What breed was Chekhov's lady's dog? - briefly
Chekhov's lady's dog in the story "The Lady with the Dog" is described as a white Pomeranian.
What breed was Chekhov's lady's dog? - in detail
In Anton Chekhov's short story "The Lady with the Dog," the breed of the lady's dog is not explicitly mentioned. The story focuses more on the evolving relationship between the two main characters, Anna Sergeyevna and Dmitri Gurov, rather than on specific details about the dog. However, the presence of the dog serves as a subtle narrative device, symbolizing Anna's initial aloofness and her eventual emotional vulnerability. While Chekhov does not specify the breed, the dog is described as a small, white Pomeranian, a popular companion dog among the upper classes in Russia during the late 19th century. This choice of breed aligns with the character of Anna, a married woman of refined taste and social standing. The Pomeranian's delicate appearance and affectionate nature mirror Anna's own complexity and the nuanced emotions she experiences throughout the story. Chekhov's deliberate omission of the breed's name underscores his minimalist style, where even minor details contribute to the broader thematic exploration of human relationships and societal expectations.