Black Dog kinformation post
Black dogs are mainly European in origin, specifically from the UK and Ireland. However, there are a handful of black dog legends in the USA and Latin America. Because Black Dogs are so variable in their behaviours, it can be hard to decipher which you may think you are. However, it is also a blessing, because you can pretty much mix and match from the lists below and there will most likely be a legend that fits- and even if there isnât, that doesnât invalidate your experience at all, as they are such variable creatures.
They all are:
- nocturnal
- metaphysical
- larger than normal dogs
some are:
1 shapeshifters*
2 associated with the devil
3 hellhounds
4 associated with death
5 an omen of death
6 sinister or malevolent
7 protectors*
8 guides*
9 guardians and benevolent*
10 associated with places of execution
11 associated with ancient pathways
12 associated with crossroads
13 associated with thunder and lightning*
14 associated with graveyards*
15 serve as familiars for witches or warlocks*
16 A guard against the devil or witches
17 headless
(* are the ones i resonate with personally)
Barghests:
Barghests are directly harmful and have the characteristics 4, 5, 6 and possibly 2, 3, 1, and 15
There is one roaming York and the Snickelways, and also in Northope, according to local legend.
Black Dog:
Black dogs are very variable, there are many, many tales of different types of black dogs and some are benevolent where some are not. An example of a malevolent black dog would be the black dog of Aylesbury, who caused a man to become paralysed and speechless for the rest of his life, and an example of a benevolent black dog would be that of the black dog of Lyme Regis, who inadvertently led a (rather mean sounding) human to a stash of gold, as well as never causing harm.
Black Shuck:
Black shuck is mainly a nasty creature, with one report giving it characteristics 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. It is said to have killed several people itself and also leaving claw marks on a church in Blythburgh, which still exist. In the parish of Overstrand is a dreary lane known as Shuckâs Lane from its frequent appearances there. If the spot where it was just seen is examined then one may find scorch marks and the smell of brimstone.
However, there are also stories of a protector and guide black shuck, who accompanies travellers home.
Capelthwaite:
In Westmorland and adjacent parts of Yorkshire there was a belief in Capelthwaite, who could take the form of any quadruped but usually appeared as a large black dog. He performed helpful services for the people on the farm such as rounding up the sheep, but toward outsiders, he was very spiteful and mischievous. As both a helper and a trickster the Capelthwaite behaved more like a domestic hobgoblin than a typical black dog. His status as a black dog, is in my eyes, slightly doubtful. However, it is worth putting him in.
Church Grim:
Guardians of Christian churches, they exhibit characteristics 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 13 and 16
When a new churchyard was opened it was believed that the first person buried there had to guard it against the Devil. In order to prevent a human soul from having to perform such a duty, a black dog was buried in the north part of the churchyard as a substitute.
The grim is also an ominous portent and is known to toll the church bell at midnight before a death takes place. During funerals, the presiding clergyman may see the grim looking out from the church tower and determine from its aspect whether the soul of the deceased is destined for Heaven or Hell.
Guardian black dogs:
Guardian Black Dogs refer to those relatively rare black dogs that are neither omens of death nor causes of it. Instead, they guide lost travellers and protect them from danger. Scottish black dogs also serve as treasure guardians. Near the village of Murthly is a standing stone, and it is said that the person brave enough to move it will find a chest guarded by a black dog. I associate most with these, as they exhibit characteristics 1, 7, 8, 9, and 13
Gurt Dog:
The Gurt Dog (âGreat Dogâ) of Somerset is an example of a benevolent dog. It is said that mothers would allow their children to play unsupervised on the Quantock Hills because they believed the Gurt Dog would protect them. It would also accompany lone travellers in the area, acting as a protector and guide.
Gytrash:
1, 5, 11
Hairy jack:
differing accounts on whether or not Hairy Jack is benevolent, some call him of a gentle nature and a spiritual protector, and others say he haunted lonely plantations, byways, and waste places where it attacked anyone passing by
Padfoot:
1, 4, 5, 6
can be visible or invisible and utters an incredibly loud roar. It is best to leave the creature alone, for if a person tries to speak to or attacks it then it will have power over them. It is known to follow people with a light padding sound of its paws, then appearing again in front of them or at their side.
Striker and Trash:
Wanders invisibly in the woods at night uttering loud, piercing shrieks. It may also take visible form as a large black dog with enormous paws that make a splashing sound when walking, like âold shoes walking in soft mudâ. 5, 1
Yeth Hound and Wisht Hounds:
The Yeth Hound is a headless dog, said to be the spirit of an unbaptised child, that rambles through the woods at night making wailing noises.
Devon is said to be the home of the Wisht Hounds as they make their hunting forays across the moor. Their huntsman is presumably the Devil, and it is said that any dog that hears the crying of the hounds will die. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 17
Grim from Harry Potter:
Most people know about Grims from HP, where they are symbols of impending death. Either they appear as corporeal beasts, or as images- such as in the tea leaves.


























