gold ring with dog, c. 1770-75

rijksmuseum.nl (PD)
http://hdl.handle.net/10934/RM0001.COLLECT.52094

Here is a simple wide gold band, made in the Netherlands around 1770-75.  Its only embellishment is a hunting dog's head in profile.  Here's a better look:

See how worn the ring is?  Someone wore this on their finger for a long time.  Was this just any dog, provided as a sign for fidelity, or a special little portrait to delight the ring wearer?