The Dog Men (Dog Soldiers) were members of a highly respected warrior society among the Northern and Southern Cheyenne and their allies, the Arapaho. They lived apart from their tribe and maintained a militaristic society even as the older chiefs began to make peace with the white population.
They wore a distinctive sash and, in battle, were the most aggressive and fiercest fighters. They were regularly chosen to lead attacks (a very great honor). When under attack, Dog Soldiers were considered the last line of defense. They were known to “pin” themselves to one particular place on the battlefield using an extended leather thong or
sash fastened in place by a sacred arrow. The statement made was to die rather than retreat. In battle when death was imminent, they sang a song that only a Dog Soldier was allowed to sing.
The Dog Soldiers were exalted among the tribe to a level akin to the Holy men, and all young Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors strove to their example.