Definition:
A “dog” is a domesticated mammal of the species Canis lupus familiaris.
Etymology:
The word “dog” comes from the Old English “docga,” a term used to describe a powerful breed of dog in medieval times. The precise origins of the word are unclear, but it has been used in the English language since at least the Middle Ages.
Description:
Dogs are known for their loyalty, companionship, and diverse roles as pets, working animals, and service animals.
Dogs come in a wide variety of breeds, each with distinct characteristics in terms of size, shape, coat, and behavior. Common physical features include:
- Head and Face: The shape varies greatly among breeds, from the flat face of a Pug to the elongated snout of a Greyhound.
- Body: Dogs range in size from tiny teacup breeds to large working breeds like the Saint Bernard.
- Coat: The texture and length of a dog’s coat can vary from short and smooth to long and curly, depending on the breed.
- Tail: Can be straight, curled, or docked, and is often a key feature in breed identification.
Symbolism:
Dogs can symbolize various traits and concepts.
A dog tend to symbolize Satan, as the dog’s ears seen in the shadow of a dog resemble horns, dog and Satan are both known as “best friend,” and “dog” is a mirror anagram of “God.”
Dog’s are often symbolized through words, such as “loyalty” and “submission,” as dogs tend to be very submissive. The word “bitch” is often being used as a curse word with the intention of referring to someone as someone’s slave, as the word “bitch” actually means “female dog.”
Dogs that have an owner, often wear a collar, which makes the collar a symbol of having an owner. This symbolism is also present when humans wear collars, even if it’s a collared shirt.
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Religion:
In the Bible, dogs are mentioned in various contexts, often symbolizing loyalty and protection, but also sometimes used in negative contexts. For example, in Proverbs 26:11, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly,” uses a dog’s behavior to illustrate human folly.
In the Quran, dogs are mentioned in contexts that highlight their roles and attributes. For example, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:18), the faithful dog guarding the cave of the Seven Sleepers is mentioned, symbolizing loyalty and protection.
In Hadith literature, there are references to dogs, emphasizing their roles and the importance of treating them with kindness. Some Hadiths discuss the cleanliness issues related to dogs, while others highlight their usefulness. Several Hadiths indicate that dogs are considered impure, particularly their saliva. For example, a Hadith in Sahih Muslim states, “If a dog drinks from the vessel of any one of you, let him wash it seven times” (Sahih Muslim, Book 2, Hadith 55). This has led to the belief that dogs are ritually impure. However, dogs are also recognized for their roles in hunting, guarding, and protection, which are permissible under specific conditions.