Dogs have been an important part of the human experience for thousands of years. Man’s best friend has been with us along the way, providing companionship, protection, and assistance. Because of our close connection to dogs and the incredible nature of some dogs, there are dog statues all over the world celebrating the goodest boys and girls. Here are some of the most famous dog statues from across the world.
The 10 Famous Dog Statues
1. Greyfriars Bobby
| Location: | Edinburgh, Scotland |
Greyfriars Bobby was believed to be a Skye Terrier born in 1855, and he belonged to a man named John Gray. John Gray was a night watchman for the Edinburgh City Police, and he passed away in 1858. Greyfriars Bobby gained fame for guarding the grave of his beloved owner for 14 years. In 1867, Greyfriars Bobby was given a city license and a collar. He loyally guarded his master’s grave until his own death in 1872.
2. Hachiko
| Location: | Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan |
Like Greyfriars Bobby, Hachiko was a loyal dog to the end and beyond for his owner. Living from 1923 to 1935, Hachiko was an Akita who would meet his master, Hidesaburo Ueno, at Shibuya Station every day after he got off work. Unfortunately, Ueno passed away suddenly from a cerebral hemorrhage in 1925, but Hachiko continued visiting the station every day in search of his owner. Because of his fidelity, Hachiko is considered to be a symbol of royalty within Japanese culture.
3. Balto
| Location: | New York City, New York, United States |
In 1925, a deadly diphtheria epidemic was beginning putting many people, especially children, at risk in Nome, Alaska. Vaccines were needed, but Nome was only reachable by aircraft and dog sled, and the only available aircraft was unable to start. Because of this, a dog sled team was needed to take the life-saving vaccines to Nome. Although many dogs were part of the trip, Balto is remembered for being the lead dog when the serum arrived in Nome. He lived from 1919 to 1933.
4. Malchik
| Location: | Moscow, Russia |
Malchik was a black mixed-breed dog that was known for living at the Mendeleyevskaya Station in Moscow. While he lived peacefully at the station for about 3 years, Malchik was unexpectedly killed by a woman named Yuliana Romanova, who stabbed him to death with a kitchen knife. The reason for his murder is unclear, but some witnesses reported that Malchik barked at Romanova and her dog, while others claim that Romanova’s dog attacked Malchik while he slept. His death caused an uproar about the mistreatment of animals in the area, leading to a statue being erected.
5. Waghya
| Location: | Raigad, Maharashtra, India |
Waghya was a mixed breed dog who belonged to a Maratha kind by the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Waghya was known for his extreme loyalty to his master, and the story of Waghya claims that the dog was so devastated by the death of his owner that he threw himself onto the funeral pyre, immolating himself with his master.
In 2011, the statue was stolen by an extremist group who claimed it shouldn’t be there because they didn’t believe in the existence of Waghya. However, locals strongly believe that the story of Waghya’s loyalty is true, and eventually, the statue was returned.
6. Fala
| Location: | Washington D.C., United States |
Living from 1940 to 1952, Fala was a loyal companion to former US president Franklin D. Roosevelt, although Roosevelt passed away in 1945, leaving the dog with other members of his family. Originally, Fala’s name was Big Boy, which was later changed to Murray the Outlaw of Falahill, which was later shortened to Fala.
Fala traveled far and wide with the president, and he was known for his ability to perform tricks and overeating, which made the president create a White House rule that only the president himself could feed Fala.
7. Islay
| Location: | Sydney, Australia |
Islay was a Cairn Terrier known for being one of Queen Victoria’s favorite pets. Unfortunately, Islay only lived to 5 years of age, passing away after a fight with a cat. Islay was known for his ability to sit upright to beg for treats. Because of her great love for Islay, the Queen herself sketched a drawing of her beloved dog. This sketch was later used by Justin Robson, the designer of the sculpture. The statue stands over a fountain in which coins may be tossed to help deaf and blind children.
8. The Sheepdog of Canterbury
| Location: | Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand |
In the 19th century, Scottish shepherds arrived in New Zealand to raise livestock and develop farmland. Their Border Collies, lovingly called “canine Scots,” were an integral part of the success of this development. This statue was built in 1968 by local farmers as a way of showing their gratitude for the difference that these Border Collies made in their region.
9. Los Perros De La Plaza
| Location: | Las Palmas, Spain |
Translated to “The Dogs of the Square” in English, Los Perros De La Plaza is a collection of eight bronze dog sculptures. These dogs are representatives of a breed known as Canem or Canarian Hounds. Canarian Hounds were used by Canary Island natives as hunting dogs, and these statues celebrate the work that these hunting dogs did for their masters.
10. “My Hero, My Friend”
| Location: | Trophy Club, Texas, United States |
“My Hero, My Friend” was created by sculptor Susan Norris to celebrate the bond of love and loyalty between a military service dog and its handler. In the sculpture, the dog is wearing a Purple Heart and mourning over some of its handler’s gear, representing the loss of the handler. The sculpture was placed inside the Veterans Memorial Park in Trophy Club, Texas.
Featured Image Credit: podsy, Shutterstock
