A Lineage of Distinction
The House of Osuna was established in the 16th century when the first duke, Don Francisco de la Cueva y Silva, was appointed by King Philip II. Since then, the Dukes of Osuna, known for their influence and power, became important patrons of the arts and benefactors of culture. During the 18th century, the Duke of Osuna distinguished himself for his interest in literature and painting, turning his home into a significant cultural center.
However, despite their status and contributions to the arts, the personal lives of the dukes were marked by numerous tragedies and curiosities that sometimes defied logic. The anecdote of the dog that inherited a dukedom falls within this tradition of oddities that characterize the nobility of the time.
The Anecdote of the Dog
The episode in question featured a dog named "Tigre," who belonged to the family of the Dukes of Osuna. According to accounts, Tigre was a dog held in high esteem and affection by his owner, the Duke of Osuna, who had an almost excessive fondness for him. The story begins with the duke's death, who, before passing away, decided that his beloved dog should be rewarded for his loyalty and companionship in an unusual way: inheriting part of his fortune and, surprisingly, the title of duke.