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Dreams about dogs of all kinds can be loaded with spiritual and personal meanings.
By Isabella Pacinelli
Last updated on Sep 07, 2023
Everyone experiences an impactful dream at least once in their life, and most often the dream is symbolic. By familiarizing yourself with the ways feelings such as stress and excitement can manifest themselves in your dreams, you’ll be better able to understand your true feelings.
One common occurence in dreams is the appearance of a dog or puppy.
Considering we all see dogs on a fairly regular basis, whether around the neighborhood or in our own homes, it makes sense that our canine friends can offer a spirited way to receive messages in our dreams.
What is the spiritual meanings of dreams about dogs?
Dreams about dogs are all about loyalty, protection, and intuition. Seeing dogs in your dreams may suggest your values and intentions will bring you success in life.
The spiritual meaning of dog dreams also relates to friendships and relationships. Dogs might show up in your dreams to provide insight or spiritual assistance, as they are known for their loyalty and trust. The spiritual symbolism of a dog in a dream could also mean they showed up for a reason that involves relationships and security.
A dog may show up in your dream to help focus your energy on your heart and root chakras, as well as to process energy that may be stuck and help balance out your chakras.
Dogs in a dream are often considered to be a type of omen or warning of coming change that requires you to remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
Symbolism of Dogs in Dreams
Dogs represent loyalty, protection, service, love, duty — basically, all the things anyone who loves dogs attributes to a furry friend.
The loyalty of a dog is quite unmatched. Once you have a strong relationship with your pet, you are sure you trust them.
As a symbol of reliability, a dog in a dream might be forcing you to question your level of certainty.
Are you able to trust your partner? Do you trust that everything happens for a reason? It’s undeniable a dog is very protective of their owner. They will do whatever it takes to defend the ones they love, so why wouldn't this extend to dreams as well.
Dogs also symbolize responsibility and commitment.
It’s no secret a dog requires a lot of work. Perhaps the way you visualize responsibility is by picturing a new puppy. Are you thinking about getting married or having kids? Then you might be considering how your life will change with a new level accountability. A dream with a dog might be telling you to get ready to take on this new challenge.
Meanings Of Dreams About Different Types of Dog Breeds
Another detail to consider is the type of dog you are seeing in your dreams, as dogs of different breeds represent different meanings.
1. What it means if you dream about hunting dogs.
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If you find yourself dreaming of a hunting dog such as a Labrador Retriever, Spaniel, or Setter, ask yourself if there is something you are seeking. Are you trying to find a job? Have you started house hunting? It can be discouraging when you haven’t gotten to where you want to be yet, so it makes sense this kind of dog would appear in your dream.
2. What it means if you dream about scent dogs.
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When Beagles, Afghan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, or Bloodhounds present themselves in your dream, it represents an attempt to solve a problem. These types of dogs are known for their sense of smell and ability to track. The scent dog is there to tell you to trust yourself to find a solution, knowing the rest will fall into place.
3. What it means if you dream about a digging dog.
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Miniature Schnauzers, Jack Russel Terriers, Scottish Terriers, or American Pit Bull Terriers are just some examples of dogs that are good at digging up rodents. In a dream, these dogs represent your ability and persistence to uncover solutions or important details regarding something lurking under the surface.
4. What it means if you dream about herding dogs.
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Breeds trained to herd include German Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies and English Sheep Dogs. Since they are protective, these dogs might appear in your dream as a warning to keep your guard up and stay in bounds. There’s a chance it could also be a positive sign you’re satisfied with your life, a symbol you are comfortable in your job and duties. Herding dogs truly love their work, so this dog in a dream might ve saying the same to you.
Are you questioning your feelings about something? Do you worry about making the wrong decision? Whatever it is, trust your gut and you will find what you’re searching for.
5. What it means if you dream about purebred dogs.
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Dreams that include a Doberman Pinscher, Boxer, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, or Rottweiler represent security and accomplishment. Have you recently achieved success? If so, these dogs are showing you a sense of contentment and that’s a great thing.
When dogs who long for nothing as much as to be your companion, such as Bulldogs, Bichon Frises, Dalmatians, or Poodles appear in your dreams, it suggests you want to add more fun into your life and possibly create stronger relationships.
6. What it means if you dream about small dogs.
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Smaller dogs like Chihuahuas, Papillons, Pomeranians, or Pugs have always been the perfect size for your purse.
But they actually symbolize enjoying life. If you’re greeted by this type of dog in your dream, it’s a reminder to appreciate the small things in order to be happy. Go ahead, chase the squirrel, dance because you got your favorite treat, run and bark for no reason.
What the dog you see is doing in your dream can also be symbolic.
Dogs can appear displaying many different behaviors, such as barking, playing fetch, swimming, attacking, or being in a cage. Each of these has its own meaning and may be trying to reveal a certain message.
11 Common Dog Dreams and Their Meanings
1. Dreams about a dog barking.
You can tell the emotional nature of a dog by the sound of its bark. The dog's bark may be happy barking or angry barking. Happy barking communicates feeling loved or like you're a part of the pack. Angry barking is when a dog feels threatened or that they are under attack.
If your social life is thriving, a happy bark shows that you’re enjoying these friendships, especially if the dog dream involves a pack of dogs.
An angry bark isn’t as good of a sign. Are you feeling hostile? Is there someone in your life that has power over you? Are you feeling victimized? It might be time to figure out a way to effectively express your emotions or take back the control you feel you’re lacking.
2. Dreams about a dog playing fetch.
One of the simple joys in life is playing fetch with a dog. Seeing them have a fun time is contagious. If a dog is playing in your dream, this might be a sign to increase the amount of playfulness in your life.
Feel free to buy a coloring book, shoot some hoops at your neighborhood basketball court, or have a game night with your loved ones. Don’t take life so seriously and have fun like a dog.
3. Dreams about a dog swimming.
Generally, the appearance of water in dreams represents strong emotion. That being said, a dog swimming in water might be trying to signify that you are struggling with your feelings. Is there something that’s weighing on your heart? Did you recently end a relationship?
4. Dreams about a dog attacking you.
A dog attacking you in a dream could imply that you are afraid of something. It’s also possible that you feel betrayed or lonely.
5. Dreams about a dog in a cage.
A dream that involves a dog in a cage may be related to a sense of betrayal or entrapment. Are you feeling trapped by someone else’s decisions? Have you been let down and feel alone? However this dream relates to you, you may need to make some changes in your life.
Do something for yourself that will bring about a positive frame of mind — you deserve it.
6. Dreams about a lost dog.
If you dream about a lost dog it could mean that you have a lack of self-confidence. This makes you feel like you can't stand up or protect yourself causing you to be emotionally drained.
This is a sign to take some time for yourself to rebuild your sense of self and confidence. Perhaps do an activity you always enjoy doing.
7. Dreams about a talking dog.
There are several interpretations of a dream where a dog talks. One is that you feel tricked by something in your life. Another belief is that you are facing a difficult situation or problem and by listening to the talking dog you could find something that you missed while awake. You may also dream about a talking dog because you are an affectionate person.
8. Dreams about a dead dog.
If you dream of your dead dog many believe your dog is checking up on you. They've come to show you they are happy and okay giving you closure. Others believe your dog is sending you an important message or warning of future troubles.
9. Dreams about being chased by a dog.
Dreaming about a dog chasing you is a sign that you are running away from yourself. It's your subconscious mind telling you to face your fears and be yourself. Accept who you are and be loyal to yourself, just as dogs are loyal to you.
10. Dreams about a dog biting you.
When you dream of a dog that is biting you or has bitten you, it is a sign of dishonesty. If the dog has bitten someone else, it's a warning that person may betray you.
11. Dreams about dogs of different colors.
Dreams about black dogs: A black dog symbolizes a disloyal friend, betrayal, or death.
Dreams about white dogs: White dogs represent love, respect, and gratitude. A white dog is often interpreted as a sign from God of a religious purpose or of a positive change.
Dreams about brown dogs: Brown dogs represent natural healing and friendships but are also interpreted as being out of control in your relationships. This can include a new friendship on the horizon.
Dreams about multicolored dogs: A multicolored dog has several interpretations, the most common is a feeling of isolation.
(It is important to note that color interpretation is highly dependent upon the cultural influences of the person having the dream.)
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Isabella Pacinelli is a writer who covers astrology, spirituality, love, and relationships.