What was the name of Alexander the Great’s favorite dog?

Peritas (Greek: Περίτας) was Alexander the Great's favorite dog, who accompanied him during his military exploits. Peritas probably resembled a giant Dogue de Bordeaux, Mastiff, or Neapolitan Mastiff, although there has been some controversy that Peritas was actually more of an Afghan Hound or Saluki, rather than an early Mastiff type. Enormous, powerful dogs were bred specifically to go to battle beside men and to fight as hard as those with swords and axes did. The war dogs of this era were expected to show no fear and fight any opponent – including elephants, lions, and armed warriors.

Legend says that at the Battle of Gaugamela, in 331 BC, Alexander was trapped and wounded by the Malian troops with his warriors on the other side. Leonnnatus told Peritas to go to Alexander, which he did. The valiant dog fought and tore his way through the troops until he got to Alexander’s side. Peritas held the enemy off until Alexander’s troops were able to fight their way to him. Peritas was mortally wounded, crawled to Alexander, and died after placing his head in his lap. Alexander won that war and named the city of Peritas, in India, in his beloved dog’s honor. Peritas’ tomb with his statue still stands at the entrance to the city that bears his name.

In “The Life of Alexander,” Plutarch writes: “It is said, too, that when he lost a dog also, named Peritas, which had been reared by him and was loved by him, he founded a city with the dog’s name.”