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When you look at Canis Major, (the greater dog,) it comes across as one of the most obvious constellations out there. 

It is a dog. 

It is obviously a dog.

You can see that it is a dog. 

Greek tradition will agree with you. 

So much so, that there is a long list of different dogs that it may be.  

From Laelaps which Zeus gave to Europa, and to one of Orion’s Hunting dogs. 

Later on, the Romans would keep this idea, and add Canis Minor to the mix. 

(Quite interesting in itself because along with Canes Venatici this makes for four dogs in all. A testament to humanity’s general fondness for our four legged friends.) 

Anyway, the point remains; Canis Major is obviously recognisable as a dog. 

One of those constellations where one reads the name, and instantly understands. 

Or is it?

With all the backstories of different dogs surrounding this constellation, one could ask oneself perhaps, if the easy recognition comes more down to suggestion. 

Coupled with a hefty dose of pattern recognition. 

Which, it must be said, is without match in our species. 

Would the dog be as easily recognizable without its name? 

The fact is, that when faced with these same stars the ancient Babylonians saw an arrow, and a bow. 

In Chinese astrology the constellation is placed within the vermillion bird. 

No trace of a dog anywhere in sight. 

Yet  when looking at the stars, the dog is clearly visible. 

Is that, perhaps, because one knows to look for it? 

How many of the many mythological backstories concerning this astrological dog would be in place, if the constellation had not already been called “dog?” 

Now there is a question without a certain answer.