A hunting scene from Gaston Phoebus’s Livre de la Chasse.
The book includes chapters called On the Nature and Care of Dogs and On Instructions for Hunting with Dogs.
(Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Dogs have been man’s best friend for millennia.
A hunting scene from Gaston Phoebus’s “Livre de la Chasse.” The book includes chapters called “On the Nature and Care of Dogs” and “On Instructions for Hunting with Dogs.” (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
One unique medieval text contains a list of 1,065 dog names perfect for pups.
This list of dog names is contained in a mysterious manuscript written and compiled around 14601480.
It was in the collection of Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, until 2006.
Medallion with Varlet with Horn and Hound, French, ca. 1240–60. (Photo:The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain)
The manuscript collects texts on hunting and sporting, a princely pastime in the middle ages.
The list of dog names is intended for hunting hounds: running hounds, terriers, and greyhounds.
Some names take inspiration from royal historical figures, such as Charlemayne, Nero, and Romulus.
Tomb Effigy of a Boy, Probably Ermengol IX, Count of Urgell, Catalan, first-half of the 14th century. (Photo:The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain)
Others are cute animal monikers such as Dolfyn, or jobs like Tynker and Monke.
Some are elegant titles such as Duchesse or Damysell.
Scholar David Scott-Macnab delved into the list in ascholarly article, illuminating the world of historical dog ownership.
Pendant, France, 14th century. (Photo:The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain)
Likemedieval cats, dogs figured heavily in art.
Pups appear in effigies on tombs, painted in illuminated manuscripts, and carved into medallions.
Across the centuries, the love between dogs and humans persists.
Next pup you adopt, give it a medieval moniker to celebrate this long history.
Medallion with Varlet with Horn and Hound, French, ca.
Pendant, France, 14th century.
