My top 10 dog quotes
It’s such a privilege to spend my days drawing dogs but they have been a source of inspiration for many writers, poets, and thinkers too. From heart-warming tales of rescue dogs to the everyday antics of our furry friends, dogs have inspired countless quotes that capture the essence of their unique personalities and the special place they hold in our lives. In this blog, I'll share some of the most memorable and inspiring dog quotes I have come across from famous authors, celebrities, and dog lovers alike.
1) Be the person your dog thinks you are.
This quote is the title of a book by C.J. Frick and it suggests we should strive to live up to the idealised image that our dogs have of us. Dogs are known for their unconditional love and loyalty towards their owners, and they often see us as the most important beings in their lives. They trust us, rely on us, and look up to us for guidance and protection.
The idea then is that we should aim to be the best version of ourselves, both for our dogs and for ourselves. Dogs are intuitive animals and can sense our moods, attitudes, and behaviours, so by being kind, patient, and caring towards them, we can reinforce the positive image they have of us.
Moreover, if we adopt the same qualities in our interactions with others, we can become the type of person that inspires trust, respect, and admiration. By being a good role model and leading by example, we can make a positive impact on the world around us.
While we can't know exactly what our dogs think of us, we can strive to be the best version of ourselves for their sake and our own. By doing so, we can cultivate the qualities of kindness, loyalty, and unconditional love that dogs embody, and become better human beings in the process.
2) Does not the gratitude of the dog put to shame any man who is ungrateful to his benefactors?
Saint Basil makes a powerful point about the importance of gratitude and the shame that comes with ingratitude. Dogs are known for their loyalty and gratitude towards their owners, even in small acts of kindness, and Saint Basil suggests that humans should take note of this and be grateful for the good deeds done by others.
Being grateful is an essential virtue, and it requires us to acknowledge and appreciate the help, support, and kindness we receive from others. By expressing gratitude, we not only show appreciation to others but also cultivate positive emotions, foster stronger relationships, and enhance our well-being.
On the other hand, ingratitude can lead to negative consequences such as resentment, bitterness, and damaged relationships. Saint Basil's message serves as a reminder to us to always strive towards gratitude and not take the kindness of others for granted.
You can read more quotes from Saint Basil here.
3) People love dogs. You can never go wrong adding a dog to the story.
This quote by Jim Butcher, an American Author, highlights the universal appeal of dogs and their ability to add value to a story. Many people have a strong emotional connection to dogs, and incorporating them into a story can create a deeper level of engagement and resonance with readers.
Dogs can serve many different roles in a story. They can be companions, protectors, guides, or even protagonists. Their loyalty, bravery, and unconditional love are qualities that readers often find endearing and inspiring. Moreover, the inclusion of a dog can add a layer of complexity to a story, as the relationship between the dog and its human counterparts can often be nuanced and dynamic.
In literature, dogs have been used to symbolise a range of themes, including loyalty, trust, companionship, and redemption. Some of the most beloved stories feature dogs. I watched "The Call of the Wild" recently where Harrison Ford teams up with a St. Bernard–Scotch Shepherd mix called Buck. Scooby-Doo helps his friends solve mysteries and unmask villains in their adventures. Snoopy, the beloved beagle of Charlie Brown in “Peanuts" is known for his imaginative daydreams and alter egos, including the World War I flying ace. Then there is Clifford the Big Red Dog, and the classic dog hero Lassie, whose loyalty and intelligence have made her a beloved character in numerous adaptations, including movies and TV shows. Finally, and this is obviously not an exhaustive list, there is Goofy: The funny and clumsy anthropomorphic dog who is a popular character in Disney animated films and TV shows. Goofy is known for his signature "guffaw" laugh and his bumbling but endearing personality.
4) Life is a series of dogs.
This quote is from a comedy routine by George Carlin. It sounds like he is saying that dogs are so significant to him, that he can describe his life as a series of dogs. Dog’s tend to live for around 10 to 13 years although there is some variation around different species and size of dog. That means that someone could have several dogs over the course of their life. The different dogs, with their unique personalities and temperament, then break a persons life up into time spans.
Rather disappointingly, though, when you hear the context of the quote, he’s not actually being that sentimental about his dogs. He could just as well be talking about cars. Maybe that’s where the humour is supposed to come from. Anyway, on it’s own I like the quote because it seems to highlight the value of our pets as important companions through significant seasons of our lives. So far over the course of my life I’ve had three hamsters, dozens of fish, four chickens, and one cat.
5) I want to work like a dog, doing what I was born to do with joy and purpose. I want to play like a dog, with total, jolly abandon.
Oprah Winfrey here expresses a desire to approach both work and play with totally committed enthusiasm and purpose, much like dogs do. Dogs seem to put their all into everything they do, and are known for their boundless energy, loyalty, and joyfulness, whether they are working as service animals, search and rescue dogs, or simply playing in the park. They approach every task with a sense of purpose and dedication, and they seem to take great pleasure in the simple things in life.
By using the phrase "work like a dog," Oprah suggests that work can be fulfilling and enjoyable, and that it is possible to find a career that aligns with one's passions and sense of purpose. She also emphasises the importance of balancing work with play, and of finding joy and fulfilment in leisure activities as well as in one's career.
A similar quote I came across was this one by Robert Falcon Scott "The dog lives for the day, the hour, even the moment."
6) I have caught more ills from people sneezing over me and giving me virus infections than from kissing dogs.
This quote is by Barbara Woodhouse, a lady known for her deep love and appreciation for dogs, and her catch phrase “Walkies!”. As a renowned dog trainer and author, Woodhouse spent her life working with and advocating for dogs. Her quote seems to be in response to the idea that letting a dog lick your face is rather unhygienic. It probably is, but she obviously wants to put it into perspective by pointing out that most of the illnesses she has picked up are from humans. She lived to 78 and must have been licked by a lot of dogs in that time, so maybe it didn’t do her that much harm. You can find out more about this controversial topic of dog licks here.
7) I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.
Doris Day was an American actress, singer, and animal welfare activist. Here she highlights the therapeutic benefits that dogs can provide to their owners, especially during times of emotional distress.
Dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty and their ability to provide comfort and emotional support to their owners. They can be a source of unconditional love and a calming presence in times of stress or anxiety. In fact, studies have shown that interacting with dogs can have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress and anxiety levels and promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.
Doris Day's quote emphasises the unique bond that can develop between a dog and their owner, and suggests that this bond can provide a level of emotional support that cannot be found elsewhere. Dogs are able to sense their owner's emotions and respond in a way that is often comforting and reassuring, even without words.
Jill Abramson said something similar: “You know, a dog can snap you out of any kind of bad mood that you’re in faster than you can think of.” I also wanted to give this quote by Edith Wharton an honourable mention in my top 10 list. She said "My little dog—a heartbeat at my feet."
8) The face of a golden retriever feels like home.
David Rosenfelt, who used to be President of Marketing for Tri-Star Pictures, is now an author who has written many stories about dogs. He has 27 dogs and created the Tara Foundation which rescues dogs from euthanasia. He says it’s “named in honour of the greatest Golden Retriever the world has ever known” so clearly Golden Retrievers have a special place in his heart.
His statement highlights again the special bond that can develop between a dog and their owner, particularly with a breed as beloved as the Golden Retriever. They are known for their friendly, affectionate, and loyal nature and are often considered to be one of the best family dogs, as they are great with children and other pets, and they thrive on human companionship.
Rosenfelt's quote suggests that the presence of a Golden Retriever can create a sense of comfort and familiarity, much like the feeling of being at home. This may be due to the dog's warm and welcoming nature, as well as the positive associations that many people have with dogs as loyal and loving companions.
9) To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs.
Aldous Huxley was an English writer and philosopher. His quote recognises that dogs have a unique and special way of looking at their human companions, seeing them as powerful and important figures, regardless of their actual status or position in society. It highlights the loyalty and devotion that dogs have for their owners, regardless of their flaws or imperfections and suggests that dogs see their human companions in a positive light, always looking up to them and seeking their approval and affection.
Furthermore, Huxley's quote implies that this perspective is one of the reasons why dogs are so popular and beloved by people all over the world. The unwavering devotion and affection that dogs show to their owners can bring a sense of joy, purpose, and companionship to our lives, creating a special bond that is unlike any other relationship.
Overall, Huxley's quote underscores the unique and special bond that can exist between a dog and their owner, and highlights the reasons why dogs have remained such popular and beloved companions throughout history. It suggests that dogs have a unique way of seeing and relating to their human companions, one that can bring a sense of joy, comfort, and fulfilment to our lives.
10) In order to keep a true perspective of one’s importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him.
I’m not sure who Derek Bruce is but I like his humorous and insightful observation on the relationship between pets and their owners. It suggests, like the last quote, that dogs are loyal and affectionate companions that are always eager to please their owners and show them love and devotion. They often look up to their owners as leaders and authority figures, making their owners feel important and valued.
On the other hand, cats tend to be more independent and aloof creatures that are not as dependent on their owners for affection or attention. They may choose to ignore their owners or show them less attention, which can help to keep their owners humble and grounded in their perspective on their own importance.
I hope you have enjoyed these dog quotes as much as I have. (If your a cat person why not take a look at my top 10 cat quotes too.) Dogs also make excellent portrait subjects as their faces are so expressive. If you would like an artwork of your faithful friend that captured their life and character, do get in touch to explore commissioning me. I’ll end with an example of my work. I did this one for fun from photo I found as I really loved the colours in the fur as well as the different types of fur. It’s now hanging in a local vet’s.
