Cave Canem Mosaic The Cave Canem Mosaic is apart of a wide collection of Animal Mosaics. This reproduction was found in Pompeii in The House of the Tragic Poet and illustrates a black dog surrounded by the latin quote: " Cave canem!" in English " Beware the dog!" . These words, much like similar signs today, warned visitors to enter at their own risk and served as protection over the more private quarters of the home. Material: Marble Dimensions: 40 x 40 cm View Photos For Further Details.