"FOR THE LOVE OF DOG" - BONHAMS DOG PORTRAIT SALE NOVEMBER 8TH, 2023

"Man's best friend" is a common phrase used to describe domestic dogs referring to their multi-millennia long history of close relations, loyalty, friendship, and companionship with humans. The first recorded use of a related phrase is by Frederick the Great of Prussia. It was likely popularized by its use in a poem by Ogden Nash[1] and has since become a common colloquialism.

Further on down the line in America the phrase “man’s best friend” was used in the American Supreme Court in 1870 when a talented lawyer named George Graham Vest defended a man who deeply loved his coon hound named Old Drum. Vest argued that when a neighbor killed Old Drum for trespassing, the neighbor took the life of more than just a pet—he killed an important family member.

Vest famously stated, “The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog.”

Before the 19th century, breeds of dogs (other than lap dogs) were largely functional. They performed activities such as hunting, tracking, watching, protecting and guarding; and language describing the dog often reflected these roles. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "In the oldest proverbs and phrases dogs are rarely depicted as faithful or as man's best friend, but as vicious, ravening, or watchful." Beginning in the 18th century, multiplying in the 19th and flourishing in the 20th century, language and attitudes towards dogs began to shift.

^{Renown Socialite Brooke Astors Holy Hill Estate Designed by Albert Hadley} 

Dogs and people began living together 15,000 years ago when dogs followed people’s migration throughout East Asia. The connection was natural because both people and dogs are social beings. Neither can thrive when alone, and both benefit mentally (and often physically) from strong social bonds.

Though domestic dogs share 99% of their DNA with wolves, dogs exude warmth to other dogs and humans that contrasts greatly with a wolf’s skeptical and defensive reaction to others. Dogs are social pack animals who thrive off of attention and affection, making them a prime candidate for a person’s best friend.

Since dogs have been domesticated to a point where they need us to survive, and we tend to find that we need them almost as much, people and dogs developed a symbiotic relationship. Most dog owners will tell you that their dog is a family member. And having a faithful dog at home gives us a listening ear, a warm paw to hold, and even strong legs to run beside.

Sign into Bonhams and log on the day of the "DOG SALE" November 8th 2023 

Have a great weekend!

Michou