Celtic Dog Tattoos
From LoveToKnow Tattoos
Celtic dog tattoos and celtic knots are a very popular tattoo style among Irishmen.
The Meaning of the Celtic Dog
Cuchulainn, the Hound of Ulster, was a great Irish warrior of myth and legend. His greatest deed was when he held the army of Connaught at bay by himself. The battle culminated in a fight between himself and his friend, a rival champion from Connaught. As most great warriors, Cuchulainn died on the battlefield. The Irish wolfhound was named after Cuchulainn to describe their temperament and breeding. The wolfhound is a very large dog that is loyal to a fault and steadfast in their duties. The hound was used in battle as well as a symbol of Ireland’s royalty.
The image of Cuchulainn has been used in political ads and campaigns as his visage is meant to stand for freedom and respect. With this in mind, he makes a great folk hero for Irish people that wish to be removed from the grasp of England. He has been seen with his sword in hand, engulfed with flames and a poem against his enemies circling the blade. These instances have incorporated themselves in Celtic knot work as the Celtic dog.
Celtic Art and Celtic Dog Tattoos
Celtic art in tattoos has a rich history and a progression of style that can be noticed even today. The La Teen era, roughly around 450BC, were usually designed using French compasses and curves. These tattoos were just beginning to develop whirling spirals that hid faces and animals. This is the era when Celtic dog tattoos first got produced.
Around 400AD came the Early Christian era, which saw the tattoos spiral becoming more streamlined and uniform. The hidden artwork of people and animals began to become easily seen. Around the tail end of this area, roughly 200 years later, the spirals and swirls began to become interlocked which is the beginning of what we know as Celtic knot work.
In the beginning of 750AD and lasting to about 1000AD, was considered to be the height of Celtic art. The tattoos of the day became more elaborate as the styles from years past were being incorporated into the designs. Celtic dog tats were now being interlaced with other animals, geometric shapes and knot work. This created very complicated and beautiful pieces.
Although there is no definitive meaning behind Celtic art, there is plenty of speculation among historians. When you choose a Celtic knot work tattoo, whether a hound or other animal, you should get it for yourself and for your own reasons. The meaning you place in it will be the most accurate meaning of all.
 Two Hounds |  3 Hounds Chasing |
 Hounds Head |  Snarling Hound |
Celtic Knot Work Styles and Their Meanings
The knot work Interlace pattern is probably one of the most recognizable of Celtic tribal artwork designs. The linking knots, the most popular being the Trinity Knot, represent the Gods and Goddesses of the ancient Celts and in modern beliefs, the Holy Trinity. The Lover’s Knot is another variety having two knots as one.
Spirals in these kinds of tattoos are about personal spirit and balance on the inside as well as out. Other ideas surrounding the meanings of the artwork is water or the heavens. Some dog tattoos are also seen using the unfamiliar maze or step pattern. These represent ones journey through life, their experiences and wisdom.
Several animals, including the hound, are used exclusively within Celtic art, along with their own meanings:
- Hounds: Loyalty, strength
- Lions: Nobility, courage and strength
- Snakes & Dragons: Rebirth
- Peacock: Purity
- Eagle: Nobility
- Salmon: Knowledge
- Bull: Strength
- Boar: Ferocity, strength
You may use any animal that you wish in your pattern and the meaning is entirely up to you. No pattern is as unique, interesting or filled with history as the Celtic dog design.
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