Werewolves and DogMan? Similar origin or same creature? You decide.

As a researcher in the Cryptozoology field, A question I am often asked is “Are DogMan and Werewolves the same or are they different?”. Seems like a fairly simple question. Interestingly enough, the answer is far more intricate than most would think. If we look at the origins of Werewolf lore, Most — if not all — can be traced back to Europe, though truthfully, no one readily knows exactly where or when it began. But to the knowledge of most, the Werewolf myth began to arise in the Middle-ages in the context of Christianisation, and interpreted in pre-Christian mythology in Christian terms, Werewolves — often referred to as Lyncanthropes, were depicted as men or women who were doomed to change into a beast either through self affliction or through curses. More often than not, they are depicted as savage, feral, bloodthirst monsters who feast upon Humans. Other and even earlier Werewolf tales date back to Greek mythology in the form of Lycaon; The son of Pelasgus, whom enraged the god Zeus, and as punishment saw himself and his sons transformed into Wolves as punishment for feasting upon the sacrificial remains of a young boy. With so many spins placed upon the mythos, It’s no wonder that everyone is both thrilled and baffled by Werewolves. But…do Werewolves TRULY exist, albeit a different form? It’s possible. I know, I know. Right about now, you, the reader, are scoffing at the possibility of such an outlandish thought. But hear me out. People are indeed seeing large bipedal Canine-like beings (myself included). Often enough, these descriptions rarely, if at all, differ from the imagery of Werewolves set into our minds. The fangs, the bodies covered in fur, the glowing eyes, and at times, even the ferocity that Hollywood and other sources have instilled into us in terms of Werewolf behavior. Of course, I am speaking of the DogMan..the upright Canine species made popular by the sightings of the Beast of Bray Road. In depiction and in behavior, DogMan and Werewolves seem to differ very little from one another. And in some cases, have even been seen wielding weapons and wearing Human clothing. Case in point: The Werewolf of Defiant, Ohio. On July 25th of 1972, Ted Davis, a railroad worker, was on the Norfolk and Western train lines. Davis claimed to have seen a wolf-like creature that was at least six-feet tall in height. Allegedly, this creature was carrying a large wooden board with which the creature attacked Davis. The witness believed that this attack was pre-planned. Fascinatingly, some reports of this Werewolf depicted the creature as wearing jeans. As reports flooded in, residents were set on high alert. But, eventually, the sightings dwindled and the Werewolf was never seen again. Personally, I’ve always believed this to be the works of a prankster. It’s amazing what a cheap costume and mask can achieve. Especially when one plays the part in just the right fashion.

It isn’t often that we researchers hear of DogMan wearing clothes as the residents of Defiance Ohio claimed this Werewolf had. With that out of the way, let’s examine HOW the Werewolves might have transplanted themselves from European legend into our own backyard. It is believed by some studies that until recently, A land bridge between Europe and America existed. Now if this is indeed true, Is it possible that these “Werewolves” ventured over this bridge only to arrive in the wilderness of America? It’s possible. Now, let’s take a closer look at the two. From my own research, I do not believe that DogMan (or DogWomen) ever alter form. They do not change from a man to a beast upon a full moon, they do not sprout fangs and fur when their thirst for blood becomes uncontrollable. And with that belief in mind, Could it also be possible that early Europeans glimpsed what we now call a DogMan and assumed…by the means of superstition, that it was once a man? Absolutely!! With no basis to build off of, It’s all too easy to see how an upright creature would be falsely assume to be Human in origin. If this is indeed the case, than those upright Canines spotted in France, Germany and numerous other countries may have very well their way here. Though it is absolutely impossible for anyone to state their opinion as fact, This does give us a bit more to think about not only pertaining to the reality of DogMan, but it might also hold a clue as to how long they have been around. As we all know, Other Cryptids, such as Sasquatch and even Ogopogo have their own place in the legends and traditions of Indigenous people the world over. Each tribe has it’s own name for Sasquatch. So possibly, though we’ve yet to truly hear it, these same oral traditions include DogMan — or at least some equivalent.