15 Dogs From Ancient Legends With Surprising Stories

In ancient stories, dogs were much more than loyal companions. Some roamed the realms of the dead, others guided lost souls, and a few even shaped the fate of gods. The tales of these 15 mythical dogs will change the way you see man’s best friend.

Cerberus

In Greek mythology, Cerberus guarded the underworld’s gates, preventing souls from fleeing. This monstrous hound had three heads, a mane writhing with snakes, and a serpent’s tail. As one of his twelve labors, Heracles subdued the beast with sheer strength, briefly bringing him to the surface before returning him to Hades.

Yudhishthira’s Dog

In the “Mahabharata,” the great Indian epic, Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, is accompanied by a dog during his final journey to the Himalayas. This dog, who follows him to the gates of heaven, symbolizes loyalty and righteousness. In some versions of the story, the dog is later revealed to be the god of dharma, Yudhishthira’s father, in disguise.

Fenrir

A colossal wolf in Norse mythology, Fenrir was destined to bring destruction during Ragnarok. Fearing his power, the gods bound him with Gleipnir, a ribbon made from six impossible things, including a cat’s footsteps and a fish’s breath. Sensing betrayal, Fenrir bit down, severing the hand of Tyr, the god of war.

Anubis’ Jackal

In ancient Egyptian mythology, Anubis, the god of mummification, was often depicted with the head of a jackal. This connection arose because jackals were commonly seen around burial sites. As a divine guardian, Anubis’ jackal guided souls through the afterlife, where their hearts were measured against Ma’at’s feather to determine their fate in the Hall of Judgment.

Garmr

This terrifying Norse hound guarded the entrance to “Hel.” Some stories described Garmr as bloodstained and fierce, howling loudly before Ragnarok. He was said to break free during the final battle and engage in a lethal fight with Tyr, leading to their destruction.

Okuri-Inu

Okuri-Inu, from Japanese mythology, is a supernatural wolf-like dog that silently follows travelers at night. If they stumble and fail to get up quickly, the creature attacks and devours them. Those who reach home safely must thank it, or it may turn against them.

Argos

In Homer’s “Odyssey,” Argos is Odysseus’s loyal dog. After twenty years, Odysseus returned home disguised, but Argos recognized him immediately. The once-strong hound, now old and neglected, wagged his tail at the sight of his master before peacefully passing away, having waited all those years for his return.

Black Shuck

Folklore from England speaks of Black Shuck, a spectral hound with fiery eyes. Tales describe him as an omen of misfortune, appearing on roadsides or near graveyards. One famous account from 1577 claims he burst into a church in Suffolk during a storm, leaving two people dead before vanishing without a trace.

Laelaps

A legendary hunting dog from Greek mythology, Laelaps was said to be so swift that it always caught its prey. Zeus gifted Laelaps to a mortal, but the dog was eventually sent to chase the Teumessian fox, a beast fated to always escape capture. This paradox forced Zeus to intervene, turning both into stone and placing them in the stars as constellations.

Xolotl’s Dog

In Aztec mythology, the god Xolotl was closely linked to dogs, particularly the Xoloitzcuintli breed. Xolotl was believed to lead souls through Mictlan, the underworld. These sacred dogs were seen as protectors, helping spirits traverse the treacherous journey beyond death.

Cu Sith

Scottish folklore speaks of Cu Sith, a large green hound that roamed the Highlands. This otherworldly creature was associated with the fae and was said to let out three eerie barks, each growing louder. Those who heard the third bark were doomed unless they found safety in time.

Orthrus

A lesser-known sibling of Cerberus, Orthrus was a two-headed dog that guarded the cattle of Geryon in Greek mythology. Heracles encountered Orthrus during one of his labors and swiftly defeated him before stealing the cattle as part of his heroic feats.

Dip

Catalan folklore tells of Dip, a malevolent black dog with glowing red eyes. Unlike other spectral hounds, Dip was said to be a vampire, feeding on the blood of unsuspecting travelers. Legends described him as a servant of the devil, lurking in the shadows and bringing misfortune to those who encountered him.

Padfoot

English folklore has Padfoot, a ghostly black dog that roamed the roads and graveyards of Yorkshire. Stories claim that hearing its soft footsteps behind you was a warning of death. Some said it could shape-shift into a donkey or calf, always appearing as an eerie, shadowy presence.

Inugami

In Japanese folklore, the Inugami is a spirit dog created through dark rituals. It is often considered a guardian or vengeful spirit that could be summoned to protect a family or exact revenge. According to the tales, the dog’s power came from being bound to its master, and in return, it offered strength and loyalty, sometimes at a cost.