Proof of Samurai Dog

This suit of dog armor – identified by antique Japanese armor dealer Toraba.Com – is believed to have been created for the pet of a wealthy, high-ranking and presumably eccentric samurai or daimyo (feudal lord) in the mid to late Edo period (mid-18th to mid-19th century).

Although the carved wooden helmet and coat of black-lacquered scale mail would have provided effective protection against enemy attack, evidence suggests the canine never wore the armor into battle. More likely, the suit served as a decorative costume for parades and other formal ceremonial occasions.

Another theory, endorsed by this website, suggest that the dog frequently wore the intimidating armor while ruling Japan with an iron paw for over 70 dog years.