Dogs in History
Meet the dogs who shaped history — from ancient legends to modern heroes. Some of these dogs are famous, others long forgotten, but all played a part in the human story.
Their stories live here and are grouped into six themed categories.
Each tale will surprise you, move you, and change the way you think about dogs and history.
Dogs Playing Poker’s Real Name
Everyone knows the dogs playing poker painting, but do you know it’s real name, the artist, or how a cigar ad became an American icon.
The Enduring Charm of Scooby-Doo
Follow Scooby-Doo from his 1969 birth on Saturday mornings to global icon status and discover how a “wrong” Great Dane turned spooky stories into comfort viewing.
Dulux: How a Sheepdog Became a Household Name
For more than sixty years, an Old English Sheepdog has padded calmly through Britain’s living rooms, and into its collective memory, as the faithful face of Dulux paint.
Why Victorians Dressed Dogs Like Humans
A single dog in a top hat opens a window onto a forgotten Victorian obsession - when pets were dressed, posed, and photographed as reflections of ourselves.
Sergeant Stubby: America’s First War Dog
The story of Sergeant Stubby, a stray turned war hero whose service in World War I and bond with his American owner made him the most decorated dog in history.
Mandrakes, Dogs, and the Screams of Legend
Discover how dogs helped harvest the devil’s herb – Mandrakes. A curious root with human-like limbs and potent medicinal properties.
The Dogs of The Little Folks of Animal Land
Step aside, TikTok and Instagram pets. Meet the Edwardian pups that were striking poses in costumes over 100 years ago, long before hashtags were a thing.
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