Which is the only dog breed mentioned by name in the bible?
Introduction
The Bible references dogs in several passages in the Old and New Testaments. However, only one dog breed was specifically mentioned in the Bible. That is the Greyhound.
In Proverbs 30:29-31, the Bible says, “There are three things which are majestic in pace, Yes, four which are stately in walk: A lion, which is mighty among beasts and does not turn away from any; a greyhound, a male goat also, and a king whose troops are with him.”
Biblical meanings of dogs
Dogs are used in the Bible to represent different things, mostly evil.
Here are a few examples.
Devourers: “And concerning Jezebel the Lord also spoke, saying, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ The dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Ahab and dies in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat whoever dies in the field.” (1 Kings 21:23-24)
Sinners: “He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” (Matthew 15:26)
Judgment: “The dogs shall eat Jezebel on the plot of ground at Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her.” (2 Kings 9:10)
Male prostitute: “You shall not bring the wages of a prostitute or the price of a dog [that is, a male prostitute] into the house of the Lord your God as payment for any vow, for both of these [the gift and the giver] are utterly repulsive to the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 23:18, AMP)
Evil: “Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog.” (Psalm 22:20)
Gluttony: “Yes, they are greedy dogs which never have enough.” (Isaiah 56:11)
Backslidden Christians: “As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” (Proverbs 26:11)
Biblical meanings of a greyhound
Vision
Greyhounds are known for their sharp and clear vision.
They can spot animals from a distance and attack them.
That is why they are excellent choices for coursing and hunting.
Unlike other dog breeds that primarily depend on scent to track and trace animals, greyhounds spot game from afar, making it much easier for hunters to have successful hunting.
Their keen eyesight to track and chase prey make them the best choice for hunting.
They have excellent vision and can spot movement from a distance.
The Bible encourages believers to have a vision.
That is why we must be able to see beyond our present situation.
We must also be willing to plan and work toward our dreams and plans to succeed and experience a more fulfilling and victorious life.
Habakkuk 2:2 says, “Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”
Speed
Greyhounds are the fastest dog breeds, capable of reaching high speeds.
They have a strong prey drive and were historically used for coursing and racing.
Thanks to their tall and slender structure, greyhounds are renowned for their incredible acceleration and agility.
They have a sleek, athletic build, deep chest, and narrow waist.
They have long, slim legs and a long tail that tapers towards the end.
We need speed to achieve our goals.
Being slow is synonymous with slothfulness.
God wants to work with people who have visions and are ready to move swiftly to achieve them.
Greyhounds embody this characteristic.
They are sharp and always ready to move.
They charge with precision, focusing on their targets without getting distracted.
Independent
Greyhounds are independent dogs.
They know exactly what to do and don’t wait before jumping into action.
They don’t wait to be cajoled or baited like other dogs before they move.
Their ability to act independently has made hunting easy and fun for hunters who like maximizing every opportunity to catch a game.
Like the greyhound, believers must be ready to do God’s work without being pampered or cajoled.
God has commanded us to preach the gospel to the world. We must be ready to fulfill this mandate, even if it means doing it alone.
Many believers only act when a pastor or any spiritual leader instructs them. We must read the Word of God and act. That is what faith entails.
A gentle companion
Despite their athleticism, greyhounds are generally known for their calm and gentle temperament.
Greyhounds can be quite laid-back and enjoy relaxing, but they also have bursts of energy during playtime or exercise.
They form strong bonds with their owners and are known to be affectionate.
They are often gentle with children and can get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.
God’s Word encourages us to be compassionate and gentle. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)
Elegance and grace
Greyhounds are known for their grace and elegance.
Greyhounds have a distinct appearance that is often described as graceful and elegant.
Their slim, athletic build, long legs, and flowing gait contribute to their graceful presence.
When they move, greyhounds exhibit a smooth and effortless stride that is often admired for its beauty and grace.
Their elegant appearance is further enhanced by their clean lines and streamlined body shape.
Greyhounds have a deep chests and a slender waist, which gives them a sleek and refined look.
Their overall physique contributes to their image of elegance and poise.
Moderate exercise requirements
While greyhounds are known for their bursts of speed, they are not extremely high-energy dogs.
They typically require daily exercise, including regular walks or playtime, but they are generally content with moderate activity.
Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds do not need constant running or long-distance exercise.
As believers, we must practice adopting moderation and self-control.
We must not be over-ambitious to the detriment of our health and relationships.
Therefore, we must focus on what is important and leave the rest.
“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 9:25)
Spiritual Meaning of Greyhounds:
Inner strength
Greyhounds are strong and resilient animals.
Spiritually, the greyhound can represent the inner strength and endurance needed to persevere through difficulties.
It reminds us to tap into our inner resources and resilience when facing trials.
We are only deceiving ourselves if we believe we will not encounter challenges.
There is no promotion without an examination.
Life will test and stretch us. But what can keep us is our inner strength to endure and row our boats through the storm without relenting.
Those who maintain inner strength and endurance will prosper and reach a greater height in their endeavors.
Greyhounds embody this trait and remind us to build spiritual stamina.
Faithfulness and loyalty
Greyhounds are known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners.
Some schools of thought posit that greyhounds and dogs, in general, are more trustworthy and loyal than humans.
They are like the biblical friends that stick closer than a brother.
In a spiritual sense, they symbolize the importance of faithfulness, loyalty, and unwavering commitment in relationships and life’s journey. Just as the greyhound remains faithful to those who show them love and care, we must be loyal.
We must also understand the gravity of betrayal.
For someone like Judas Iscariot in the Bible, who served closely with Jesus but later betrayed Him over a few pieces of coins, he ended up committing suicide. The weight of guilt upon his life became unbearable until he ended his life.
Betrayal can lead to grave danger.
We must choose above all odds to be good to those who have shown us kindness because the law of karma is real.
The Bible says you must reap what you sow.
Freedom and independence
Greyhounds are independent animals that enjoy running freely.
Spiritually, the greyhound can represent the desire for freedom and the pursuit of one’s path in life, unburdened by unnecessary attachments.
Most of us are caged and chained by limiting thoughts, bad environments, and negative influences.
We are restrained from crossing certain lines and utilizing our potential to a particular degree.
The greyhound is a free and independent dog breed.
They represent permission to dream and explore new territories.
It signifies breaking free from mental and physical barriers in the form of low self-esteem, fear, and toxic relationships.
Purity and innocence
Greyhounds are often seen as symbols of purity and innocence.
They can remind us of the importance of maintaining a pure heart and a childlike sense of wonder in our spiritual journey.
The state of the heart is crucial in every spiritual journey.
A heart clogged with negativity cannot attract positive things.
In this case, prayers and our heart desires will not come to pass because there is no right environment to receive them.
However, when the heart is pure and innocent, it becomes a fertile ground for positive things to grow.
It becomes a magnetic force attracting the beautiful things of this world, including people and opportunities.
Watch the state of your heart. Your reality is a reflection of the state of your heart; purge it of negative energy.
Protection and guidance
Greyhounds offer protection and guidance to travelers and their owners.
They have a sharp vision and incredible speed to chase and catch prey.
Therefore, they are seen as spiritual companions that help guide individuals safely through their life journey and offer companionship to the lonely.
This is a message to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones as we journey through life.
We must offer direction and guidance to our loved ones, protecting them from danger and leading them toward the right path.
Spiritual insight
Greyhounds’ alertness and keen senses can symbolize heightened spiritual awareness and insight.
They encourage us to trust our instincts and inner guidance in navigating our spiritual path.
We must learn not to ignore inner nudging and signals so we can avert mistakes and dangers and maximize opportunities.
What separates uncommon achievers from mediocre is spiritual insight.
Those who rely only on the natural senses will soon fall into avoidable errors. However, those who have foresight and insight will reap great rewards.
Biblical Meaning of Dogs in a Dream:
A sign of backsliding
“As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” (Proverbs 26:11)
Some dogs can eat anything that looks like food, including their vomit.
Vomits are disgusting.
They are naturally and spiritually unappealing and unfit to be eaten.
They represent sin in the Bible.
Vomits must be avoided because they contaminate the soul of a man.
Therefore, dreaming about a dog, especially one eating vomit in the dream, strongly indicates that you have missed your way. You have drifted from righteousness to ungodliness.
Ask for forgiveness and retrace your steps.
Presence of evil
“Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog.” (Psalm 22:20)
Dogs are destructive.
They attack domestic animals.
Larger breeds of dogs, like the rottweiler, pit bull, etc., are brutal and can kill humans.
In the Bible, dogs are demonic forces with the aim to kill and destroy.
Seeing them in the dream should be followed with serious fasting and prayer because it means they are already close due to their speed. Ask for divine help and protection.
Ask that God delivers your life from their attack because their mission is primarily to kill and destroy.
A sign of greed
“Yes, they are greedy dogs which never have enough.” (Isaiah 56:11)
Some dogs can never have enough food.
They are gluttons and keep eating even when full.
Dreaming about dogs can be a reflection of our lives.
We might be greedy, especially in our pursuit of wealth, money, and earthly pleasures.
The Bible preaches contentment.
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:6–7). 1 Timothy 6:10 further states that the love of money is the root of all evil. We must be satisfied with God’s blessings. We must practice gratitude, and God will continue to meet our needs.
READ THIS NEXT:
How tall was Adam in the Bible?
What is the symbolism of wine in the Bible?
The Biblical Meanings of Dreadlocks
David Akeju is a Christian writer who believes in the transformational power of God’s Word. His articles and books have been published on global platforms, and thousands of lives have been touched. He works with pastors and ministers, churches and ministries, and brands.