The Barking Dog has become one of Haring's most recognizable emblems, initially appearing in his 1980–85 New York subway art series. It became a symbol of tyranny and aggression, reminding viewers of the power abuses that saturate everyday life in America and abroad. The image is also seen as a commentary on Haring's own career as an artist who rose to fame while still young. Barking dogs were popular in American history: they appeared in cartoons during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. But Haring's version is different from these earlier images because it uses red, white, and blue rather than black and gray tones. It also shows a real dog (rather than a cartoon character) that is being aggressive toward its owner. This is relevant because Haring was born in 1945 and grew up in Brooklyn, where there was often violence on the streets. In addition to being a political statement, the barking dog is also a metaphor for Haring's own work. He said himself that he wanted to "make paintings that last more than one night", which means his works should be able to speak for themselves even after they are gone. Finally, the barking dog can be seen as a signature piece for Haring. He used to paint over old photographs so later generations would have something new to look at, but he never destroyed any original materials.