Dogs in Smiths Bible Dictionary

an animal frequently mentioned in Scripture. It was used by the hebrews as a watch for their houses, Isa 56:10 and for guarding their flocks. Job 30:1 Then also, as now troops of hungry and semi-wild dogs used to wander about the fields and the streets of the cities, devouring dead bodies and other offal, 1Ki 14:11; 21:19,23; 22:38; Ps 59:6 and thus became so savage and fierce and such objects of dislike that fierce and cruel enemies are poetically styled dogs in Ps 22:16,20 moreover the dog being an unclean animal, Isa 66:3 the epithets dog, dead dog, dog's head, were used as terms of reproach or of humility in speaking of one's self. 1Sa 24:14; 2Sa 3:8; 9:8; 16:9; 2Ki 8:13