greyhounds head

Dogs of all breeds are common in heraldry and are largely depicted in a realistic fashion for that species. The obviously have a role as “man’s best friend” and can demonstrate a passion for the pursuit of hunting, but may also occur as a play on words with the family name. A Glossary of Terms used in British Heraldry, J.H. Parker, Oxford, 1894, Entry:dog (and others) Wade suggests that all dogs, of whatever breed should be taken as tokens of their “courage, vigilancy, and loyal fidelity”. The Symbolisms of Heraldry, W. Cecil Wade, George Redway, London, 1898 P69