Dog tattoo. Dog tattoo Meaning of a tattoo of a girl on the head of her dog

DOG TATTOO, TATTOO MEANING

Loyalty, protection, vigilance - symbolism, the source of which lies mainly in the Celtic and Christian traditions. In more primitive and ancient concepts, the dog was associated with the afterlife - as its guardian and as a guide, delivering the souls of the dead there (for example, the mythical ancient Greek Cerberus, a terrifying three-headed dog at the entrance to hell). The three-headed dogs also accompanied Hecate, the goddess of death, who often visited graves and crossroads and in whose honor the ancient Greeks sacrificed dogs. Other symbols of aggression include the Scandinavian hellhound Garma and the black dog of Satan.

Usually, however, the symbolism associated with the dog and death is more positive. The fact that they accompanied a person every day and everywhere, and the knowledge of the spirit world attributed to them, became the reason that they were considered good guides in the afterlife. They are found in this role in ancient Egyptian mythology as companions of the god Anubis, and as guides of human souls through the river of Death in Mayan myths. The Aztec dog-god abel the sun through the darkness of the underworld and was reborn with him every morning. Dogs were often sacrificial animals - in honor of their deceased owners or as intermediaries in communication with the gods, as, for example, in the Iroquois sacrifice of the white dog. The souls of the dead were in closer contact with dogs in ancient times in Central Asia and Persia, where the bodies of the dead were fed to dogs. This custom led to the Semitic and Muslim view of the dog as an unclean, vile, greedy animal, which was used only as a watchman (except for hounds, which for obvious reasons had a higher status). In many cultures, the dog was simultaneously a symbol of contempt and loyalty, which is entrenched in modern idioms - this contradiction is reflected in the origin of the word "cynic" from the Greek word "kuon" (dog), an offensive expression towards the followers of the philosopher Diogenes, illustrating their aggressive rudeness but then adopted as an appropriate designation for their role as guardians of morality. The name "Dominicans" for the monastic order is translated from Latin as "dogs of the Lord" and directly symbolizes the mission of protecting Christian dogmas. In Christianity, the dog is also a suitable symbol for the Shepherd of the Lord, and therefore it was the emblem of the clergy.

Dogs are symbols of mercy in Celtic art, companions of many goddesses - patrons of healing, as well as hunters and warriors. Dogs are a symbol of protection in Japan as well as in China, although there they may have a reputation as demonic creatures, especially in the cosmic symbolism of eclipses and other frightening natural phenomena; they can be a symbol of both the sun and the wind. An obedient dog is a symbol of fidelity to the law, although Buddha said that those who live like a dog, after death, will turn into a dog. In Hinduism, dogs are considered companions of the god of death Yama, which again brings us back to the connection between the dog and the afterlife.

Elsewhere, dogs were often directly associated with gods, especially in Africa. In Melanesia, in North American and Siberian legends, the mind of the dog made it a symbol of inexhaustible inventions, the creator or thief of fire. Like other such legendary figures, the dogs cursed and praised. Some legends claim that due to an oversight of a dog, a person lost the gift of immortality.

The image of a dog is primarily associated with loyalty and devotion. This animal accompanies man since ancient times, having managed to become a faithful companion in all spheres of his life during this time. Faithful dogs serve in the army, help law enforcement officers and rescuers, facilitate the difficult life of the disabled, work in delivery services, run in sledges across the endless snowy deserts of the northernmost latitudes, accompany hunters ... These smart and devoted animals have even been in space. Some people cannot imagine life without a four-legged friend. It is no wonder that the image of this beast occupies a special place. This is not to say that "Dog" is a tattoo too common. It is chosen by those whose life is somehow connected with this animal.

True friend

Dog tattoos are often done in a realistic style. As a rule, the prototype is not just a beautiful animal, but the tattoo wearer's own pet. In addition to the portrait of a dog, on such a tattoo you can often see his nickname or date of birth. "Dog" is more often chosen by men. But we can often find cute dogs with golden hair on girls. And some get a tattoo in memory of a four-legged comrade who is no longer around.

Strength and power

Some dog breeds evoke completely different associations. For example, fighting dogs are not only strong but also often aggressive. They are always ready to stand up for themselves and those they love. Often a portrait of a pit bull or a Rottweiler speaks of the cool disposition of the owner of the "Dog" tattoo. The meaning is related to the nature of the breed, which is shown in the picture. A bared mouth, saliva flowing from the fangs, an evil gaze - all this often testifies that we are faced with a person with a difficult character, whom it is better not to anger.

Dreams that have come true

Not everyone has the opportunity to have a pet at home. And some breeds are simply fabulous money. Often those who dream of a dog depict her portrait on their body. So the dream seems closer. But good thoughts are material. And this thought gives hope for its real embodiment.

The memory of an army friend

A special place among all tattoos dedicated to dogs is occupied by the army theme. Not a single border guard, for example, can imagine life without a reliable dog. If you come across a person whose shoulder or back is adorned with a portrait of a German Shepherd, surrounded by a scattering of shell casings or several striped posts, know that this is the one who served in the border troops. Service dogs are often accompanied by representatives of other military branches, for example, sappers or fighters against drug trafficking. For them, "Dog" is a tattoo in memory of the service and of those who were there in difficult times, stood shoulder to shoulder.

Styles

We often see the image of a faithful dog in a variety of styles. This story is very fond of fans of old-school tattoos, where the image of an animal can be decorated with hearts, ribbons with inscriptions, crosses. Amateurs depict a variety of breeds, not skimping on bright colors.

In steam-punk dogs, we can notice aviation helmets, monocles, lace frills and hanging on chains. She is also partial to these animals and biomechanics, thanks to which muscular dog bodies acquire such additions as microcircuits protruding from under the skin or robotic limbs. ... But the most popular style of depicting favorite pets was and remains realism.

Places of application

"Dog" - a tattoo that is applied to almost any place. If a portrait is selected as a sketch, it needs space. After all, the master will be able to work out every detail. Therefore, such plots are most often depicted on the chest, shoulder blades, back, hip or shoulder. Figures of small dogs decorate the ankles, wrists, back of the neck.

When choosing a sketch, consider whether the image will be distorted during your movements. Listen to the advice of the master and always follow them. Then you will get exactly the result you dreamed of.

The dog tattoo is one of the most popular male tattoos. Its meaning depends on what breed of animal is depicted. If the dog is a service dog (bull terrier, doberman), then the tattoo is a strong amulet for its owner, because the dog faithfully serves the person and protects him from the intrusion of uninvited guests. A sketch of a tattoo depicting a dog is often performed in color, and the image is applied to the shoulder, thigh, chest or back.

In this case, an animal is depicted with a bared mouth, running or rushing at the offender. A tattoo depicting a shepherd dog has a friendlier shade and tells about the best qualities of its owner: loyalty, strength and stamina.

A dog is a strong and loyal beast, and among different peoples it has always been considered one of the best companions of a person - in hunting, war and in peaceful life. In Greek myths, the three-headed Cerberus escorted souls to the realm of the dead.

The ancient Slavs believed that a dog can predict future events, and in Christian and Celtic culture, it is a symbol of loyalty, friendliness and sincerity. The American Indians believed that a dog could heal a person, so its image was also endowed with these properties.

Another meaning of a dog tattoo is the memory of a living or deceased four-legged friend. Sentimental men and women make similar tattoos with a pattern and the nickname of their favorite. So did Miley Cyrus, the famous singer, who decorated her body with the image of her dog Floyd.

According to legend, a black dog guarded the entrance to the afterlife, so its image symbolizes witchcraft and curse.

Despite the belligerence of the beast, girls also choose a tattoo with a pattern of a dog. But these tattoos are more touching than frightening! Very young girls prefer tattoos depicting touching and funny dogs: dachshunds, spaniels or small helpless puppies. Smiling, decorated with bows, they are the very friendliness and tenderness.

Recently, a dog tattoo "with a 3D effect" has become popular - the image is so realistic that it seems that the dog is about to jump! Such a sketch is made very bright and multi-colored, as sharp as photography.

Dog tattoo video

And below are photos of dog tattoos from different masters.

Bobik is man's best friend (after a smartphone). No wonder many people get a tattoo with dogs. We look.

A tattoo with a dog is done most often on the arm or leg. Not too large and not too small parts of the body, you can draw the whole dog or just the head.

Girls often get tattoos with cute dogs: husky, dachshund.

Girls often paint dogs in watercolors:

Men have more serious tattoos with dogs: pit bulls and bull terriers, boxers, with a grin, black and gloomy.

Or something biblical, mythical:

Dobermans, pit bulls and other fighting dogs are often kept by criminals. We are not saying that only criminals do tattoos with them, no, but the image of these dogs is appropriate.

Sketch by Nastya Yavorskaya as confirmation:

They are usually made by girls. What a dog, such a tattoo.

The meaning of a dog tattoo

We know five reasons to get a dog tattoo:

Memory of the dead doggie.

From a great warm and fluffy love for a living pet.

Reflection of the main qualities of a dog: loyalty, devotion, courage.

I just like some breed or dogs in general.

"I'm cool, I belong to a gang, I'm strong and dangerous."

On the zone, a tattoo with a dog has a special meaning. Dog (bitch) - a sign of "missed" or violated the thieves' law.

Famous and interesting dogs

We will not talk about invented cinematic dogs like Rex, Hooch or Lassie. It is better to remember the real dogs who have accomplished a feat or become famous for something unusual.

Let's start with the symbol of loyalty - the Japanese Akita Inu, which is nine after the death of its owner! years he continued to wait for him at the exit from the Shibuya station, to which he came from work.

The love story of a dog and its owner is found in many works, and Hachiko is simply the most hyped. Remember at least our Russians White Bima Black Ear or Chekhov's Kashtanka.

This black Siberian husky transported medicine during the 1925 diphtheria epidemic in Alaska. He became famous after he was able to pull out both medicines and the owner with a team in a severe blizzard and bring them to their destination. Now it is one of the symbols of salvation, about which the cartoon was filmed and to which a monument was erected.

Ancient Egyptian dog, one of the first domestic animals in the history of mankind, whose name is known from documents of that era.

It is believed that Abutyu was the guard dog of the pharaoh in the 3rd millennium BC. and was buried with honors.

No photos, sorry :). Most likely, she looked something like this (like the Egyptian god Anubis, or rather the opposite):

Lifeguard Barry is a St. Bernard who worked as a lifeguard in Switzerland and saved about forty people in his life.

According to legend, his most famous rescue is a small boy whom Barry found in an ice cave after an avalanche, unconscious. He licked the child to warm it up, and then brought him to the monastery. The boy survived.

In the monastery of St. Bernard, one of the rescue dogs is still named Barry.

This bobtail managed to become a theater director and chairman of a political party.

Boris was the dog of actor Berthe Verhoeye of the Belgian Black Comedy Theater. Due to a change in the theater law in 1992, Flemish theaters were forced to appoint a director, and the Black Comedy troupe decided to choose a dog as a mockery of the law.

In an interview, Verhoye defended Boris:

“He can sit, paw and lick the minister. In addition, he can bark at employees. He knows the theater at least as well as the other theater directors: for eight years he has been with us and regularly goes on tour. He usually sleeps during performances, but so do other directors. "

Isn't it an image for a satirical tattoo?

This hunting dog lived in the 13th century in the east of France in the house of a knight. One day he went hunting, leaving Ginfort to guard his little son. Returning from the hunt, the knight entered the nursery and saw a terrible sight: there was no child, the cradle was turned upside down, and the dog had blood on its face ... Thinking that the dog had killed his son, the knight in a rage hacked him to death, but then there was a children's cry. It turned out that his son was alive, and Ginfort saved him by killing a huge viper that had climbed into the house.

The knight grieved and buried the faithful dog with honors at the bottom of the well at the gate of the castle. The locals declared Ginfort a holy martyr who patronizes infants. Women still bring their sick children to the place of his burial.

There were many such dogs, so it would be wrong to name any one: the Scottish collie Dick, the German shepherd Dina ... With the help of a brilliant scent, they discovered shells and mines and saved tens or even hundreds of thousands of human lives, helped in special operations on the railways and in the trenches. Real heroes who did not think about their lives. Glory to them!

The world's first cloned dog, the Afghan Hound. Who are you thinking about?)

A Chinese crested dog without hair, teeth and blind. Three-time champion of the "World's Ugliest Dog" competition.

This dog has become a symbol of the will to live. She was born disabled with no front legs and learned to walk on two hind legs.

A funny new school or watercolor dog will fit a girl very well.

A dog can be made a monster, a half-wolf:

You can draw a stern or cute dog in a graphic.

Dogs are man's friends and helpers. In the minds of many, they are associated with qualities such as loyalty, courage, attentiveness and fearlessness. Therefore, it is not surprising that tattoos depicting four-legged friends are popular. In this article, we will try to fully understand their meaning, history and types, so that it is easier for you to make your choice.

Historical images.

Despite the many positive traits of dogs, their images were often ambiguous. Historically, they have been able to inspire both respect and fear in the minds of people.

• In the mythologies of Ancient Greece and Egypt, dogs were considered guardians or guides, between our and the "lower" worlds. The Scandinavians were of a similar opinion. A striking example of this is Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the entrance to hell, or Anubis, the guide to the world of the dead.
• Among the peoples living in the territory of modern Europe, this image was more often associated with devotion and the keeper of the hearth.
• Native Americans treated dogs with respect, considering them to be healers, protectors or even divine messengers.
• Our ancestors, the Slavs, had an ambiguous and largely mythical judgment about such drawings. For example, that images of a dog predict events, most often negative ones.
• Among Christians, the image of dogs meant loyalty and friendliness.
• In the Islamic religion, dogs were treated coldly and prejudiced, believing that this is an "unclean" animal, necessary only for protection.

In modern history, sketches of dog tattoos have lost most of the mythical images. It is generally accepted that the dog is a symbol of conservatism, attentiveness and confidence. But how true this statement is is up to you to judge.

The meaning of a dog tattoo.

Dog tattoos are usually small in size. Most often they are placed on the arm, leg, shoulder blade, or the back of the neck. Such drawings are not tied to a specific technique or direction, so it is sometimes difficult to interpret their original meaning, laid down by the author and the carrier.

The main meanings of such tattoos are directly related to the positive qualities of the dogs themselves. Namely: devotion, courage, dedication. Therefore, basically such drawings can be found in men.

It is believed that a person with a dog tattoo on his arm does not have such negative traits as hypocrisy, cunning and meanness. Its carrier is always ready to help out in difficult times. Moreover, such a drawing indicates an open and friendly attitude towards people.

The meaning of a tattoo can change dramatically from a fermented dog breed. Thus, fighting or hunting dogs are a sign of strength, determination, and in some cases of aggression. Small breeds, on the other hand, indicate openness, kindness, and defenselessness.

A dog paw tattoo symbolizes the indelible mark that someone left in your life. Therefore, such sketches can often be found among girls.

Summing up.

A dog tattoo will be an excellent choice for open, friendly, dynamic, courageous and responsible people. She will help you stand out and show your flamboyant nature. The main thing is to carefully select a sketch and do not be lazy to learn about dog breeds.