Famous man's best friends

INSPIRING TAILS OF MUCH-LOVED CANINES

- JAMES MOORE

IT’S an absolute mutt know - today is officially International Dog Day, celebrating the loveable pets. Canine critters have been keeping humans company for thousands of years and some of the greatest names in history have doted on their four-legged pals.

Here, JAMES MOORE looks at stories of famous figures and their furry friends...

Warrior hound: The 4th Century Greek ruler Alexander the Great was a top general and always by his side on military campaigns was his trusty dog Peritas. An ancient Molossian breed, he’s credited with having saved the life of his master by biting a charging elephant in battle and having taken on lions too. Killed by a javelin, Peritas died in Alexander's lap. The ruler named an Indian city after him.