Guardians of the Gate
Dog statues have long been used to adorn a home’s exterior, and man’s best friend usually has a message, too
You may have seen dog statues outside older homes, but did you know that historically they are more than just decoration? Like many architectural motifs, dog symbolism has meaning, and these statues can give us a clue about the people who built the house, what they valued and what they wanted to communicate to passersby.
In a paper titled “Animal Symbolism in Ecclesiastical Architecture,” author E.P. Evans notes that as far back as medieval times, builders have adopted animal imagery to convey a message. It’s a nearly universal language: Lions = ferocity, bees = industry (and love) and, of course, dogs = loyalty or guardianship. In this house by Historical Concepts, a pair of stone canines stands at the front entrance, while their flesh-and-fur counterpart runs out to greet visitors.
The tradition likely has its roots in Asia, in legends such as that of the Japanese shisa. The shisa looks like a cross between a dog and a lion, and was traditionally placed in pairs on top of gates and roofs to protect inhabitants and ward off evil spirits. As anyone who has owned a real dog can attest, most of them guard their homes and protect their owners.
The dog here appears alert but at ease — welcoming but ready to listen to a command or spring into action.
The dog here appears alert but at ease — welcoming but ready to listen to a command or spring into action.
Architectural historian Caitlin Harvey, principal at Left Coast Architectural History, says that the meaning of a dog at the entry hasn’t morphed too much from centuries ago. “Just like real dogs, they are considered loyal guardians,” says Harvey. “But a lot of the meaning depends on their body position.”
For example, the pair of dogs flanking the front door of this project, by Crisp Architects, appears to be happily panting a welcome. They look as if, should they stand, they would wag their tails.
For example, the pair of dogs flanking the front door of this project, by Crisp Architects, appears to be happily panting a welcome. They look as if, should they stand, they would wag their tails.
But these mastiffs in a project by David Scott Parker Architects don’t seem to be as happy to see guests. When dogs lower their heads, it’s a warning to those who approach. If these could speak, they would likely be growling or getting ready to bark.
It’s a different story with these dogs in a project by Thompson Custom Homes; they aren’t ready to wag their tails and lick your hand, nor are they ready to bare their teeth and bite. They are alert sentinels, waiting to see if you are friend or foe.
Older dog statues were individually carved, but later the motif was mass produced. With fine-art statues, there is often a slight difference between the dogs. In this project, by Sloan Architects, a 150-year-old house overlooking New York’s Hudson Valley is full of imagery. The Greek revival–style house is named Copperheads, and its owners worked hard to restore it after the years had taken their toll.
From the backyard you must pass between two large dogs that resemble Great Danes. With an intent gaze and forward-facing ears, the dog on the left looks alert and ready for action; the dog on the right is more docile, with ears turned back, a slightly tucked head and paws crossed. These postures might have roots in ancient Asia, where pairs of stone guardian dogs had different natures. For example, the male dog might have his mouth closed to keep bad spirits out of the home, while his female counterpart would have her mouth open to let goodness in. Other statues had one dog growling with his paw on weapons, while the other appeared meeker and had paws laid on a puppy.
From the backyard you must pass between two large dogs that resemble Great Danes. With an intent gaze and forward-facing ears, the dog on the left looks alert and ready for action; the dog on the right is more docile, with ears turned back, a slightly tucked head and paws crossed. These postures might have roots in ancient Asia, where pairs of stone guardian dogs had different natures. For example, the male dog might have his mouth closed to keep bad spirits out of the home, while his female counterpart would have her mouth open to let goodness in. Other statues had one dog growling with his paw on weapons, while the other appeared meeker and had paws laid on a puppy.
As an interesting side note, the home’s front entry handrails are crafted as snakes, which likely inspired the stately home’s name. The meaning of architectural snake symbolism is complex, and the subject of another Ideabook. These reptiles are also laden with meaning, from wisdom to secret societies, to the conflict between good and evil.
But when it comes to dogs, homeowners of yesteryear and today could be trying to tell us something — or not. The choice to put statue sentries in the home (like this gruff pair in a project built by John Bynum) could be this simple: We’ve always loved dogs.
More: 50 dogs at home, work or play with their Houzzers
Do you have your own dog at the gate? We’d love to see your best photo of him or her in the Comments.
More: 50 dogs at home, work or play with their Houzzers
Do you have your own dog at the gate? We’d love to see your best photo of him or her in the Comments.