Mongrel Dogs: Animal Studies and Social Construction of Reality From Stray Dogs to Pet Influencer

Abstract

        This academic article analyzes the social construction of mongrel dogs in Thailand through the lens of animal studies, using textual analysis to study the construction of meanings of mongrel dogs through media, which are intertwined with the social and cultural contexts of each era. The analysis is divided into three distinct periods: The "Stray Dogs Era," prior to the 1990s, where mongrel dogs were widely regarded as undesirable stray animals. The "Mixed-Breed Era," spanning from the 1990s to 2010s, experienced a significant shift in perception when King Bhumibol Adulyadej adopted "Khun Thongdaeng," a mongrel dog, and coined the term "Thousand Ways Dog." This period saw an increase in films depicting the loyalty of mongrel dogs, leading to their growing acceptance as pets. Finally, the "Pet Influencer Era," from the 2010s onward, presents mongrel dogs as beloved family members with distinct personalities, often featured as pet influencers on social media. However, this era also maintains negative perceptions of mongrel dogs due to issues like stray populations caused by inadequate environments and improper care. The representation of mongrel dogs can be categorized into two sets of myths, with meanings that remain fluid and subject to change based on breed characteristics, environmental conditions, and upbringing. These factors influence societal perceptions and the varying degrees of acceptance of these dogs within the community.