Jew-dogs were viewed as filthy, contaminating Christians, a belief that generated a number of rules surrounding Christian relations with Jews. Citing Paul [I Corinthians 6:12], Christian theologians argued that sharing a meal with Jews was paramount to “fornicating against one's own body.” In Renaissance paintings, dogs are often shown barking and sneering at Christ—symbolizing Jews.

Sophia Rose Arjana, Muslims in the Western Imag…, loc. 231