Dogs and Divinity: Maybe It’s No Accident That “Dog” Spelled Backwards Is “God”

In this episode, we explore dogs with divine connections and how, for thousands of years, many disparate cultures, in different places and different eras, all chose to infuse canines into their spiritual lives and folklore. Wherever there have been humans, there have been dogs. Not just in the places we occupy, but in our traditions, folklore, and faith stories. Dogs, who want nothing more than to live with us, share our food, protect us, and help us hunt sometimes seem like they’re too good to not be a bit of a miracle.
 
Bonafide Bits:
• In Ojibwe folklore, a giant’s dog bested a Wendigo to assist humans.
• In ancient Greece, the Goddess Hecate is often depicted accompanied by an enormous Molossian-type hound.
• In ancient Egypt, the part-canine God Anubis is said to have been inspired by a Basenji.
• In France, Saint Guinefort, a Greyhound, was legendary for his healing powers.
• In Tibetan folklore, the country’s protector is the mythical Snow Lion, and the Lhasa Apso is its earthly incarnation.

Featured Breeds:

Xoloitzcuintli
The 3,000-year-old Xoloitzcuintli, the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, is today a loving companion and vigilant watchdog. The alert and loyal Xolo comes in three sizes, and either hairless or coated varieties. Discover more about Xoloitzcuintlis: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/xoloit...

Lhasa Apso
The lavishly coated Lhasa Apso is a thousand-year-old breed that served as sentinels at palaces and monasteries isolated high in the Himalayas. Discover more about Lhasa Apsos: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/lhasa-...

Greyhound
Greyhounds are the essence of the dog breeder’s credo “Form follows function.” From the narrow, aerodynamic skull to the shock-absorbing pads of the feet, Greyhounds are perfectly constructed for high-speed pursuit. Discover more about Greyhounds: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/greyhound

Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a balanced, graceful dog of terrier-like demeanor, weighing no more than six pounds. Chihuahuas possess loyalty, charm, and a big-dog attitude. Discover more about Chihuahuas: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chihuahua

Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard does not rank very high in AKC registrations, but the genial giant of the Swiss Alps is nonetheless among the world’s most famous and beloved breeds. Saints are famously watchful, patient, and careful with children. Discover more about Saint Bernards: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/st-ber...

Basenji
The Basenji, Africa's “Barkless Dog,” is a compact, sweet-faced hunter of intelligence and poise. They are unique and beguiling pets, best for owners who can meet their exercise needs and the challenge of training this catlike canine. And yes, it’s true, they don't bark, but they make their feelings known with an odd sound described as something between a chortle and a yodel. Discover more about Basenjis: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/basenji

Pharaoh Hound

Pharaohs are sleek, aerodynamic coursing hounds bred for high-speed pursuit on rocky terrain. Among their several distinguishing traits are a tight tan coat with matching leather on the nose, ears, and eye rims; ravishing amber eyes; a white-tipped tail; the ability to smile; and a unique way of blushing when happy or excited. Discover more about Pharaoh Hounds: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pharao...

Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound is a lithe and leggy visitor from the dawn of civilization, bred as a rabbit courser on the rocky shores of Spain’s Balearic Islands. Discover more about Ibizan Hounds: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/ibizan...

Pekingese

Pekingese are compact, stocky toy dogs weighing up to 14 pounds. The coat is longest at the neck and shoulders, giving Pekes their famous “lion’s mane.” Pekes are charming, confident companions who develop a tight bond with their favorite human. Discover more about Pekingese: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pekingese

Canaan Dog

One of the AKC's oldest breeds, the Canaan Dog is the national dog of Israel. The ever-alert Canaan is a vocal and persistent guardian of flock and home. Discover more about Canaan Dogs: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/canaan...

Tibetan Mastiff

Coming face to face with this ancient behemoth, an intruder up to no good, will likely move on to easier pickings. Tibetan Mastiffs can stand 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh well over 100 pounds. Discover more about Tibetan Mastiffs: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/tibeta...

Tibetan Spaniel

A reverence for animals occupies a special place in Eastern belief and legend. In that spirit, Buddhist monks played a lead role in fostering and preserving Tibet’s native dog breeds. Tibbies were farseeing sentinels who sat atop the monastery walls and scanned the horizon for friend or foe. Discover more about Tibetan Spaniels: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/tibeta...

For more information about a specific breed visit the breed’s parent club or AKC.org.