Question
Gramps,
I am looking for the story regarding yellow dog which is related to conditions before the second coming.
Victor
Answer
Victor,
Among Latter-day Saints, there are numerous stories, predictions, and traditions that have circulated for generations. Some come from documented statements of prophets and apostles, while others have been passed down by word of mouth and have become part of Mormon folklore. One of the most famous examples is the so-called “Yellow Dog Prophecy.”
Many Church members have heard references to it, often connected with predictions of national collapse, civil unrest, economic hardship, or the Constitution being in danger. But what exactly is it, and does it have any official standing in the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
The short answer is that the Yellow Dog Prophecy is not an official doctrine of the Church, and no verified version of it has been accepted as authentic by Church leaders.
The Yellow Dog Prophecy is the name commonly given to a collection of alleged prophetic statements attributed to early Church leaders, especially the Prophet Joseph Smith.
The prophecy exists in numerous versions. Depending on who is telling the story, it may include predictions such as:
- The United States experiencing severe internal turmoil.
- Economic collapse and widespread suffering.
- The Constitution hanging by a thread.
- Foreign troops or foreign influence on American soil.
- Latter-day Saints gathering in places of safety.
- A statement that people would exchange valuable property for a “yellow dog” in times of desperation.
The last idea is generally believed to be where the prophecy received its popular name.
The problem is that no single, reliable version exists. Different retellings contain different details, and many versions contradict one another.
There is no verified record showing that Joseph Smith delivered the Yellow Dog Prophecy in the form commonly circulated today.
Historians who have examined the subject have noted that the prophecy does not appear in Joseph Smith’s known revelations, sermons, journals, or official records.
That does not mean every element of the stories is completely fictional. Some parts appear to draw on genuine statements by Joseph Smith about future troubles, the Constitution, and the destiny of the United States. Over time, however, these ideas seem to have become mixed with later recollections, rumors, embellishments, and speculation.
As a result, it is difficult—if not impossible—to separate fact from folklore in many versions of the prophecy.
The Church has consistently encouraged members to rely on authenticated scripture and the teachings of living prophets rather than unofficial prophecies.
A useful principle comes from President Harold B. Lee, who warned:
“If it is not in the standard works, you may well assume that it is speculation.”
While President Lee was speaking broadly rather than specifically about the Yellow Dog Prophecy, his counsel applies directly to stories and predictions whose sources cannot be verified.
Likewise, Church leaders have repeatedly cautioned members against becoming preoccupied with rumors, sensational predictions, and alleged revelations that do not come through authorized channels.
The Church teaches that official doctrine is established through scripture and the united teachings of living prophets and apostles—not through anonymous documents, chain emails, internet posts, or folklore.
Although the Yellow Dog Prophecy itself is not considered reliable, some of its themes are rooted in genuine prophetic teachings.
For example, Joseph Smith did teach that the Constitution would face serious challenges in the future.
One frequently quoted statement, recorded years after his death by several individuals, says that the Constitution would one day “hang by a thread” and that the elders of Israel would help preserve it.
Church leaders have spoken positively about the Constitution’s inspired nature and the responsibility of citizens to support the righteous principles of freedom.
However, even here, caution is necessary. Various versions of the “Constitution hanging by a thread” statement exist, and historians continue to discuss the exact wording and historical reliability of different accounts.
The important point is that belief in the Constitution’s inspired nature stems from the established teachings of Church leaders, not from the Yellow Dog Prophecy itself.
Similarly, scriptures and modern prophets have taught that difficult times will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Wars, natural disasters, social upheaval, and spiritual challenges are clearly discussed in both ancient and modern revelation.
Because these themes are real doctrines, stories like the Yellow Dog Prophecy sometimes seem believable. But that does not make every detail authentic.
There are several reasons.
First, people naturally want information about the future. Predictions about coming events often attract attention, especially during times of uncertainty.
Second, dramatic stories are memorable. A prophecy involving economic collapse and trading valuable possessions for a yellow dog is far easier to remember than a careful historical discussion about sources and documentation.
Third, many members sincerely want to prepare for difficult times and protect their families. That desire is good and consistent with gospel principles. Sometimes, however, it can lead people to place too much confidence in unofficial predictions.
President Dallin H. Oaks has repeatedly emphasized the importance of obtaining truth from reliable sources and following current prophetic counsel rather than rumors and speculation.
A balanced approach would include several principles:
- Treat it as folklore rather than doctrine.
- Recognize that no authoritative version exists.
- Focus on confirmed teachings found in scripture and official Church sources.
- Follow the counsel of living prophets regarding preparedness, self-reliance, and faith.
- Avoid fear-based speculation about future events.
The gospel does not require members to believe the Yellow Dog Prophecy. A faithful Latter-day Saint can completely disregard it and lose nothing essential to salvation or discipleship.
Gramps
