Bizarre Dog Proverbs

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By Mel Jay

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Bizarre Dog Proverbs

I have one of those calendars that you pick up from markets stalls about dogs. We try to have a calendar about animals every year, last year it was penguins, before that it was Whippet dogs and this years is about dogs in art. At the bottom of every months picture is a quote from someone about dogs. I found that dog quotes are everywhere - the net is littered with sites about dog quotes, facts and sayings. I also found a number of excellent hubs about dog quotes, sayings and facts (see the links below).

There are not as many sites about dog proverbs though. This could be because unlike many quotes, proverbs don't seem to be primarily observations about the characteristics of dogs.  The proverbs seem to offer insight into the people they come from. I think proverbs by nature reflect a cultural leaning or peculiarity. For me, that is what makes these odd proverbs so interesting.

Proverb #1

"The dog's kennel is not the place to keep a sausage." Danish Proverb

I think this demonstrates that the Danes are capable of extremely dry humour! 

Source: southaustralia.inetgiant.com.au

Dogs at Amazon!

Speak!: The Best Quips, Quotes, and Anecdotes for Dog Lovers
This humorous and heartwarming collection of bon mots, memorable quips, and touching stories looks at man's best friend through the words of celebrities, historical figures, and politicians who all share one thing in common: They're head-over-heels in love with their dogs. From Franz Kafka to Dave Barry, Abraham Lincoln to Picasso, Sir Isaac Newton to David Letterman, Speak! brings together authors, performers, philosophers, and presidents to sing the praises of their beloved canine companions.
Amazon Price: $0.01
List Price: $10.00
Dog Quotations (Quotation Book)
This is a tiny book, and not a lot more than the price of a Greeting Card. It would make a great little gift for someone who has just added a dog to their family,have recently lost a much loved dog or in the position of enjoying their dog. The description of this book sort of overlooks the numerous wonderful pictures that accompany the quotations.
Amazon Price: $15.00
List Price: $8.95
Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know
Psychology professor and dog person Horowitz was studying the ethology (the science of animal behavior) of white rhinos and bonobos at the San Diego Zoo when she realized that her research techniques could just as easily apply to dogs at the local dog park; there, she began to see "snapshots of the minds of the dogs" in their play. Over eight years of study, she's found that, though humans bond with their dogs closely, they're clueless when it comes to understanding what dogs perceive-leading her to the not-inconsequential notion that dogs know us better than we know them.
Amazon Price: $0.01
List Price: $16.00

Proverb #2

"A dog that steals sells its body".  Western Kenyan Proverb

I wonder if this means that dishonestly will not be tolerated even in dogs? 

Source: wikimedia.org

Proverb #3

"When the old dog barks it is time to watch".  Latin Proverb

This demonstrates the age old use of dogs as watchdogs.  The Romans also understood that a more experienced dog is likely to be better at its job.  

Source: victoria.inetgiant.com.au

Proverb #4

"The greatest love is a mother's; then a dog's; then a sweetheart's". Polish Proverb

Shows that the Poles have a keen grasp of both human and canine nature.

Source: bestbullysticks.com

Proverb #5

"A house without either a cat or a dog is the house of a scoundrel". Portugese Proverb

The Portugese, like many people, seem to have an inherent mistrust of those who do not associate with animals. The gist of it seems to be that people who cannot relate to cats and dogs could also be suspected of not being able to relate to people properly.

Source: flash-screen.com

Dog Stuff at Amazon

A Dog's Tale (1904)
Mark Twain was born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in 1835. He gained national attention as a humorist in 1865 with the publication of "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," but was acknowledged as a great writer by the literary establishment with The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn (1885). In 1880, Twain began promoting and financing the ill-fated Paige typesetter, an invention designed to make the printing process fully automatic.
Amazon Price: $9.44
List Price: $15.95
Bags on Board Bone Dispenser, 30 Bags
Before taking Fido on a walk in the neighborhood, attach the Bags on Board Bone Dispenser to his leash. The sturdy Bone Dispenser holds up to 15 large cleanup bags that conveniently dispense 1 at a time. Attaches to any standard or retractable leash. The bags are leakproof and double-sealed for extra security. The compact, refillable Bone Dispenser comes with 30 bags.
Amazon Price: $3.22
List Price: $15.56
Britney Dog Clothing by Kakadu Pet, X-Small, 10", Pink
Casual canine wear for the active pooch, the Britney Hooded sports outfit will look gorgeous on any occasion This pink hooded sports outfit with white trim and cute little skirt bottom combines comfort and style. It is made of 70% polyester and 30% cotton fabric and should be machine washed on a cool cycle. Back length measures 10", best fits breeds such as Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers.
Amazon Price: $14.99

Proverb #6

"A dog that intends to bite does not bear its teeth".  Turkish Proverb

A sinister little proverb about being sneaky and not warning your enemy.  

Source: animalwallpaper.org

Proverb #7

"Three things it is best to avoid: a strange dog, a flood and a man who thinks he is wise".  Welsh Proverb

Another demonstration of dry humour!

Source: dogbreedgallery.blogspot.com

Proverb #8

"If you play with the dog, he will lick your face". Vietnamese Proverb

Perhaps this is indicative of conditions in many countries where dog diseases are not as well controlled as they are in other places?  

Source: deshow.net

Comments

Cloverleaf profile image

Cloverleaf Level 7 Commenter 12 months ago

Hi Mel Jay. This hub is so cute! I had no idea there were so many proverbs about dogs.

Mel Jay profile image

Mel Jay Hub Author 12 months ago

Thanks Cloverleaf! I had fun doing this one - it was a good excuse to look at lots of great dog pictures :) Cheers - Mel

Alastar Packer profile image

Alastar Packer Level 8 Commenter 10 months ago

Yeah, what does the second proverb mean exactly..lol. Aw, doggie #3 is something. Proverb 4, spot on! You ever heard the saying Mel Jay: Want a real friend, get a dog. I take issue with that one occasionally. #5 is true to a good extent. Great pics, good proverbs and fun Hub!

Mel Jay profile image

Mel Jay Hub Author 9 months ago

Thanks Alastar! Much appreciated as always - Mel

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