Expert: Maria - 9/25/2004

Question
Hello Maria,

I am trying to compose a poem about a dog.  Please tell me how I should translate "faithful dog" into Latin. You could also provide assistance by providing other Latin phrases (poetic or not) that describe our furry friends.

Also, just a point of interest, but does the Latin language differentiate between female dog, and male dog?

Any help is much appreciated

Regards,
Holly  

Answer
Hi Holly,

Latin for "faithful dog” is :
“Canis fidus”
or:
“Canis fidelis”.

As for female dog and male dog,  in classical Latin there is no difference as the Romans used always  CANIS (nominative case. 3rd. declension), while in late Latin (3d cent. AD) we find also CANIS  FEMINA ( female dog) besides CANIS (male dog).

Finally, with regard to ‘Latin phrases (poetic or not) that describe our furry friends', I can mention only few expressions like the followings:

-CANIS  ACER  meaning « watch dog”
-CANIS VENATICUS meaning « hunting dog »
-CAVE CANEM  meaning « Beware the dog ».

Also, I can say that the dog is often mentioned in the Fables of Phaedrus ( 1st.cent.AD) as you can see at:
http://www.mythfolklore.net/aesopica/phaedrus/123.htm
http://www.mythfolklore.net/aesopica/phaedrus/125.htm

Best regards
Maria
_________________________
faithful :  FIDELIS or FIDUS
dog : CANIS