--- title: 6 Famous Dogs In Art And Literature description: Our furry friends have left quite a mark in history. We’re taking a trip through time to rediscover some famous dogs from art and literature! image: https://blog.adaptil.com/hubfs/Template%20Blog%20Articles%20ADAPTIL%20v2-Nov-23-2023-06-55-49-2654-PM.png --- [![Adaptil](https://blog.adaptil.com/hubfs/adaptil-logo.svg) ](https://www.adaptil.com) [Blog ](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en) Puppy [Oops adventures](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/tag/oops-adventures) [Training](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/tag/training) [Socialization](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/tag/socialization) [Adoption](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/tag/adoption) Dog [Tips & Advice](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/tag/tips-and-advice) [Situations](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/tag/situations)   My ADAPTIL [Quiz](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/tag/Quiz) [Stories](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/tag/Stories) [Buy](https://www.adaptil.com/ca_en/Buy) [Buy ](https://www.adaptil.com/ca_en/Buy) [ Menu Close ](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/6-famous-dogs-in-art-and-literature#) [ADAPTIL CA Blog](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en) [6 Famous Dogs In Art And Literature](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/6-famous-dogs-in-art-and-literature#) #### Want to sign up for our blog? [ Subscribe ](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/6-famous-dogs-in-art-and-literature#signup-form) # 6 Famous Dogs In Art And Literature It’s fair to say our furry friends have left quite the mark throughout history. Not content with merely being by our sides, dogs have inspired countless writers and artists to pick up their tools and create some truly iconic canine characters. In a slight shift in direction from our usual blogs, we’re taking a trip through time to rediscover those famous dogs and puppies who have made their way into our hearts through art and literature! ## **Argos from “The Odyssey” by Homer** Dogs in literature have long been used to symbolize loyalty, and in no case is that truer than with Argos. After a long 20-year absence, Odysseus returns to his home island of Ithaca wearing a disguise. The only one to recognize him is his old companion, Argos, who has been waiting all these years for his human’s return. 20 years is certainly pushing it, but we’ve put together a list of 13 activities to help your own dog cope with being [left home alone](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/13-activities-to-help-your-dog-when-home-alone). ## **‘A Friend In Need’ (1903) – by C.M. Coolidge** ![Coolidge’s ‘A Friend In Need’ painting of dogs playing poker.](https://blog.adaptil.com/hs-fs/hubfs/A_Friend_in_Need_1903_C.M.Coolidge_Cropped-min.png?width=602&height=316&name=A_Friend_in_Need_1903_C.M.Coolidge_Cropped-min.png) *Image of [‘A Friend In Need’ by C.M Coolidge](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A_Friend_in_Need_1903_C.M.Coolidge.jpg)* When you think of dogs in art, Coolidge’s iconic ‘Dogs Playing Poker’ series surely comes to mind. Originally intended for cigar advertisements, these dog paintings show our furry companions indulging in a friendly game of cards. In particular, ‘A Friend In Need’ is perhaps the most famous painting from this series. While we can’t recommend playing poker with our own pooches, we have come up with[ seven alternative puppy-friendly toys](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/7-best-puppy-toys-0) to ensure a happy playtime! ## **Fang from the “Harry Potter” Series by J.K. Rowling** The magical world of Hogwarts wouldn’t be the same without Hagrid’s loyal boarhound, Fang. While he might seem intimidating at first, Fang’s gentle nature reveals a kind character. ## **‘The Dog’ (1819-23) – by Francisco Goya** ![Goya’s famous ‘The Dog’ painting.](https://blog.adaptil.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Goya_Dog_cropped-min.png?width=577&height=303&name=Goya_Dog_cropped-min.png) *Image of ‘[The Dog’ by Francisco Goya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Goya_Dog.jpg)* This evocative masterpiece from the renowned Spanish artist Francisco Goya stands apart in the realm of dog art. This painting portrays the head of a dog submerged in a vast space that could be sand or sky. ‘The Dog’ has been open to numerous interpretations with themes ranging from abandonment and loneliness to resilience and hope. ## **Snowy from “The Adventures of Tintin” by Hergé** Snowy, the loyal Wire Fox Terrier, is more than just a sidekick. His adventurous spirit, bravery, and love for exploring have endeared him to readers of all ages. We can only assume he must have had an [ADAPTIL *Calm *Collar](https://www.adaptil.com/ca_en/Products/ADAPTIL-Calm-On-the-go-Collar) to help him remain steady in all those perilous situations! ## **‘Head of a Dog, Bob’ (1876) - Édouard Manet** ![Edouard Manet’s painting ‘Head of a Dog, Bob’.](https://blog.adaptil.com/hs-fs/hubfs/%C3%89douard_Manet_-_Bob%2c_Chien_Griffon_cropped-min.png?width=561&height=295&name=%C3%89douard_Manet_-_Bob%2c_Chien_Griffon_cropped-min.png) *Image of ‘[Head of a Dog, Bob’ by Edouard Manet](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fichier:%C3%89douard_Manet_-_Bob,_Chien_Griffon.jpg)* Another icon within famous dogs in art, Édouard Manet’s “Head of a Dog, Bob” offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of impressionism. Capturing the profile of a terrier believed to be Manet’s own pet, this painting demonstrates the [connection between humans and our canine companions](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/how-dogs-help-us-a-history-of-the-human-canine-bond). The expressive brushstrokes and attention to detail make Bob’s gaze almost feel real as if he was in the room with the viewer. ## **Stay Informed With ****ADAPTIL** Whether we see dogs in books, paintings, or our day-to-day lives, it’s clear they hold a special place in our hearts. If you’d like to discover more famous dogs in the media, check out our other blog post about [dogs in movies](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/10-more-famous-dogs-in-movies-must-watch-dog-films)! The [blog section](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en) of our website is a great place to stay informed with interesting facts about our canine companions, as well as to gain fascinating insights into their behaviour and how to get the most out of ADAPTIL’s products. **Interested in learning more? [Get in touch](https://www.adaptil.com/ca_en/Footer-links/Contact-us)!** **We’re always happy to help in any way we can. You can also stay informed with our latest tips and guides, as well as find information about all our ****ADAPTIL ****products, by[ signing up to our newsletter.](https://share.hsforms.com/1pi2jqYkuT2CweIa6zTWiDA2lmh3)** Share on: ## Related posts #### [Dog Behaviour Choosing A Respectful Training Method For Your Dog: A Happy Dog Expert Explains! Training your dog is essential at every stage of their life to help them develop positive skills. ...](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/choosing-the-right-training-method-for-your-dog-a-happy-dog-expert-explains) #### [Dog Behaviour How to Help Dogs Who Fear the Vet: A Pooch’s Point of View! Well hello there, my favourite human! Are we going for a journey in the car? How exciting! But ...](https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/how-to-help-dogs-who-fear-the-vet-a-pooch-point-of-view) #### [Dog Behaviour Dog Behaviours That Tell Us They’re Stressed: A Happy Dog Expert Explains! We all want the best for our dogs. 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