Dogs: Stars of Myth, Legend, and Folklore Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast

In this podcast episode, we gain a better understanding of why dogs play a starring role in thousands of years of human folklore and explore the very real breeds that inspired the stories.
Dogs permeate human myth and folklore more than any other creature. Their expansive field of vision, sensitivity to high-pitched sounds, and exceptional gift of sniff could be the reason many myths and legends portray dogs as supersensory guards and protectors of mere mortals. Dogs’ roles in human stories reflect neither the good nor the bad of them — rather they demonstrate the central place dogs occupy in our shared consciousness.
Bonafide Bits
“Dogs of Myth,” a book by Gerald and Loretta Hausman, chronologically captures a treasure trove of dog lore. In Chinese folklore, the Pekingese is known to have the heart of a lion. In Tibet, the Lhasa Apso is the earthly incarnation of the mythical snow lion. Canis Major is the constellation that includes the dog star Sirius, Orion’s hunting dog. In Greek mythology, Cerberus is a three-headed dog who guards the underworld of Hades. Featured Breeds
Mastiff
For the uninitiated, a face-to-face encounter with these black-masked giants can be startling. A male stands at least 30 inches at the shoulder and can outweigh many a full-grown man. The rectangular body is deep and thickly muscled, covered by a short double coat of fawn, apricot, or brindle stripes. The head is broad and massive, and a wrinkled forehead accentuates an alert, kindly expression. Mastiffs are patient, lovable companions and guardians who take best to gentle training. Eternally loyal Mastiffs are protective of family, and a natural wariness of strangers makes early training and socialization essential. Mastiffs are magnificent pets, but acquiring a powerful giant-breed dog is a commitment not to be taken lightly. Discover more about Mastiffs at AKC’s Mastiff Breed Biography.
English Toy Spaniel
The ETS is a square, snub-nosed toy weighing no more than 14 pounds. The large domed head with its long and lush ears, dark melting eyes, and chubby cheeks is a famous breed trait. The profuse coat comes in four varieties, each with its own proper name: red and white (Blenheim); black and tan (King Charles); white, black, and tan (Prince Charles); and a solid red (Ruby). Blenheims often have a red mark, the 'Blenheim Spot,' on top of the head. The ETS, like many toy breeds kept by royals, came to assume the personalities of their aristocratic owners. They can be proud and willful, and extremely discriminating in their choice of friends. With their favored humans, they are affectionate at home and exuberant and curious at play. Discover more about English Toy Spaniels at AKC’s English Toy Spaniel Breed Biography.
Akita
Akitas are burly, heavy-boned spitz-type dogs of imposing stature. Standing 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder, Akitas have a dense coat that comes in several colors, including white. The head is broad and massive and is balanced in the rear by a full, curled-over tail. The erect ears and dark, shining eyes contribute to an expression of alertness, a hallmark of the breed. Akitas are quiet, fastidious dogs. Wary of strangers and often intolerant of other animals, Akitas will gladly share their silly, affectionate side with family and friends. They thrive on human companionship. The large, independent-thinking Akita is hardwired for protecting those they love. They must be well socialized from birth with people and other dogs. Discover more about Akitas at AKC’s Akita Breed Biography.
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. It’s impossible to discuss this breed without leaning on words like “powerful,” “muscular,” “massive,” and “substantial.” And yet, TMs are quite light-footed and will meet a perceived threat