Mastiff Types - an ancient legacy
There is always done a lot of writing about dogs, their history and developement. One story even bigger and more mythical than the other. But one must always be aware of the fact that (ancient) history is no exact science. Historical perspectives are partially formed by different indirect evidence, such as ancient wtitings, art and dug up objects.
Ancient writings should always be read with some skepticism and stories which are derived from them are not always as accurate, every time someone writes 'his' version, these stories tend to change over time because of the view of the writer at that moment. In fact, some say whole breed histories are based on misinterpreted ancient writings. Sometimes even deliberately, just to make it more interesting. One example is the generally accepted and widely known history and origin of our modern Molosser breeds, which can be called at least questionable...
Old paintings and such are reliable to the extent that they are a 'real' image of that particular time and they can't be changed during history...although it´s the interpretation of the artists reality. Complete historical theories can change overnight due to new discoveries.
Nowadays there are new insights possible, which in contrary to the conventional formation of history can indeed be regarded as conclusive, namely by genetic analysis. However genetics tells us no actual stories or events, it tells us everything about origins, spreading and development.
Sumerian Mastiff relief from Eshnunna (in todays Iraq), ca 2000 BC.
CLASSICAL ANTIQUITY
We start our journey through history about 2500 years back in time, to the ancient war dogs of Persia. It's Herodotus (484-425 BC), the famous Greek historican, who already wrote about war dogs. He mentioned the great amount of 'Indian dogs' that the Persian King Xerxes had with him during the Persian wars. He describes them as 'fearsome in both appearance and size'. Aristoteles, the influential Greek Philosopher (484-422 BC), mentioned Molossian dogs in his 'Historia Animalium'. According to him the dogs of Epirus were of enormous size and of indomitable courage, especially the ones mixed with the Laconian (Spartan) dogs. They served as hunting dogs and flock guards. Another Greek writer, Xenophon (430-355 BC) mentioned their suitability as bear hunters. A few hundred years earlier a Greek poet, Homeros (ca 800-750 BC) wrote about dogs at the battlefield in his 'Ilias'. In one of the passages Achilles swears to let the dogs tear Hektor's dead body to pieces. In another passage, Hektor's father Priamos sees his son lying at the gates of his palace, while his own mad dogs drink his blood.
Agesilaos (401-460 BC, warlord of Sparta) used dogs at Mantinea and Alyattes, King of Lydia (nowadays West Turkey - 6th century BC) at the coast of the Black Sea. According to common believe, Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) took Molossian dogs during his conquests through Persia and Asia. In the Indian regions the Greek crossed their dogs with Indian war dogs.
But wat exactly was meant with the ancient descriptions of these Molossian dogs. The Molossians were one of the 3 Epirote tribes which dominate the mountainous region of todays Albania between 500-170 BC, when it has been conquered by the Romans. Their dogs became famous along the years for their size and courage...these dogs are supposed to be the ancestor of all Bulldog and Mastiff breeds, however, this is highly questionable, just as their use as war dogs. None of the ancient writings indicate a connection between Molosser dogs and dogs used in wars. Much more likely is that these dogs were used as hunters, flock guardians and because of their alertness as camp sentinels, not as battle dogs. Why the history and influence of the Molossus in modern Mastiff breeds is so ingrained today is mainly due to incorrectly translated ancient latin writings, which over the centuries have blindly taken over by writers and historians.
We start our journey through history about 2500 years back in time, to the ancient war dogs of Persia. It's Herodotus (484-425 BC), the famous Greek historican, who already wrote about war dogs. He mentioned the great amount of 'Indian dogs' that the Persian King Xerxes had with him during the Persian wars. He describes them as 'fearsome in both appearance and size'. Aristoteles, the influential Greek Philosopher (484-422 BC), mentioned Molossian dogs in his 'Historia Animalium'. According to him the dogs of Epirus were of enormous size and of indomitable courage, especially the ones mixed with the Laconian (Spartan) dogs. They served as hunting dogs and flock guards. Another Greek writer, Xenophon (430-355 BC) mentioned their suitability as bear hunters. A few hundred years earlier a Greek poet, Homeros (ca 800-750 BC) wrote about dogs at the battlefield in his 'Ilias'. In one of the passages Achilles swears to let the dogs tear Hektor's dead body to pieces. In another passage, Hektor's father Priamos sees his son lying at the gates of his palace, while his own mad dogs drink his blood.
Agesilaos (401-460 BC, warlord of Sparta) used dogs at Mantinea and Alyattes, King of Lydia (nowadays West Turkey - 6th century BC) at the coast of the Black Sea. According to common believe, Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) took Molossian dogs during his conquests through Persia and Asia. In the Indian regions the Greek crossed their dogs with Indian war dogs.
But wat exactly was meant with the ancient descriptions of these Molossian dogs. The Molossians were one of the 3 Epirote tribes which dominate the mountainous region of todays Albania between 500-170 BC, when it has been conquered by the Romans. Their dogs became famous along the years for their size and courage...these dogs are supposed to be the ancestor of all Bulldog and Mastiff breeds, however, this is highly questionable, just as their use as war dogs. None of the ancient writings indicate a connection between Molosser dogs and dogs used in wars. Much more likely is that these dogs were used as hunters, flock guardians and because of their alertness as camp sentinels, not as battle dogs. Why the history and influence of the Molossus in modern Mastiff breeds is so ingrained today is mainly due to incorrectly translated ancient latin writings, which over the centuries have blindly taken over by writers and historians.
Marble statue of a Molossian dog, discovered in Rome. First named 'Dog of Alcibiades', brought to Britain by H.C. Jennings in the middle of the 18th century. The statue is a copy of a Greek bronze, dated around 200 BC. After centuries being in private hands, it's sold to the British Museum in 2001. Also known as the 'Jennings Dog'.
To find the true origins of modern Mastiff breeds we have to go to Mesopotamie (todays Iraq). Around 4500 BC the Sumerians settled in the south of Mesopotamie, it's not quite clear were they originally came from but it's assumed they migrated from the India/ Iranian area and took with them their huge hunting Hounds of Mastiff-type. They founded settlements and around 3200 BC these settlements were grown to major cities. The Sumerian civilization is considered to be the oldest on earth. Ancient art is found in the cities of Lagash and Senkerah (Southern Iraq), dated from the Sumerian era which show us broad-mouthed dogs.
Even more obvious are the Babylonian and Assyrian relics of broad-mouthed Hounds from about 2000 BC with inscriptions like 'Catcher of the hostile one', 'Don't stop to think, bite', Biter of his foe' and 'Consume his life'. Also the reliefs discovered in Eshnunna (East-Central Iraq) and Niniveh (Northern Iraq), dated between 1000-650 BC, depict dogs which are clearly of what we call 'Mastiff-type'.
We can assume that both Persian and Indian dogs are the war dogs of antiquity and the true ancestors of our modern Mastiff breeds. So Alexander the Great run into these Mastiff-type war dogs during his campaign through the East, instead of the theory that he went to war with these dogs himself. And perhaps he took such dogs along the conquest of the Middle East and perhaps he then brought back these dogs to Greece.
Another possibility is that already during the Persian Wars (490-479 BC), the Greek brought back these by Herodotus described dogs of war.
Even more obvious are the Babylonian and Assyrian relics of broad-mouthed Hounds from about 2000 BC with inscriptions like 'Catcher of the hostile one', 'Don't stop to think, bite', Biter of his foe' and 'Consume his life'. Also the reliefs discovered in Eshnunna (East-Central Iraq) and Niniveh (Northern Iraq), dated between 1000-650 BC, depict dogs which are clearly of what we call 'Mastiff-type'.
We can assume that both Persian and Indian dogs are the war dogs of antiquity and the true ancestors of our modern Mastiff breeds. So Alexander the Great run into these Mastiff-type war dogs during his campaign through the East, instead of the theory that he went to war with these dogs himself. And perhaps he took such dogs along the conquest of the Middle East and perhaps he then brought back these dogs to Greece.
Another possibility is that already during the Persian Wars (490-479 BC), the Greek brought back these by Herodotus described dogs of war.
Assyrian relics of broad-mouthed Hounds from about 2000 BC. with inscriptions like 'Catcher of the hostile one', 'Don't stop to think, bite', Biter of his foe' and 'Consume his life'.
This is all possible and even obvious, but if so, it's not that these dogs were then known under the name 'Molossus', as sometimes is stated by writers/ historians....They were different types with different tasks.
Anyway, it's debatable whether the ancient Greek themselves ever have used dogs consistently during their wars and although Greek writers often mention the use of war dogs, it almost always refer to other peoples (Persian, Hyrcanian, Indian..).
It's been said that through Greek colonies in Sicily and Southern Italy during the Hellenistic period (323-146 BC) these dogs were introduced into Italy. There is Etruscan pottery known which depict warriors with dogs dated already around 600 BC, 300 years before the Romans occupied Etruria. And years before that, the Etruscans occupied Rome (616-510 BC) and their influence on Roman civilization was enormeous. The Etruscan civilization in turn was heavily influenced by the Greek colonies of Southern Italy (Magna Graecia) and their traders. But which dogs were introduced by the Greek, their own Molossian dogs or the Persian war dogs, this remains unclear.
Anyway, it's debatable whether the ancient Greek themselves ever have used dogs consistently during their wars and although Greek writers often mention the use of war dogs, it almost always refer to other peoples (Persian, Hyrcanian, Indian..).
It's been said that through Greek colonies in Sicily and Southern Italy during the Hellenistic period (323-146 BC) these dogs were introduced into Italy. There is Etruscan pottery known which depict warriors with dogs dated already around 600 BC, 300 years before the Romans occupied Etruria. And years before that, the Etruscans occupied Rome (616-510 BC) and their influence on Roman civilization was enormeous. The Etruscan civilization in turn was heavily influenced by the Greek colonies of Southern Italy (Magna Graecia) and their traders. But which dogs were introduced by the Greek, their own Molossian dogs or the Persian war dogs, this remains unclear.
Sumerian terracotta, ca 2000 BC, Chicago Museum.
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Etruskan warriors with dogs, ca 600 BC.
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History tells us that the Romans have been widely deployed war and fighting dogs throughout Europe. In ancient literature we come across these dogs a lot, many Roman and Greek writers, like Virgilius (70-19 BC), Horatius (65-8 BC), Plutarchus (46-120 AC) and Aelianus (175-235 AC) praise the courage and tenacity of the powerful Molossus. Like in the story of Kapparos, a watchdog in the temple of Asklepios in Athens (Plutarchus, Aelianus in 'Natura Animalium'). But again, all these writers refer to the Molossus as guard and hunting dogs
There is however a description by Columella (4-70 AC) in 'De Re Rustica' which indeed resemble the Mastiff type instead of a Molosser: 'The appearance of the guard dog is powerful, a big broad skull and a short snout, hanging ears, a wide chest and strong muscles.' Such a description indicate that probably the Romans also were acquainted with the Mastiff-type dogs.
The alleged confrontation during the Roman invasion of Britain (ca 50 BC) with large and powerful fighting dogs is highly improbable. It's said that the Romans brought back these 'Pugnaces Britanniae', as they called them, in order to use them to fight in their amfitheatres. It's suggested that Roman and Greek writers of that time stated that they were far superior over the Molossus of Epirus. It seems that this theory is caused by one single poem of Grattius Faliscus and again, the main problem is an incorrect translation.
There is however a description by Columella (4-70 AC) in 'De Re Rustica' which indeed resemble the Mastiff type instead of a Molosser: 'The appearance of the guard dog is powerful, a big broad skull and a short snout, hanging ears, a wide chest and strong muscles.' Such a description indicate that probably the Romans also were acquainted with the Mastiff-type dogs.
The alleged confrontation during the Roman invasion of Britain (ca 50 BC) with large and powerful fighting dogs is highly improbable. It's said that the Romans brought back these 'Pugnaces Britanniae', as they called them, in order to use them to fight in their amfitheatres. It's suggested that Roman and Greek writers of that time stated that they were far superior over the Molossus of Epirus. It seems that this theory is caused by one single poem of Grattius Faliscus and again, the main problem is an incorrect translation.
Part of an Assyrian relief depicting a lion hunt with clearly Mastiff type dogs...(Niniveh, ca 650 BC).
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Roman guard dog mosaic, many were found at Roman upperclass houses (Domos), especially in the Pompei/ Herculaneum area.
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When study Roman history, it comes clear that the Romans themselves didn't use dogs at all during their wars, nowhere in literature can be found that dogs being used in battle and as far as putting them in their arenas, this can't be proven either. As far as the 'Pugnaces Britanniae' story...another theory is that there weren't any big, broad mouthed British war dogs...but medium sized, 'monkey-faced' fighting/ hunting dogs with rough hair. They were mentioned by some ancient writers, like Strabo, Tacitus and Nemesianus.
According to this theory the strongly built Mastiff type dogs actually were introduced after the Roman invasion. Over 5000 Alani warriors (a nomadic tribe which came originally from Kazachstan and later the Northern Kaukasus region, spread throughout Europe from around the 1st century AD) were send to Britain to guard the Wall of Hadrianus, The Alani were accompanied by big, strong hunting/ fighting dogs, Alaunts. These Alaunts would probably be the ancestor of the later Mastiffs and Bulldogs of Britain.
On the Iberian Peninsula and its Islands (Balearic and Canarian) it's quite possible that 'broad-mouthed' dogs existed centuries before the Romans arrived. The Greeks has founded colonies mainly in the North-East and Phoenicians already founded trading posts around 1000 BC, like Gadir at the Atlantic coast (nowadays Cadiz, one of the oldest cities of Europe). It's not inconceivable that they also introduced these Persian Hounds.
The Romans arrived at the Iberian Peninsula (which they called Hispania) and defeated the occupier, Carthago, during the 2nd Punic War (218-201 BC). Contrary to many writings, the Romans didn't have dog-regiments and neither did they conquer Hispania with the assistance of Alani foederati. However, when the Huns show up from the East around 370 AD, they defeat and drove the Alani (among others) to the west, into Europe. During the Great Migration that followed, the Alani arrived in Hispania and Gaul around 409 AD as auxiliaries of the Roman general Gerontius. Gerontius dies in 411 and the Alans divide Hispania with the Vandals and Suevi and founded their own Kingdom.
According to this theory the strongly built Mastiff type dogs actually were introduced after the Roman invasion. Over 5000 Alani warriors (a nomadic tribe which came originally from Kazachstan and later the Northern Kaukasus region, spread throughout Europe from around the 1st century AD) were send to Britain to guard the Wall of Hadrianus, The Alani were accompanied by big, strong hunting/ fighting dogs, Alaunts. These Alaunts would probably be the ancestor of the later Mastiffs and Bulldogs of Britain.
On the Iberian Peninsula and its Islands (Balearic and Canarian) it's quite possible that 'broad-mouthed' dogs existed centuries before the Romans arrived. The Greeks has founded colonies mainly in the North-East and Phoenicians already founded trading posts around 1000 BC, like Gadir at the Atlantic coast (nowadays Cadiz, one of the oldest cities of Europe). It's not inconceivable that they also introduced these Persian Hounds.
The Romans arrived at the Iberian Peninsula (which they called Hispania) and defeated the occupier, Carthago, during the 2nd Punic War (218-201 BC). Contrary to many writings, the Romans didn't have dog-regiments and neither did they conquer Hispania with the assistance of Alani foederati. However, when the Huns show up from the East around 370 AD, they defeat and drove the Alani (among others) to the west, into Europe. During the Great Migration that followed, the Alani arrived in Hispania and Gaul around 409 AD as auxiliaries of the Roman general Gerontius. Gerontius dies in 411 and the Alans divide Hispania with the Vandals and Suevi and founded their own Kingdom.
Statue of a strong-headed hunting dog, dated from the Roman Imperial Period. These dogs were clearly of Mastiff/ Hound type and there's an obvious resemblance with todays Pit Bull Terriers (Museo Pio-Clementino, Vatican).
Taking this into account, it's not surprising that the foundation of the Medieval war and hunting dogs of Italy and Spain, but also France and Britain can be traced back to their Alaunts.
Some historicans doubt whether dogs in antiquity really escorting warriors into battle, the representations of warriors with dogs, however, is such that we can assume it was a common phenomenon by ancient Eastern nations and tribes. In all probability, Romans, Greeks and ancient Egyptians did not use dogs at the battlefield, at least, there is no evidence to back this theory...
Some historicans doubt whether dogs in antiquity really escorting warriors into battle, the representations of warriors with dogs, however, is such that we can assume it was a common phenomenon by ancient Eastern nations and tribes. In all probability, Romans, Greeks and ancient Egyptians did not use dogs at the battlefield, at least, there is no evidence to back this theory...
AFTER THE ROMAN ERA
After the fall of the (Western) Roman Empire (around 475 AD) at the hands of the Huns and Germanic mercenaries led by Odoacer (435-493 AD), Italy became a Kingdom, Britain was at the mercy of the Angles and Saxons who drove the Celts to the West and the Visigoths founded their Kingdom in Hispania, a new era had dawned...
The Dark Ages, as it's called, became an era filled with wars and disturbances. It became somewhat stable again in Europe during the reign of Charlemagne (768-814).
Like the Romans, Greeks and Alani had left their mark in the European regions, also the descendants of their dogs had acquired a place in this new era of violence.
However, there are little to none known writings from the early Middle Ages about war dogs so it remains guessing about their use and development during that time.
But since later in the Middle Ages descriptions appear again regarding the use of war dogs, we can assume that this practise never has been died out.
In the course of time different types of dogs developed, depending of the preferences of owners, living conditions and type of work. These type of heavy build, strong dogs were known under the names Alaunt, Bondogge/ Bandogge and later Mastiff...but referred to the same type of dogs used for guarding, fighting, hunting big game and warfare.
After the fall of the (Western) Roman Empire (around 475 AD) at the hands of the Huns and Germanic mercenaries led by Odoacer (435-493 AD), Italy became a Kingdom, Britain was at the mercy of the Angles and Saxons who drove the Celts to the West and the Visigoths founded their Kingdom in Hispania, a new era had dawned...
The Dark Ages, as it's called, became an era filled with wars and disturbances. It became somewhat stable again in Europe during the reign of Charlemagne (768-814).
Like the Romans, Greeks and Alani had left their mark in the European regions, also the descendants of their dogs had acquired a place in this new era of violence.
However, there are little to none known writings from the early Middle Ages about war dogs so it remains guessing about their use and development during that time.
But since later in the Middle Ages descriptions appear again regarding the use of war dogs, we can assume that this practise never has been died out.
In the course of time different types of dogs developed, depending of the preferences of owners, living conditions and type of work. These type of heavy build, strong dogs were known under the names Alaunt, Bondogge/ Bandogge and later Mastiff...but referred to the same type of dogs used for guarding, fighting, hunting big game and warfare.
Illustrations from Oppianus of Appamea's Cynegetica, a poem about hunting, written in the early 3rd century and dedicated to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antonius (Caracalla).
Mastiff-type dogs were widely spread in Medieval England, royalty and noblemen used them to hunt but poachers also saw their potential...hence the Mastiff, which was referring to any large dogs at that time, is mentioned in the 'Forest Laws', introduced by William the Conqueror (1028-1087) around the 11th century. They were allowed as guard dogs but from both front feet the middle toe has to be removed...so they weren't capable of hunting game.
Well known is the story of Sir Piers Legh of Lyme Hall who was wounded in the battle of Agincourt (1415). His Mastiff, which apparantly accompanied him in battle, remained several hours with him during battle to protect him. It's said this dog is the foundation bitch of the 'Lyme Hall strain' which later the modern day English Mastiff is derived of.
In 1154 Henry II (1133-1189) became King of England and due to his marriage with the French Eleonora D'Aquitaine in 1152, whole the south west of France became under British rule (till 1453, after the fall of Bordeaux). Around this area, known as Aquitaine, there existed 2 types of strong dogs, Dogues and Doguins. The Dogues were large guard and protection dogs and Doguins were considerably smaller and were used as fighting dogs. Both these French dogs were mixed with brought English dogs of Alaunt/ Mastiff type and later taken back to England. The Dogue D'Aquitaine later became known as the Dogue de Bordeaux. The Dogue de Bordeaux could be divided into 3 types, The Bordelais, from the Bordeaux area and alike the Night Dogs of England, the Parisien from central France which showed great resemblance with the English Mastiff and the Toulousain or Dogue du Midi which was very similar to the Spanish Perro de Toro. The Spanish Alanos are assumed to be closely related to the French Dogues.
Well known is the story of Sir Piers Legh of Lyme Hall who was wounded in the battle of Agincourt (1415). His Mastiff, which apparantly accompanied him in battle, remained several hours with him during battle to protect him. It's said this dog is the foundation bitch of the 'Lyme Hall strain' which later the modern day English Mastiff is derived of.
In 1154 Henry II (1133-1189) became King of England and due to his marriage with the French Eleonora D'Aquitaine in 1152, whole the south west of France became under British rule (till 1453, after the fall of Bordeaux). Around this area, known as Aquitaine, there existed 2 types of strong dogs, Dogues and Doguins. The Dogues were large guard and protection dogs and Doguins were considerably smaller and were used as fighting dogs. Both these French dogs were mixed with brought English dogs of Alaunt/ Mastiff type and later taken back to England. The Dogue D'Aquitaine later became known as the Dogue de Bordeaux. The Dogue de Bordeaux could be divided into 3 types, The Bordelais, from the Bordeaux area and alike the Night Dogs of England, the Parisien from central France which showed great resemblance with the English Mastiff and the Toulousain or Dogue du Midi which was very similar to the Spanish Perro de Toro. The Spanish Alanos are assumed to be closely related to the French Dogues.
Extract of the 70 meters long Bayeux tapestry depicting King Harold with a group of hunting (war?) dogs. It was probably made in England around 1068 and it displays the leading up to the Battle of Hastings (14-10-1066).
One of the first extended descriptions of the Alaunt we find in King Alphonso XI of Castile's (1311-1350) 'Libro de Monteria'.
He described the Alaunt, or Alano, as a ferocious hunting - and war dog. A body like a heavy Greyhound with a solid head and square jaws, small eyes with cropped ears. The best were considered white with black markings near head and tail but grey, black and complete white were common colors.
It was common knowledge that the best Alaunts came from Spain and Gaston Phoebus Count of Foix (1331-1391), who lived near Spain confirmed this theory in his famous book 'Deduits de la Chasse des bestes Sauvaiges et de Oiseaulx de Proye', better known as 'Livre des Chasse'. Phoebus also sent 2 Spanish Alaunts, along with 4 Greyhounds to Louis I Duke of Anjou in 1373.
He described the Alaunt, or Alano, as a ferocious hunting - and war dog. A body like a heavy Greyhound with a solid head and square jaws, small eyes with cropped ears. The best were considered white with black markings near head and tail but grey, black and complete white were common colors.
It was common knowledge that the best Alaunts came from Spain and Gaston Phoebus Count of Foix (1331-1391), who lived near Spain confirmed this theory in his famous book 'Deduits de la Chasse des bestes Sauvaiges et de Oiseaulx de Proye', better known as 'Livre des Chasse'. Phoebus also sent 2 Spanish Alaunts, along with 4 Greyhounds to Louis I Duke of Anjou in 1373.
Early 14th century illustration of a hunting scene, depicting Alaunts (from Alphonso XI of Castilie's 'Libro de Monteria').
A little later In the book 'The Master of Game' (ca 1410), Edward of Norwich (1373-1415) wrote about Alaunts that they are suitable bull baiting and bear hunting dogs. Moreover, this book was largely a copy of Gaston de Foix's 'Livre des Chasse', written around 1387. They mentioned the existence of 3 types of Alaunts, Alaunt Gentile, Alaunt de Boucherie and Alaunt Vautre. They are well built, stubborn and very much capable of doing damage. A good Alaunt is complete loyal to its master, however its known that some have slayed their master. A good Alaunt should go fast and be hardy to take all kinds of beasts without turning, and hold fast and not leave it.
Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400), closely associated with the English Royal House, soldier in the 100 Years War (1337-1453) and famous poet mentioned Alaunts in his story 'The Knight's Tale' he wrote about packs of Alaunts to hunt lion and deer. They were big as bulls and usually muzzled. The best are white and they wear golden collars.
Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400), closely associated with the English Royal House, soldier in the 100 Years War (1337-1453) and famous poet mentioned Alaunts in his story 'The Knight's Tale' he wrote about packs of Alaunts to hunt lion and deer. They were big as bulls and usually muzzled. The best are white and they wear golden collars.
Gaston Phoebus and hunters accompanied by both types of hunting dogs, the Greyhound-type and the strongly built Alaunt (Livre des Chasse, 14th century).
RENAISSANCE
Come mastin sotto il feroce alano
Che fissi i denti ne la gola gli abbia,
Molto s'affanna e si dibatte in vano
Con occhi ardenti e con spumose labbia,
E non puo uscire al predator di mano,
Che vince di vigor, non gia di rabbia.
As Mastiff that belowes the Deerhound lies
Fixed by the gullet fast, with holding biter
Vainly bestirs himself and vainly tries
With lips besmeared with foam and eyes alight
And cannot from beneath the conqueror rise
Who foils his foe by force and not despite
Epic Poem Orlanda Furiosa 1516 by Ludovico Ariosto (1474-1533)
Around the beginning of the 15th century warfare changed by the development of the cannon. Therefor, the use of dogs in battles as 'fighters' gradually became unnecessary. However it's a well known fact that the 15th/16th century Spanish Conquistadors used trained war dogs to kill Indians during their conquest of South America...
Come mastin sotto il feroce alano
Che fissi i denti ne la gola gli abbia,
Molto s'affanna e si dibatte in vano
Con occhi ardenti e con spumose labbia,
E non puo uscire al predator di mano,
Che vince di vigor, non gia di rabbia.
As Mastiff that belowes the Deerhound lies
Fixed by the gullet fast, with holding biter
Vainly bestirs himself and vainly tries
With lips besmeared with foam and eyes alight
And cannot from beneath the conqueror rise
Who foils his foe by force and not despite
Epic Poem Orlanda Furiosa 1516 by Ludovico Ariosto (1474-1533)
Around the beginning of the 15th century warfare changed by the development of the cannon. Therefor, the use of dogs in battles as 'fighters' gradually became unnecessary. However it's a well known fact that the 15th/16th century Spanish Conquistadors used trained war dogs to kill Indians during their conquest of South America...
15th century armoured Alaunts, by Paulus Savetinus Ducensis (De Re Militari et de Machinis Bellicis).
It's been said that Columbus (1451-1506) took dogs with his second voyage to the New World and used them in his fight against the Taino Indians. When in 1519 Cortez (1484-1547) arrived in Mexico with about 500 men, he also brought with him horses and a pack of war dogs. Vasco de Balboa (1475-1519) used Alaunts to kill captured Indians in Panama and Hernando de Soto (1496-1542), another Conquistador let his dogs hunt Indian prisoners after releasing them.
During their conquests in the New World, the Conquistadores were always outnumbered by the native tribes but they did have some advantages such as guns, horses and war dogs, but their real advantage, they drew from native allies.
According to Matthew Restall (Seven myths of the Spanish conquest) were both horses and dogs but of limited use, only usable in certain circumstances. Horses in open field and dogs in close quarter combat, usually equipped with armor and spiked collar.
Conquistador Bernardo Vargas de Machuca (1555-1622) was convinced that the Indians had an innate fear of dogs but this was more in his head than it was based on facts, however, in the right circumstances the dogs were a good addition in battle.
During their conquests in the New World, the Conquistadores were always outnumbered by the native tribes but they did have some advantages such as guns, horses and war dogs, but their real advantage, they drew from native allies.
According to Matthew Restall (Seven myths of the Spanish conquest) were both horses and dogs but of limited use, only usable in certain circumstances. Horses in open field and dogs in close quarter combat, usually equipped with armor and spiked collar.
Conquistador Bernardo Vargas de Machuca (1555-1622) was convinced that the Indians had an innate fear of dogs but this was more in his head than it was based on facts, however, in the right circumstances the dogs were a good addition in battle.
Vasco Nunez de Balboa sets his war dogs on Indians, by the Flemish artist Theodor de Bry (1528-1598). According to Bartolome de las Casas (1484-1566), the Spaniards train their dogs to destroy and even eat the Indians. Human flesh was available and it kept the dogs ferocious towards the enemy (Destruction of the Indies, 1542).
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Woodcut from Antonio de Herrera's Historia General, depicting the Battle of Vega Real (1495), the first major battle between Columbus and the native Americans.
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King Carlos I of Spain (1500-1558) put regiments of war dogs against the French during the Italian Wars (1494-1559) but still, around that time it's a dying phenomenon and besides their use as guard dogs there was another type of work which became more and more popular at those days, fighting with animals as a sport...
Around the early 17th century it's certain that there existed 3 types of Alanos, a French/English dictionary by Randle Cotgrave (1611) described the types as follows:
`Allan de Boucherie - like our Mastyves, and serve butchers, to bring fierce oxen and to keepe their stalls.
Allan Gentile - like a Grayhound in all properties and parts, his thicke and short head excepted.
Allan Vautre - a great and ougly curre of that kind (having a big head, hanging lips and flowching ears) kept only to bait beare and wild boare.`
It is said that the word 'Dogue' and 'Doguin' appeared already in the 14th century. Cotgrave describes Dogue as 'a Mastiff or great dog' and Dogguin as 'a filthy, great old curre'.
There's no mention of different types and likely these were variations arise from Alaunts.
About which of the Alaunt types was most common used for baiting sports is not entirely clear, according to Cotgrave it's the Allan Vautre which is kept for baiting and the Allan de Boucherie a butcher's dog, however, Alonzo Espines de Espinar tells in his book 'Arte de Ballestria y Monteria' (1644) that it's the Alan de Boucher which is 'trained by the Spanish to fight the bull'.
He continues, 'a terrible strong dog. His strength is such that he is able to conquer animals like a ferocious, brave bull'.
Spain was known for its quality Alaunts, or Alanos in Spanish. The Alano was no breed in the sense we know it today but a working dog with a certain degree of variety in type.
They were being used as guardian, hunter and fighter which explains the external differences. Alanos were known under many different names, probably randomly used. The generic term for centuries is Alano, for example, in a dictionary from 1740 (Pineda) the Alano described as 'a Mastiff dog, particularly a Bull Dog'. The Bulldog, however, is mentioned again 2 times more, namely as Perro de Toros and Perro que Pelea con el Toro. Perro de Presa is not mentioned.
In a 1795 dictionary (Schmid) we can't find the Perro de Toros but indeed the Perro de Presa as a Bulldog, like the Alano. Also another dog, whose name we often come across in history is mentioned here, the Perro de Ayuda, described as a farm guard.
Around the early 17th century it's certain that there existed 3 types of Alanos, a French/English dictionary by Randle Cotgrave (1611) described the types as follows:
`Allan de Boucherie - like our Mastyves, and serve butchers, to bring fierce oxen and to keepe their stalls.
Allan Gentile - like a Grayhound in all properties and parts, his thicke and short head excepted.
Allan Vautre - a great and ougly curre of that kind (having a big head, hanging lips and flowching ears) kept only to bait beare and wild boare.`
It is said that the word 'Dogue' and 'Doguin' appeared already in the 14th century. Cotgrave describes Dogue as 'a Mastiff or great dog' and Dogguin as 'a filthy, great old curre'.
There's no mention of different types and likely these were variations arise from Alaunts.
About which of the Alaunt types was most common used for baiting sports is not entirely clear, according to Cotgrave it's the Allan Vautre which is kept for baiting and the Allan de Boucherie a butcher's dog, however, Alonzo Espines de Espinar tells in his book 'Arte de Ballestria y Monteria' (1644) that it's the Alan de Boucher which is 'trained by the Spanish to fight the bull'.
He continues, 'a terrible strong dog. His strength is such that he is able to conquer animals like a ferocious, brave bull'.
Spain was known for its quality Alaunts, or Alanos in Spanish. The Alano was no breed in the sense we know it today but a working dog with a certain degree of variety in type.
They were being used as guardian, hunter and fighter which explains the external differences. Alanos were known under many different names, probably randomly used. The generic term for centuries is Alano, for example, in a dictionary from 1740 (Pineda) the Alano described as 'a Mastiff dog, particularly a Bull Dog'. The Bulldog, however, is mentioned again 2 times more, namely as Perro de Toros and Perro que Pelea con el Toro. Perro de Presa is not mentioned.
In a 1795 dictionary (Schmid) we can't find the Perro de Toros but indeed the Perro de Presa as a Bulldog, like the Alano. Also another dog, whose name we often come across in history is mentioned here, the Perro de Ayuda, described as a farm guard.
Hunting scene by the French artist Joseph Parrocel (1646-1704).
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Mastiff type vs Wolf by Jean-Baptiste Théodon (1645-1713), Sceaux, France.
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Antonio Covarsi (1848-1937) writes in his Narraciones de un Montero (Tales of a Hunter, 1898) about Alanos, he describes them as ferocious and full of rage, willing to attack everything what comes in front of them, wether it's a dog, horse or wathever moves. The medium-sized Alanos of Mallorca are the best for fighting. However it has its pros and cons, they are very effective against boars and wolves and many die a miserable death after seized by the fierce Alanos.
According to Covarsi the Alano is a fighting dog while the Perro de Presa is a guard dog.
In several old books we come across the name Alano o de Presa , a dog, bigger than the Hounds, with broad chest and a short big neck. A heavy head with small sunken eyes and a obtuse snout with strong teeth. Used in the Monteria....
According to Covarsi the Alano is a fighting dog while the Perro de Presa is a guard dog.
In several old books we come across the name Alano o de Presa , a dog, bigger than the Hounds, with broad chest and a short big neck. A heavy head with small sunken eyes and a obtuse snout with strong teeth. Used in the Monteria....
Alanos, ferocious and full of rage... (Narraciones de un montero by Antonio Covarsi)
Summarized, the Molossus of Epirus was a hunting dog and foremost a flock guardian from the Greece/ Macedonian/ Epirote area. If we look at the large (flock) guard dog breeds of today it's most obvious that breeds like the Turkish Kangal, Central Asian Ovcharka, Gampr and Nagazi are closest to the original type of the ancient Molossus, but this was no war dog and certainly not the ancestor of the Mastiff breeds of today.
The broad-mouthed Hounds were the dogs that besides their use as hunting dog, also gained fame as battle dog during wars, Their origin can be found in ancient Mesopotamia and Central Asia. Their descendants are dogs like the Great Dane (which in fact is a wrong name, historically it's a German Mastiff/ Deutsche Dogge), Perro de Presa Canario, Cane Corso, Fila Brasileiro and Neapolitan Mastiff. These breeds mainly are originated by the Alaunt, In the Middle Ages, especially Spain was famous of its quality Alaunts/ Alano's and these Spanish dogs became very influential in the development of many Mastiff breeds of today. Unfortunately, many of these breeds eventually developed to a caricature of what they once were and became ruined by show breeders.
The broad-mouthed Hounds were the dogs that besides their use as hunting dog, also gained fame as battle dog during wars, Their origin can be found in ancient Mesopotamia and Central Asia. Their descendants are dogs like the Great Dane (which in fact is a wrong name, historically it's a German Mastiff/ Deutsche Dogge), Perro de Presa Canario, Cane Corso, Fila Brasileiro and Neapolitan Mastiff. These breeds mainly are originated by the Alaunt, In the Middle Ages, especially Spain was famous of its quality Alaunts/ Alano's and these Spanish dogs became very influential in the development of many Mastiff breeds of today. Unfortunately, many of these breeds eventually developed to a caricature of what they once were and became ruined by show breeders.
Bull fighting in Spain with the assistance of Alano dogs, by Francisco de Goya (1746-1828).
