The New Murrey and Blue blog

While searching for information about the Duc de Berry, who circa 1386 wanted a pair of unusual greyhounds from Scotland, so he obtained a safe conduct from Richard II for four of his men to pass through England to acquire them. My search took me to this interesting site.

From all that I’ve read of the Duc, I think his likeness is portrayed very well (see above) in his Très Riches Heures – he’s the one in blue, and is no oil painting! The Valois princes weren’t known for their beauty! Anyway, his looks are nothing to do with the site about dogs at medieval banquets!

Which brings me to wonder about the above illustration. There are two very small dogs on the table. At least, I think they’re dogs. What breed could they be? There weren’t any chihuahuas in England back then, and (not being a dog afficionado) I don’t know of any other tiny dogs that were here. Maybe the creatures in the illustration are puppies? Although I imagine even medieval magnates would draw the line at what puppies might be inclined to do. As well as having a go at all the foods, I can imagine puddles among the magnificent platters or maybe even in some of those platters. Yes, this might seem a neat idea to a busy puppy.

So maybe they’re not dogs at all? Although what else they might be, I can’t say. Any ideas, folks?

And here is another site about medieval “dogdom”. Very detailed and beautifully illustrated.