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The Dog Of The Great Pyramid: 5 Shocking Facts About Giza’s Most Famous Canines, From Ancient Royalty To A Viral October 2024 Climb

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The Giza Plateau, home to the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, is a place of endless mystery, but perhaps no recent story has captured the world’s imagination quite like the one involving a stray dog and one of the colossal pyramids. As of late December 2025, the story of the "Pyramid Dog" continues to be a viral sensation, yet it is merely the latest chapter in a 4,500-year history of canines being central to the Giza Necropolis.

This article dives deep into the incredible, and often shocking, true facts about the dogs of the Great Pyramid—from the modern-day stray who achieved an impossible climb to the revered royal guard dogs of the Old Kingdom who received burials fit for a pharaoh. The truth reveals a spiritual and physical connection between man’s best friend and the ancient Egyptian monuments that is far more profound than a simple viral video.

The Modern Mystery: Apollo, The Baladi Dog Who Scaled a Wonder

The world was stunned in October 2024 when a video, captured by paragliders, circulated online showing a dog calmly perched on the very top of a massive pyramid.

This was no ordinary tourist stunt; the dog, later identified as a local stray named Apollo, had somehow ascended the Pyramid of Khafre (the second-largest pyramid) to a height of nearly 450 feet.

The feat itself is a logistical marvel. Climbing the pyramids is strictly forbidden and heavily guarded, yet this small, tenacious Baladi dog found a way to navigate the massive, uneven stone blocks to the summit.

The paragliders, who were participating in the Egypt Gate 6 event, spotted Apollo during their flight. The video immediately sparked global curiosity, with many online commenters joking that the dog was a physical manifestation of Anubis, the ancient Egyptian jackal-headed god of funerary rites.

Fortunately, Apollo made a safe descent, showcasing an intelligence and agility that cemented his legend. The incident highlighted the presence of numerous stray dogs on the Giza Plateau, who are often viewed as part of the landscape, though none have ever achieved such a monumental climb.

5 Shocking Facts About Dogs and the Great Pyramids

The viral story of Apollo is just the tip of the iceberg. The historical and archaeological evidence shows that dogs were not just casual companions but powerful spiritual and physical entities in the Giza Necropolis.

1. The First Named Dog in History Received a Royal Giza Burial

Long before Apollo’s viral fame, there was Abuwtiyuw. Dating back to the Sixth Dynasty (around 2345–2181 BC), Abuwtiyuw is arguably the most famous dog in ancient history whose name we know.

He was a royal guard dog who was so beloved by his pharaonic master that he was granted an elaborate, ceremonial burial in the Giza Necropolis.

The details of his funeral, including the washing of his body, the wrapping in linen, and the entombment in a sarcophagus, were recorded on a limestone stele (a tomb marker).

This burial, located in Cemetery G 2100 in the Giza West Field, is a profound testament to the high status and emotional bond between humans and their canine companions during the Old Kingdom era.

2. Dogs Were Used to Guard the Pyramid Construction Sites

The construction of the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the other structures on the plateau was a massive undertaking that required constant security.

Archaeological evidence suggests that dogs played a critical, non-spiritual role as watchdogs and guard dogs at the construction camps and storage facilities. Their keen senses were essential for alerting workers to intruders or danger, making them vital members of the pyramid-building workforce.

3. Millions of Dog Mummies Were Found Nearby

While the Giza Plateau is famous for its pharaonic tombs, the nearby site of Saqqara (part of the larger Memphis necropolis) revealed the staggering scale of canine worship.

Archaeologists discovered catacombs containing an estimated eight million animal mummies, a significant portion of which were dogs.

These were likely votive offerings—sacrifices made to the god Anubis by pilgrims seeking spiritual favor. This mass burial demonstrates the dog's powerful religious significance as a mediator between the living and the dead.

4. The Ancient Breeds Are Still Recognizable Today

The dogs of ancient Giza were not a single breed but a variety of types. The general term for the earliest Egyptian dog was the Tesem, a type of hunting dog with prick ears and a curled tail, often depicted in tomb art.

Many modern breeds are believed to be direct descendants or close relatives of these ancient canines, including the sleek Saluki, the graceful Pharaoh Hound, and the agile Ibizan Hound.

These animals were prized not only for their loyalty but also for their prowess in the hunt, a common scene depicted in the mastaba tombs of Giza’s elite officials.

5. The Giza Dog and the God Anubis are Permanently Linked

The jokes about Apollo being Anubis are rooted in profound ancient belief. The dog (or jackal) was an essential symbol of death and the afterlife.

Anubis was the deity responsible for guiding the deceased through the underworld and presiding over the mummification process. His presence is felt throughout the Giza Necropolis, where his image is frequently found, linking the physical site to the spiritual journey.

The discovery of dog burials near human tombs suggests a belief that these faithful companions would continue their role as guardians in the afterlife, protecting their masters on their journey to eternity.

The Enduring Legacy of Canines on Khafre's Plateau

From the moment the first stones were laid on the Giza Plateau, dogs have been an inseparable part of the monument's history. They were the loyal hunting companions, the fierce guard dogs, the beloved pets, and the spiritual intermediaries to the powerful god Anubis.

The story of Apollo the Baladi dog, who dared to climb the Pyramid of Khafre in October 2024, is a powerful contemporary echo of this ancient relationship.

It is a reminder that the spirit of the dog—loyal, daring, and deeply connected to the landscape—has endured for millennia, watching over the silent stones of the Great Pyramid of Giza just as their ancestors did thousands of years ago. The enduring mystery is not how Apollo climbed the pyramid, but why the dog has always held such a sacred place at the foot of these eternal monuments.

The ongoing presence of the stray dogs of Giza ensures that the legacy of Abuwtiyuw and the cult of Anubis remains a living, breathing part of the world's most famous archaeological site.

great pyramid giza dog
great pyramid giza dog

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