Dando's Dogs

Illustration of Dando's Dogs

Dando's Dogs also known as the Devil's Dandy Dogs or the Dogs of Dando, are mythical creatures in English folklore. They are hounds that take part in the Wild Hunt and are also believed to be associated with Black Dogs.

Overview

The legend involves a sinful priest named Dando, who was a capable huntsman. After a Sunday hunt, Dando drinks all the alcohol that his companions give him only for Dando to call for more. He exclaims that if the drink he wants cannot be found on Earth, they should journey to Hell to obtain it.

A strange huntsman comes forward and offers Dando a drink, but seizes some of Dando's game from the hunt. A drunken Dando tries to stop the huntsman, shouting, "I'll go to Hell after them, but I'll get them from thee." The huntsman whisks Dando away to Hell, while Dando's dogs give futile chase. It is said that on early Sunday mornings, "Dando's Dogs" can be heard, either pursuing game or searching for Dando.