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Cryptid

Michigan Dogman

A seven-foot bipedal creature with the body of a man and head of a dog has been reported in Michigan's forests for over a century. Sightings peaked after a 1987 radio song brought the legend to attention.

1887 - Present
Northern Michigan, USA
200+ witnesses

Michigan Dogman

In the forests of northern Michigan, people have reported encounters with a creature standing seven feet tall, with the body of a man and the head of a dog. The Michigan Dogman has been sighted since 1887 and came to widespread attention after a 1987 radio song.

The Legend

The 1887 Sighting

Two lumberjacks in Wexford County saw a creature with a man’s body and dog’s head walking on two legs. They fled in terror.

The Song

In 1987, radio DJ Steve Cook recorded “The Legend” as an April Fools’ joke. The station was flooded with calls from people reporting genuine encounters—some predating the song by decades.

Reported Encounters

Witnesses describe:

  • 6-7 feet tall standing upright
  • Blue or amber reflective eyes
  • Canine head with pointed ears
  • Can run on two or four legs
  • A terrifying howl

The Ten-Year Cycle

Sightings reportedly peak in years ending in 7: 1887, 1937, 1987, 2017.

The Gable Film

In 2007, footage surfaced allegedly showing a Dogman attack. It was revealed as a hoax in 2010—but demonstrated how real the phenomenon felt to believers.


In northern Michigan, something walks through the forest on two legs. Seven feet tall, with the head of a dog. A joke song brought the legend to light, but the reports were real.