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Aesop's Fables · Chapter

The Dog and the Sow explained

A Dog and a Sow argue over whose offspring are superior.

What happens

A Dog and a Sow argue over whose offspring are superior. The Sow claims victory by pointing out that her piglets are born with sight, while puppies are born blind.

Themes in this chapter

  • Pride and Folly

    Both animals boast about their offspring, revealing pride in trivial matters.

  • Appearance vs. Reality

    The Sow's argument hinges on a visible trait (sight), but the deeper value of the young is not considered.

Characters to notice

  • The Dog

    Argues with the Sow about the superiority of their young.

  • The Sow

    Claims her young are finer because they are born with sight.

Key passages

  • “Well, mine can see, at any rate, when they come into the world: but yours are born blind.”

    At least my piglets are born with their eyes open, unlike your puppies who are born blind.

    The Sow uses a factual difference to win the argument.

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