Molossus

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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molossus_%28dog%29

Molossus (dog) History:

The Molossus were dogs that were kept by the ancient Greek tribe and kingdom of the Molossians, who inhabited the region of Epirus.

The Molossus were famous throughout the ancient world for their size and ferocity and were frequently mentioned in ancient literature, including the writings of Aristophanes, Aristotle, Grattius, Horace, Lucan, Lucretius, Martial, Nemesianus, Oppian of Apamea, Plautus, Seneca, Statius, Ovid, and Virgil. The Molossians issued silver coinage with an image of a Molossus as their emblem.

It is sometimes stated in books and magazines, particularly in Continental Europe and North America, that all mastiff-type dogs are descended from the Molossus. This theory states the breed’s progenitors arrived in Molossia from Asia and was eventually discovered by the Romans who employed large numbers as guards for the Roman Army; this theory speculates that the various mastiff breeds found throughout Europe descend from dogs left behind by the Romans. This theory has been questioned by many experts who state it relies on guesswork and lacks historical evidence, and that mastiffs likely developed elsewhere.

Another story is that in the course of his military conquests Alexander the Great discovered some giant dogs in Asia that impressed him so much that he sent some home; as the son of a Molossi princess these dogs became associated with his mother’s people and that it was from these dogs that all mastiffs descend.

It seems most likely that Molossi kept two distinct types of dogs, one a hunting dog with a broad muzzle which resembled something in between a Great Dane and a heavily built Saluki, the other a large livestock guardian dog. Aristotle in his History of Animals wrote "In the Molossian race of dogs, those employed in hunting differ in no respect from other dogs; while those employed in following sheep are larger and more fierce in their attack on wild beasts." He also added that dogs that are born of a mixed breed between the Molossian and the Laconian dogs are remarkable for courage and endurance of hard labour.

Polycrates of Samos imported Molossian and Laconian dogs to the island.

According to Greek mythology the goddess Artemis gave to Procris a dog, Laelaps, that never failed to catch its prey and from this dog derived the Molossian and Laconian hounds.

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Molossus - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molossus_%28dog%29

The Molossus (Greek: Μολοσσός) (also known as the Molossian hound, Epirus mastiff) was a breed of dog from Ancient Greece.

The Molossus were dogs that were kept by the ancient Greek tribe and kingdom of the Molossians, who inhabited the region of Epirus.

The Molossus were famous throughout the ancient world for their size and ferocity and were frequently mentioned in ancient literature, including the writings of Aristophanes, Aristotle, Grattius, Horace, Lucan, Lucretius, Martial, Nemesianus, Oppian of Apamea, Plautus, Seneca, Statius, Ovid, and Virgil. The Molossians issued silver coinage with an image of a Molossus as their emblem.

It is sometimes stated in books and magazines, particularly in Continental Europe and North America, that all mastiff-type dogs are descended from the Molossus. This theory states the breed’s progenitors arrived in Molossia from Asia and was eventually discovered by the Romans who employed large numbers as guards for the Roman Army; this theory speculates that the various mastiff breeds found throughout Europe descend from dogs left behind by the Romans. This theory has been questioned by many experts who state it relies on guesswork and lacks historical evidence, and that mastiffs likely developed elsewhere.

Another story is that in the course of his military conquests Alexander the Great discovered some giant dogs in Asia that impressed him so much that he sent some home; as the son of a Molossi princess these dogs became associated with his mother’s people and that it was from these dogs that all mastiffs descend.

It seems most likely that Molossi kept two distinct types of dogs, one a hunting dog with a broad muzzle which resembled something in between a Great Dane and a heavily built Saluki, the other a large livestock guardian dog. Aristotle in his History of Animals wrote "In the Molossian race of dogs, those employed in hunting differ in no respect from other dogs; while those employed in following sheep are larger and more fierce in their attack on wild beasts." He also added that dogs that are born of a mixed breed between the Molossian and the Laconian dogs are remarkable for courage and endurance of hard labour.

Polycrates of Samos imported Molossian and Laconian dogs to the island.

According to Greek mythology the goddess Artemis gave to Procris a dog, Laelaps, that never failed to catch its prey and from this dog derived the Molossian and Laconian hounds.

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The "Jennings Dog", a Roman copy of a lost Greek bronze statue, on display in the British Museum.

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Molossus - Molossian dog - albanianstudies.weebly.com/molossian-dog.html

This ancient dog breed of dog is commonly considered to be the ancestor ( in rivalry with the Alaunt, the dog of the Alans ) of today's Mastiff-type dogs and of many other modern breeds. Mastiff-type dogs are often referred to as Molossus dogs or Molossers. It is one of the best-known breeds of Greco-Roman antiquity; however, its physical characteristics and function are debated. Though the Molossus breed no longer exists in its original form, this large ancient breed was, along with the Tibetan Mastiff, an important ancestor of modern breeds such as the English Mastiff, St. Bernard, Great Pyrenees, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and Bernese Mountain Dog.

Most scholars agree that the Molossus originated with the Molossis people in the mountainous regions of north west Ancient Greece and southern Albania. The Molossians were renowned for their vicious hounds, which were used by Molossian shepherds of Epirus in the mountains of northwestern Greece to guard their flocks. The poet Grattius, a contemporary of Ovid, writes "...when serious work has come, when bravery must be shown, and the impetuous War-god calls in the utmost hazard, then you could not but admire the renowned Molossians so much."

The Molossian dog was traditionally a dog who guarded livestock. In addition, the Epirus region was highly depended on farming. Historical documents support this , the best proof comes from Aristotle ( IV century BC ) , the greatest philosopher of ancient Greece , in his work " On the history of animals," he writes : " ... the biggest cows in Epirus , give each a container and a half from both breasts ... " and furthermore he adds " ... besides the donkeys, Epirus produces animals who grow thick and large all over and so do the dogs ... " . So the people of Epirus, historically held alongside other farm animals, dogs as working tools for keeping cattle and livestock out of various harms way.

Some scholars contend that the Molossus was a dog used by the Ancient Illyria also for fighting. They describe it as having a wide, short muzzle and a heavy dewlap (similar to modern Mastiff breeds) that was used to fight tigers, lions, elephants, and men in battle. A Roman copy of a Greek original sculpture of a guard dog (known as the Jennings Dog) is generally considered to represent a Molossus and can be seen at the British Museum.
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Others argue that it was primarily a lightweight dog used for hunting and herding with physical characteristics more akin to Greyhounds or possibly the American Pit Bull Terrier.

The first thing to notice on an Molossian is the large head. It is approximately 40% of body height. The height of the dog is about 60-65 cm (2 feet - 2.2 feet), while the length of 110-120 cm (3 3/4 feet - 4 feet). Chest circumference ranges from 85 cm to 95 cm, and width at shoulder 30-35 cm. Body weight around 40-50 kg (99.2 lb - 110 lbs), but even more. So it turns out that he has a massive and powerful body, associated with a large head - Well, this is precisely the characteristic feature of this breed dog. As regards the form of the skull of the head of dogs, there are three basic forms: dolikocefale (eg Saluki breed originating from the Middle East), mezocefale (eg hunting breed originating Pointer English) and brakicefale (p .sh. Boxeri German). Form the head being average mezocefale Mollos is neither long nor narrow, nor short or wide, but powerful. Ballin has wide and slightly round. But in terms of the type of head, it is lupoido - mollosoide. We note that the term "mollosoid" is borrowed from the name exactly such dogs who wore Mollosëve Illyrian tribes in antiquity and used today Cynology science, to show dogs with big body and very strong.

The breed was native to Greece and the rest of the Balkans. It was later spread to Italy and other places in the Greek World by colonizing Hellenic peoples. Virgil says that in ancient Greece the heavier Molossian dogs were often used by the Greeks and Romans for hunting (canis venaticus) and to watch over the house and livestock (canis pastoralis). "Never, with them on guard," says Virgil, "need you fear for your stalls a midnight thief, or onslaught of wolves, or Iberian brigands at your back." Aristotle mentions them in the history of animals and praises their bravery and physical superiority.
​
The breed's name was used to name the small furry bat Molossus and, in turn, the family Molossidae.

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Molossian dog - albanianstudies.weebly.com/molossian-dog.html

This ancient dog breed of dog is commonly considered to be the ancestor (in rivalry with the Alaunt, the dog of the Alans) of today's Mastiff-type dogs and of many other modern breeds. Mastiff-type dogs are often referred to as Molossus dogs or Molossers. It is one of the best-known breeds of Greco-Roman antiquity; however, its physical characteristics and function are debated. Though the Molossus breed no longer exists in its original form, this large ancient breed was, along with the Tibetan Mastiff, an important ancestor of modern breeds such as the English Mastiff, St. Bernard, Great Pyrenees, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and Bernese Mountain Dog.

Origin - Most scholars agree that the Molossus originated with the Molossis people in the mountainous regions of north west Ancient Greece and southern Albania. The Molossians were renowned for their vicious hounds, which were used by Molossian shepherds of Epirus in the mountains of northwestern Greece to guard their flocks. The poet Grattius, a contemporary of Ovid, writes "...when serious work has come, when bravery must be shown, and the impetuous War-god calls in the utmost hazard, then you could not but admire the renowned Molossians so much."

History - The Molossian dog was traditionally a dog who guarded livestock. In addition, the Epirus region was highly depended on farming. Historical documents support this , the best proof comes from Aristotle ( IV century BC ) , the greatest philosopher of ancient Greece , in his work " On the history of animals," he writes : " ... the biggest cows in Epirus , give each a container and a half from both breasts ... " and furthermore he adds " ... besides the donkeys, Epirus produces animals who grow thick and large all over and so do the dogs ... " . So the people of Epirus, historically held alongside other farm animals, dogs as working tools for keeping cattle and livestock out of various harms way.

More historical evidence - Some scholars contend that the Molossus was a dog used by the Ancient Illyria also for fighting. They describe it as having a wide, short muzzle and a heavy dewlap (similar to modern Mastiff breeds) that was used to fight tigers, lions, elephants, and men in battle. A Roman copy of a Greek original sculpture of a guard dog (known as the Jennings Dog) is generally considered to represent a Molossus and can be seen at the British Museum.
​
Others argue that it was primarily a lightweight dog used for hunting and herding with physical characteristics more akin to Greyhounds or possibly the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Appearance - The first thing to notice on an Molossian is the large head. It is approximately 40% of body height. The height of the dog is about 60-65 cm (2 feet - 2.2 feet), while the length of 110-120 cm (3 3/4 feet - 4 feet). Chest circumference ranges from 85 cm to 95 cm, and width at shoulder 30-35 cm. Body weight around 40-50 kg (99.2 lb - 110 lbs), but even more. So it turns out that he has a massive and powerful body, associated with a large head - Well, this is precisely the characteristic feature of this breed dog. As regards the form of the skull of the head of dogs, there are three basic forms: dolikocefale (eg Saluki breed originating from the Middle East), mezocefale (eg hunting breed originating Pointer English) and brakicefale (p .sh. Boxeri German). Form the head being average mezocefale Mollos is neither long nor narrow, nor short or wide, but powerful. Ballin has wide and slightly round. But in terms of the type of head, it is lupoido - mollosoide. We note that the term "mollosoid" is borrowed from the name exactly such dogs who wore Mollosëve Illyrian tribes in antiquity and used today Cynology science, to show dogs with big body and very strong.

Uses for the dog - The breed was native to Greece and the rest of the Balkans. It was later spread to Italy and other places in the Greek World by colonizing Hellenic peoples. Virgil says that in ancient Greece the heavier Molossian dogs were often used by the Greeks and Romans for hunting (canis venaticus) and to watch over the house and livestock (canis pastoralis). "Never, with them on guard," says Virgil, "need you fear for your stalls a midnight thief, or onslaught of wolves, or Iberian brigands at your back." Aristotle[8] mentions them in the history of animals and praises their bravery and physical superiority.
​
The breed's name was used to name the small furry bat Molossus and, in turn, the family Molossidae.

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The Molossus:

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The Molossus:

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The Molossus:

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The Molossus:

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Becerrillo: The Terrifying War Dog of the Spanish Conquistadors

www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/becerrillo-0014283?fbclid=IwAR2l_fchMCUwZTAwDUnFaY14K6h0s7nid7q2bstJVrk_SSdbRhFn2eEwwWQ

Dogs have been used as powerful weapons of war for at least the last 3,000 years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, Sarmatians, Assyrians, Britons and Romans are all known to have used dogs in combat, or for scouts, sentries, trackers, or executioners. But the Spanish conquistadors employed war dogs on a scale that had rarely been seen before, and with devastating effect, and Becerrillo was their most prized weapon of war.

Origins of War Dogs
Often dubbed man’s best friend, dogs have been partnered with humans and used in warfare since their domestication more than 50,000 years ago. Not just for attacking, work hounds were used for protecting livestock or property, or for simple companionship.

The earliest written account of war dogs comes from a classical source regarding Alyattes, King of Lydia. The war dogs are said to have attacked and killed invaders in a battle against the Cimmerians around 600 BC.

In antiquity, troops from Anatolia used war dogs in conjunction with cavalry. Riders were said to release their hounds on the enemy to disrupt and soften lines, and then the mounted warriors would charge, to devastating effect.

Xerxes I of Persia invaded Greece in 480 BC and brought large packs of Indian hounds.

War dogs are said to have been present at the Battle of Marathon, dating to 490 BC, between the Greeks and Persian Empire.

Centuries later the Roman army used various breeds of work and war dog, but it is recorded the heavy and capable Canis Molossus or Molossian was specially bred just for combat.

The Celtic warriors challenged Caesar’s landing in Britain in 55 BC with their intimidating English Mastiffs. Mastiffs are cited as one of the oldest recorded breeds, since Caesar described them in his accounts.

Dogs in the New World
Christopher Columbus was the first to use dogs as weapons in the New World. He released them upon the indigenous people of Hispaniola in 1493 and to disperse groups that came to stop his landing in Jamaica in 1494. But it was the Battle of Vega Real in 1495 that awoke Columbus to the potential that dogs had as weapons against the inhabitants of this new land.

On March 27, 1495, Columbus and his brother Bartholomew marched inland on Hispaniola with 200 men, 20 horsemen, and 20 Spanish Mastiff dogs to do battle with the Arawak natives , who were opposing Spanish rule. The forces were led by Spanish conquistador Alonso de Ojeda, who had learned the art of using war dogs in battles against the Moors of Granada . In The Pawprints of History: Dogs in the Course of Human Events , author Stanley Coren describes the scene:

“He gathered the dogs on the far right flank and waited until the battle had reached a high level of fury. He then released all twenty mastiffs, shouting “Tómalos!” (meaning “take them”). The angry dogs swept down on the native fighters in a raging phalanx, hurling themselves at the Indians’ naked bodies. They grabbed their opponents by their bellies and throats. As the stunned Indians fell to the ground, the dogs disemboweled them and ripped them to pieces. Spinning from one bloody victim to another, the dogs tore through the native ranks.”

With each subsequent voyage to the Americas, hundreds and then thousands more dogs were brought over. The most popular breed was the mastiff, which could weigh up to 250 pounds and crush bones with its massive jaws. Their sheer size and fierce look instilled terror among the native population. Famous conquistadors, like Balboa, Velasquez, Cortes, De Soto, Toledo, Coronado and Pizarro, all used dogs as instruments of subjugation, execution and as a form of psychological warfare. But it was Juan Ponce de León , a top military official in the colonial government of Hispaniola, who unleashed the fiercest warrior of them all – Becerrillo.

Becerrillo: The ‘Bull’ That Was Trained To Kill
Becerrillo, a name meaning ‘Little Bull,’ was a brown-eyed, red pelted mastiff owned by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León but often entrusted to the care of conquistadors Captain Diego Guilarte de Salazar and Sancho de Aragón.

Becerrillo’s origins are uncertain, but it is believed he was born in the Americas in the kennels of Ponce de León. The earliest records of him date to 1511, but by then he was already described as sporting battle scars.

Ponce de León was the conqueror of Puerto Rico . After landing there in 1508, he filled his pockets with gold before convincing Christopher Columbus’s son, Diego, to declare him governor of the island. He then set out with men and dogs to subdue the native population and become rich.

He trained his prized possession Becerrillo to become a powerful weapon. The dog was taught to distinguish between the Spanish and the natives, to search out and cut down runaway captives, and to kill in battle.

The 16th-century Spanish historian and chronicler, Bartolomé de las Casas, reported that Becerrillo “attacked his enemies with frenzied rage and defended his friends with great courage…,” adding that the indigenous people were “more afraid of ten Spanish soldiers with Becerrillo than a hundred by themselves.”

Becerrillo was so skilled at tracking down, killing and terrorizing the natives, that he was worth 50 soldiers to Ponce in his campaign to subdue the Taíno people of Puerto Rico.

In 1512, Ponce de León’s luck would change. Diego Columbus became envious of the riches that Ponce de León was acquiring in Puerto Rico. Diego convinced the king to name him governor instead, officially usurping Ponce. Not ready to let go of his pursuit of wealth, Ponce secured a grant to conquer an island named Bimini, that rumor had it was full of gold and treasures. He set sail in 1512, leaving Becerrillo under the care of Guilarte de Salazar and Sancho de Aragón .

Salazar was quick to utilize Becerrillo in battle. One night, Becerrillo alerted the conquistadors of a surprise attack being launched by the natives. Salazar launched into action with the dog by his side, and in just 30 minutes, Becerrillo had savaged and killed 33 of the natives, leaving behind a battleground of bodies.

Becerrillo Shows Mercy
While Becerrillo had been trained to kill, one historical account, related in Coren’s Pawprints of History , tells a tale of mercy. The conquistadors were camped outside the settlement of Caparra in Puerto Rico waiting for the arrival of the Spanish governor. Looking for something to amuse themselves, Salazar gave a folded piece of paper to an old woman, telling her to deliver it to the governor. As the woman began on her way, Salazar released Becerrillo commanding him to kill her. As the dog raced towards her, the woman dropped to her knees and was reported to have called out "Please, my Lord Dog. I am on my way to take this letter to Christians. I beg you, my Lord Dog, please do not hurt me."

Becerrillo sniffed the woman and then, disobeying his master’s orders, turned and walked away. When the governor was told what had occurred, he released the old woman and forbade any further terrorizing of the locals, declaring “I will not allow the compassion and clemency of a dog to overshadow those of a real Christian.”

Death
The campaign of terror committed through Becerrillo came to an end one morning in 1514 when indigenous Caribs from the island of Vieques captured Sancho de Aragón. According to Spanish historian Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés in his 1535 Historia, the dog pursued the attackers who had taken off in dugout canoes, by making his way through the water. Becerrillo became an easy target and was hit by a volley of arrows. Spanish soldiers cauterized his wounds, but he died shortly afterwards. He was given a secret burial and, according to Oviedo, was mourned more than their fallen comrades.

Like every soldier and every dog loyal to his master, Becerrillo was dutiful and allegiant until the very end. He may have killed many, but it was his masters that were the true killers.

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Becerrillo: The Terrifying War Dog of the Spanish Conquistadors