The Amazing Adventures of Archibald Esq.

Chinese Dog Proverb

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In honour of the new Chinese year, which started last week and marks the start of the Year of the Ox, I thought I’d feature an ancient Chinese dog proverb.

Gŏu zhàng rén shì is an old chinese proverb that means ‘A dog trusts his master’s might.’ Woof!

When he is with his master, the dog is likely to feel mighty and powerful – just because the master is mighty and powerful. Like most animal proverbs and fables, even though the proverb talks of dogs’ behaviour, it actually also applies to human situations.

Gŏu is “dog” in Chinese. Zhàng means “trust”, rén is “man” and shì stands for “power, might.”

Unsurprisingly, people’s confidence significantly increases when in the presence of the mighty, the influential, the powerful.

The chinese proverb draws attention to the fact that the more confident we are of being on the winner’s side, the louder and braver we tend to become. Just like the dog who dares to bark loudly — as long as he’s by his master’s side.

There is also another version of this proverb: gŏu zhàng guān shì, meaning “dog trusts official’s power”. Guān stands for a government official or a person who is in a position to make decisions and to rule over others. This version of the proverb is cited especially when some nasty little people sneak into circles of power and use the officials to make their personal own agenda happen. Corruption, that is.

Just as in Western cultures, in China the dog is often considered to be a loyal friend, but on the other hand, also to be an archetype of a villain, the scum of society. There are many Chinese proverbs underlining both these roles. There are also a lot of swear words involving dogs. Gggrrwooof!

In order to stay neutral, we could easily turn this above saying upside down into: rén zhàng gŏu shì, “a man trusts his dog’s power”.

And I think anyone will admit, in the end, that even if they only have a tiny little canine friend at home by their side, they still feel more safe and secure than being all alone, don’t you?

The Dog in Chinese Zodiac:
Among the animal zodiac, Dog individuals are the most humanitarian. To the Chinese, Dogs represent justice and equality. These are the givers in life, prepared to sacrifice their own dreams, ambitions and desires for the sake of others, particularly for those they love. Fiercely loyal to those they love, dogs are ever ready to jump to the defense of any member of their family or friends who is being attacked by either word or deed.

Dog people naturally have a penchant for championing the underdog. Born with an innate sense of decency and a need for stability in a chaotic world, dogs strongly denounce injustice and wrongdoing, generously giving useful and effective advice to those around them. Their warmth, empathy and genuine interest in others win them many close friendships.

Dogs inspire confidence in others, and the confidence is justified. They will always do their utmost for others, and their dedication can go to the point of sacrifice. Dog people deserve to be held in the highest esteem.

SuperWoof to dogs all ’round the world! Archie

Posted 04 Feb 09