In any event, back in the T'ang dynasty during the so-called Classical Period of Chinese Zen, a monk once asked Master Joshu, "Does a dog have buddha nature?"

Joshu said, "Yes."

The monk asked, "In that's so, then how did it get into that flea-bitten skin bag?"

Joshu said, "It intentionally offends."

On another occasion, a different monk asked Joshu, "Does a dog have buddha nature?"

Joshu said "Mu" ("No").

The monk said, "All sentient beings have buddha nature.  How come a dog doesn't have buddha nature?"

Joshu said, "Because it has karmic consciousness."