The Unique Role Dogs Played in the Middle Ages

By: Georgia McKoy | Published: Feb 28, 2024

In Medieval Europe, the bond between humans and dogs was profound. A French dog lover from that era was quoted saying, “The greatest defect of the species was that they ‘lived not long enough’.”

This sentiment reflects the deep affection people held for their canine companions, illustrating the integral role dogs played in the lives of their human counterparts.

The Height of Dog Popularity in the Middle Ages

According to History Today, during the later Middle Ages, dogs were highly esteemed across various social classes. The period was marked by a strong interest in hunting and hawking, leisure activities predominantly enjoyed by the aristocracy, who also kept dogs as pets.

A detailed illustration from a medieval manuscript showing a hunting scene. Two panels depict various hunting dogs in pursuit of game. The top panel shows a black dog with a studded collar leading the chase after a deer in full flight. The bottom panel features two orange and white dogs, with one appearing to bark and the other in mid-leap, chasing after a small brown hare

Source: British Library

Meanwhile, the broader population valued dogs for their roles in protection and herding. This era is often regarded as one of the most dog-loving periods in history, with performing dogs being particularly admired for their extraordinary fidelity and intelligence.

A Noble Gesture for a Loyal Dog

The Duke of Berry, notable for his personal visit to a dog that refused to leave its master’s grave, exemplifies the medieval nobility’s appreciation for canine loyalty.

A vibrant medieval manuscript illustration showcasing various individuals engaging with dogs in a grassy field. There are multiple scenes of interaction: a person in blue feeds a white dog from a bowl, another in red grooms a tan dog, while a third in pink relaxes with a grey dog's head in their lap. Other dogs and people are depicted in various states of play and care, including a dog being hoisted into the air

Source: The Morgan Library Museum/Faksimile Verlag Luzern

He generously provided funds to a neighbor to ensure the dog was well-fed for the remainder of its days. Such acts highlight the esteemed position dogs held in society, despite the commonality of rabies and other challenges of the time.

Greyhounds: The Esteemed Canines of Medieval Society

The Conversation reveals that greyhounds stood at the pinnacle of medieval dog hierarchy, revered not just for their hunting prowess but also as symbols of nobility and status.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

A 14th-century writer described the ideal greyhound as courteous, loyal, and clean—qualities that made them favored gifts among princes and frequently memorialized on tombstones alongside their masters.

Lap Dogs: Cherished Companions of the Nobility

In medieval times, lap dogs were a common sight among the nobility, especially ladies, who favored these small, bell-collared pets.

An illustration showing a seated man and woman in a conversational pose on a bench. The man, dressed in gray, gestures with his hand while looking towards the woman, who is dressed in orange and holds a small dog with a spotted coat in her lap

Source: British Library

Carvings on tombs often depicted these cherished companions, highlighting their importance in noble families. These effigies serve as a testament to the close relationships between the nobility and their pet dogs.

The Controversy Surrounding Toy Dogs

In the 16th century, toy dogs were sought after to satisfy “Wanton women’s willes,” according to a critic who viewed them as “instruments of follie,” History Today shares.

Illustration of a nun holding a small dog. The nun is depicted with a solemn expression, wearing traditional religious attire, and cradling a white dog with dark patches

Source: British Library

Despite such criticism, these small pets provided companionship and were a source of pleasure for their owners, often being pampered and cared for in ways that underscored their special status in the household.

Dogs in Medieval Art and Memorials

Medieval tombstones and brasses frequently featured dogs, reflecting their valued role as companions.

An illustration of several figures, clad in brightly colored clothing, are depicted in various stages of a hunt. Some are handling large nets, while others are blowing horns. On the ground, multiple dogs are shown in different states of activity, with some attacking a fallen stag

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Some memorials included the names of these pets, providing a glimpse into the personal connections that existed between dogs and their owners.

Dogs at the Medieval Dining Table

Despite 15th-century etiquette books deeming it inappropriate, dogs were often present at meals and considered part of the household.

This is an image from a medieval illuminated manuscript depicting a lively outdoor feast scene. A group of individuals in colorful medieval attire are seated around a white tablecloth, enjoying various foods and drinks. Among them, dogs of different breeds are interspersed, with some drinking from a fountain in the foreground

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Illustrations from the Duke of Berry’s Très Riches Heures depict dogs at the dining table, highlighting their integration into daily life and their status as favored companions.

The Role of Dogs in Medieval Society

The Conversation highlights that dogs were omnipresent in medieval life, accompanying their owners to various functions, including royal courts and noble homes.

This is an illustration from a medieval manuscript depicting a banquet scene. Elegantly dressed individuals are gathered around a table covered with a white cloth, laden with various dishes and a large golden goblet. In the foreground, a person in red pours liquid into a bowl, while a dog interacts with a figure in red

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This widespread acceptance showcases the multifaceted role dogs played, from providing security to companionship, reflecting their importance across different aspects of medieval society.

Guarding and Herding: The Utility of Medieval Dogs

Dogs were particularly important in medieval society, for guarding and herding. Breeds like mastiffs and alaunts were valued for their protective abilities.

A detailed black and white engraving of a mastiff dog standing by a riverside. The dog has a muscular build, with a dark brindle coat and a white stripe down its face, wearing a studded collar

Source: Wikimedia Commons

These dogs were integral to the safety and security of their communities, highlighting the practical aspects of the human-canine relationship during this period.

Dogs in Medieval Sports and Hunting

Spaniels and greyhounds were essential to the medieval sports of hawking and hunting.

A detailed section of a medieval tapestry featuring noblemen and noblewomen on horseback. The figures are dressed in ornate period clothing with intricate patterns, and they are set against a dense floral background. A squire in red holds the reins of a horse, and a small dog runs at the feet of the horses

Source: Wikimedia Commons

These dogs were not only companions but also vital participants in these activities, demonstrating their versatility and the high regard in which they were held for their skills and loyalty.

Medieval Dogs: A Testament to Timeless Bonds

The stories and representations of dogs from the medieval period illustrate the enduring nature of the bond between humans and dogs.

A medieval artwork depicting a man in a green tunic and hood walking a large brown dog on a leash. They are traversing a field with tall wheat-like plants and red poppies, against a backdrop of a dense forest

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Whether through art, literature, or memorials, the value and affection people held for their canine companions is evident, echoing the sentiments of the era that celebrated their loyalty, utility and companionship.