincts. London’s White Fang explores the domestication of a wild wolf-dog hybrid, representing the contrast between civilization and savagery.
In John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, Candy’s old sheepdog symbolizes the fate of the aged and useless. Candy’s dog is loyal but suffers neglect, foreshadowing what awaits the ranch hands if they outlive their purpose. The harsh reality of Dust Bowl-era life is reflected in the dog’s sad end.
There are countless other examples of unforgettable dogs in books, from Toto in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to Snuffles in the Harry Potter series. Mans best friend has left his pawprint indelibly on the page, reminding us of the powerful bond between humans and canines. Whether serving as a metaphor, plot device or companion, dogs enrich storytelling with their humor, heroism and heart.
Scene Stealing: Memorable Movie Mutts
When it comes to memorable movie mutts, a few scene-stealing dogs stand out from the pack. Their unforgettable performances highlight the important roles our canine companions have played on the silver screen.
Toto from The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Dorothy’s faithful Cairn terrier Toto is one of the most recognizable dogs in film history. His antics driving the plot by leading Dorothy to Oz and protecting her along the way cement him as a true movie star. Toto’s performance demonstrates the loyalty and companionship dogs provide, even in the face of danger.
Beethoven from Beethoven (1992)
The enormous St. Bernard Beethoven bursts onto the scene, bringing chaos and laughter into the lives of the Newton family. Beethoven’s silly antics and stubborn yet lovable personality showcase the fun and frustration of raising a dog. His performance is a perfect example of the big impact a dog can have in a family.
Marley from Marley & Me (2008)
Marley, the lovable Labrador retriever, teaches his owners important life lessons about responsibility, commitment, and unconditional love. Although Marley’s rambunctious behavior causes trouble, he proves that the challenges of dog ownership are worthwhile for the joy they bring. Marley's touching performance highlights the deep bond between dogs and their humans.
Dogs have been scene-stealing stars since the dawn of cinema. From courageous to mischievous, dogs in film mirror the diverse roles our faithful companions play in real life. Although technology has enabled more complex stunts and effects over the years, audiences continue to connect with stories of the simple, relatable relationships between dogs and their owners on screen. The next time you need a pick-me-up, consider revisiting one of these memorable movie mutts. Their heartwarming performances are sure to brighten your day.
Top Dog: Most Famous Fictional Canines of All Time
Some of the most famous dogs in literature are characters that have captured our hearts and imaginations. These literary canines showcase the depth, personality, and wit that authors can bring to life on the page.
Lassie
The loyal and courageous collie Lassie first appeared in Eric Knight’s 1940 short story “Lassie Come-Home.” Lassie has since starred in movies, TV shows, and many books, demonstrating her intelligence, bravery and devotion. Generations have grown up with this beloved dog as a role model.
Toto
Dorothy’s faithful Cairn terrier Toto in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is clever and feisty. Though small in size, Toto plays an important role in protecting Dorothy in this classic tale of adventure. His antics and quick thinking help Dorothy navigate the strange land of Oz.
Old Yeller
Set in post-Civil War Texas, Old Yeller is a 1956 novel by Fred Gipson about a stray dog named Old Yeller that comes to live on a family’s farm. Old Yeller wins over everyone's heart with his playful and courageous spirit. Though the ending is bittersweet, Old Yeller showcases the powerful bond between a dog and his boy.
Buck
In Jack London’s The Call of the Wild, Buck is a domestic dog living a pampered life in California. But after being stolen and sold as a sled dog in Alaska's harsh Yukon Territory, Buck must embrace his wild roots to survive. Buck's journey to reconnect with his inner wolf and find his place in the wilderness has resonated with readers for over a century.
These famous fictional dogs and many more have left their paw prints on our hearts and secured their status as top dogs of literature. Their stories highlight the unbreakable bond between dogs and their humans while capturing our sense of adventure.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a quick tour of some of the most memorable dogs in literature and art. From the loyal hounds of Odysseus to the scrappy underdogs of Steinbeck, dogs have inspired artists for centuries. They’ve made us laugh and cry, shown us what true friendship looks like, and taught us more than a few life lessons along the way. The next time you curl up on the couch with your furry best friend, give them an extra scratch behind the ears. After all, every good boy deserves favor—and a place in our hearts and imaginations. Who knows, maybe someday they’ll even inspire you to create your own tribute to man’s best friend. The possibilities are endless. All you need is a little creativity—and a dog by your side.
