Dog Symbolism, Dog Meaning, Dog Totem, Dog Dream, and Messages

Home » Land Animals » Dog
This is no time for you to be nervous and/or lose control. Take a deep breath, make sure you are relaxed and then decide the direction you need to move in. Stay true to yourself with this decision
-Dog

This page focuses on Dog symbolism, Dog meaning, Dog totem, and Dog dream aspects of the mutt. More than any other animal on the planet, the canine has been the most closely linked to humans. Over the centuries, they have played essential roles in our society. They are our mentors, companions, partners in work and play, as well as our teachers. In the last few centuries, man has deliberately bred the Dog to suit specific purposes and tasks.

While investigating the Dog breeds of the American Kennel Club, I counted fifty alphabetically and only got as far as Chihuahua. There are endless registered breeds. Thus, there are also mixed breeds like the Labradoodle (Labrador and Poodle cross) and Puggle (Pug and Beagle cross). These canine types have specific personalities and characteristics that help me recognize their messages as totem animals. Therefore, each strain has unique symbolism and messages. There are 28 particular varieties of canine in the general population of animals on this website. And as if that is not enough, add the wild Wolf, dhole, dingo, jackal, and the Coyote to the mix because their DNA is almost indistinguishable from their domestic counterparts.

Table of Contents

Dog Symbolism, Dog Meaning, and Messages

In general, Dog symbolism reminds us that kindness will often get you a lot further than criticism. In other words, Dog meaning prompts you to allow yourself to be gentle with those around you. Moreover, it would help to accept that their paths are not necessarily similar or conjoined with yours.

In some cases, the Dog meaning can also remind you that you should always be loyal and truthful to yourself. Therefore, you should make a point of being your own best friend. Furthermore, by having self-respect and self-value, you can love yourself first. This trait is essential for you to be of great assistance to others. In particular, when you have self-esteem, it will assure that others will respect you.

Occasionally Dog symbolism can represent confusion about your loyalties, beliefs, and commitments. In other words, when you try to be everything for everyone, you end up losing sight of yourself. The only way to resolve this is to put yourself first and foremost. Thus, by letting go of everyone and everything else, you will be able to piece together what is right for you. Only with loyalty to yourself will you be able to grow and move forward.

YouTube player

~ Puppy Dog Symbolism

In general, a puppy represents your innocence and childlike approach to the world, and the desire to fix other people. In other words, it is a reminder that we can only help those who help themselves. Alternatively, a puppy can be a message that it is time for you to let go of all of the latest fads and forms. Sometimes the best way to conform is to be non-conforming.

~ Lap Dog Meaning, Toy Group

Conversely, a Lapdog can represent a person who requires constant reassurance. In other words, someone in your life has the unreasonable expectation of being taken care of for the rest of their life. Therefore it would be prudent for both of you to work through some co-dependency issues. Alternatively, the Lapdog can also symbolize the universes’ reassurance that everything is as it should be.

Lapdogs fall into the toy group of the American Kennel Club list of breeds. On this website, the list of Lapdogs includes; Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Pug, Poodle (Toy), Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier.

~ Terrier Dog Symbolism, Terrier Group

When a terrier type of Dog makes its presence known, you must persevere with your current project. It doesn’t matter that you don’t see any results from your hard work right now. The point is to stay committed to your goal with faith and courage. Your determination will pay off in the long term.

The American Kennel Club list of Terrier Group breeds includes; Airedale, Schnauzer, and the Westie.

~ Hound Dog Meaning, Hound Group

When a Hound comes baying into your life, it is a reminder that running with the pack is not always the right way for you to make progress. Moreover, you should step back a bit and sniff out something a little bit different for yourself. If everyone is reaching for the same prize, what’s the point of having it?

The American Kennel Club list of Hounds Group breeds includes; Afghan, Beagle, Bloodhound, and Dachshund.

~ Bird Dog Symbolism, Sporting Group

In this case, it would be prudent for you to do a little bit of research. Someone is misleading you a bit, and it is your job to get to the truth of the matter. Therefore you must use your instincts to sense precisely where to look for what. Alternatively, animals in this group can also signify that you must get back to your spiritual presence. In other words, ground yourself in your own beliefs and not someone else’s.

The American Kennel Club list of Sporting Group breeds includes; Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and Labrador.

~ Working Dog Meaning

For the most part, this group of tail-waggers focuses on life’s purpose. All of these animals have work in rescue work, protection, and actual physical labor. When you encounter one of these pooches, the message symbolizes a change of direction with your life purpose. Therefore you should pay attention to the type of Dog within this group also, what the Dog is doing. Dogs like the Rottweiler and Doberman are often used for protection, while the Husky and Berner pull carts and sleds. Dogs like the Boxer were bred as cattle Dogs, while the Great Dane was bred to hunt boar.

~ Non-Sporting Group

Animals in this group of Dogs include the Boston Terrier, Chow Chow, Shar Pei, Dalmation, Bulldog, and Poodle (Miniature and Standard). The commonalities in this group are few and far between. However, they all serve as an early warning system within their household. Like most canines, they announce visitors, patrol their territory, and provide comfort and love to their human companions.

When one of these pooches from this group makes its presence known, it is a reminder that you may need to socialize a bit more. Most likely, you have been working too hard and focusing a bit too much on a project. So it is time for you to take a bit of a breather. In other words, it is the best way to reset and recharge your batteries so that new ideas and new work can flow.

~ Herding Dog Meaning, Herding Group

In general, when you encounter a herding Dog, you are being reminded to keep a sharp eye on your loved ones. In other words, something may be amiss, and it is up to you to figure out precisely what is going on. It could be a predator on the horizon, or it could be someone close to you who is straying into danger. Be sure to keep a watchful eye so that those close to you can stay safe.

Alternatively, the appearance of one of these animals can also be letting you know that you may be judging others a little bit too much. More often than not, the traits we see in others that we dislike are our own traits. Thus, in effect, we are judging ourselves.

The American Kennel Club list of Herding Group breeds includes; Bouvier, Collie, German Shepherd, and Old English Sheepdog.

~ Rescue Dog Symbolism

When one of these canines enters your life, it symbolizes a new beginning and an ending. In other words, it is the end of one karmic cycle and the beginning of another. This pooch is good news! For the most part, life is full of rhythms, and this one, in particular, will be a happy and rewarding experience. This canine is a symbol of hope for the future.

Dog Totem, Spirit Animal

People with the Dog as their totem have a great spirit and an enormous capacity to love. It takes a lot to break their spirit. These folks with the Dog totem are usually helping others or serving humanity in some way. They embody the loving gentleness of “best friend” and the fierce energy of the protector. People with this spirit animal will have a deep understanding and empathy of human shortcomings and have compassion for unconditional acceptance and love.

Dog totem people are fiercely loyal to their pack and stick with them through thick and thin. They are unquestioningly supportive, committed, and trustworthy. These folks will never abandon, undermine, or betray those close to them. People with Dog totems also have a passion for justice and fair play. As a result, they love to champion causes while being open-minded and willing to listen to others’ reasoning.

People with Dog totems also have a great deal of wisdom, and they are willing to share that knowledge generously. These folks have a lot of influence among their peers and have excellent insight into human nature. In addition, they are independent thinkers and know how to cut to the truth of matters.

~ Rescue Dog Totem, Spirit Animal

Folks who have the Rescue Dog as their totem are always involved in a new beginning of some sort. They will often place all of their loyalties in one other person, only to be let down and abandoned to start over again. These people need to do a fair amount of inner work that will allow them to find and keep their friends and family close. This cycle is recurring until their fear of abandonment has been resolved. Alternatively, people with this power animal are eternally optimistic, faithful, and find love and beauty in the most unusual places. They are also highly successful in matters other than the heart.

Dog Dream Interpretation

When you have a Dog dream, it suggests that your firm values and good intentions will enable you to go forward into the world and bring you success. The pooch in your vision may also represent someone in your life who exhibits these qualities. Alternatively, to see a canine in your meditation indicates a skill that you may have ignored or forgotten. If the animal is vicious or growling, then it suggests some inner conflict within yourself. This type of Dog dream may also indicate betrayal and untrustworthiness.

If the Dog is dead or dying, it means a loss of a good friend or a deterioration of your instincts. You should also consider conventional notions associated with the word Dog, such as loyalty (man’s best friend) and to be “treated like a Dog.” If you are feeding the animal in your Dog dream, it means that you are nurturing an old skill or talent. It also implies that you need to put more time and effort into fostering your friendships. If you dream that a bitch has puppies, then it refers to your nurturing abilities.

~ Coat Colors in a Dog Dream

In general, canines with a black coat color are symbolic of entering the void. In other words, they are an omen of change. However, occasionally a black Dog dream can also represent a lack of self-respect. Thus a little bit of inner work and self-forgiveness is in order. When the animals’ fur is white or cream-colored, it represents the need to orient your goals spiritually. In other words, listen to your intuition and focus on your heart. The color red in a Dog dream symbolizes your intention. To be specific, stay focused on your goals, and don’t allow yourself to get distracted by other people. A gold-colored Dog dream foretells unexpected spiritual gifts, while the fawn color represents accepting and integrating change.

When the coat color is unusual, then the focus is more internal. For instance, a pink color means that it is not healthy to hide who you are. In other words, it may be time for you to take the leap and stand out more. The color green represents healing and self-love. Yellow is the color of happiness and joy. However, this color can also symbolize fear and cowardice. Multicolored animals will combine the messages of their respective colors. If the colors are more rainbow-oriented, then the directive is that you have successfully managed to integrate the changes you have on which you have been working.

YouTube player