Running dog pattern
The running dog pattern - sometimes simply referred to as running dog - was also known as Vitruvian scroll, Vitruvian wave and wave scroll. It is a repeating wave-like pattern that also looks like a series of scrolls if viewed from the end and joined together.
Running dog was often used in friezes, mouldings and other types of architectural borders. It was carved or painted onto the surface and appeared as the central element of a classical band or entablature.
The style can be found in the Roman Composite Classical order that appeared in the fifth century BC. It also appeared in Greek and Roman revival architecture.
The origin of the name running dog is unknown. However, the term is also frequently used for the same type of pattern (which can look like a series of dogs running) on certain ancient Persian carpets.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.