Dogs of Roman Britain: Difference between revisions
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The breed is extinct. The genetics are gone forever. Same as the Old English Bulldog |
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'''''Pugnaces Britanniae''''' ([[Latin]]) or '''War Dog of [[Britannia]]''' is an [[extinct]] [[dog breed|breed]] |
'''''Pugnaces Britanniae''''' ([[Latin]]) or '''War Dog of [[Britannia]]''' is an [[extinct]] [[dog breed|breed]] of [[dog]] believed to be the [[progenitor]] to the [[English Mastiff]]<ref name="Fighting Dog Breeds">[[Dieter Fleig|Fleig, D.]] (1996). ''Fighting Dog Breeds''. '''''(Pg. 26 - 27)'''''. [[Neptune, NJ]]: TFH Publications. ISBN 0-7938-0499-X</ref> and possibly the [[Bulldog]]<ref>''The History of the Mastiff'', M.B.Wynn, [[1885]]. William Loxley.</ref>. The references by [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] writers to the [[canes pugnaces]]{{cn}} of [[Roman Britain]] suggest a dog that was both fast and strong. |
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==Historical references== |
==Historical references== |
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Revision as of 11:48, 16 June 2009
| Pugnaces Britanniae | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Roman Britain |
| Breed status | Extinct |
| Dog (domestic dog) | |
Pugnaces Britanniae (Latin) or War Dog of Britannia is an extinct breed of dog believed to be the progenitor to the English Mastiff[1] and possibly the Bulldog[2]. The references by Roman writers to the canes pugnaces[citation needed] of Roman Britain suggest a dog that was both fast and strong.
Historical references
The ancient Roman poet Grattius (or Grattius Faliscus) wrote of British dogs, describing them as superior to the ancient Greek Molossus, saying:
"What if you choose to penetrate even among the Britons? How great your reward, how great your gain beyond any outlays! If you are not bent on looks and deceptive graces (this is the one defect of the British whelps), at any rate when serious work has come, when bravery must be shown, and the impetuous War-god calls in the utmost hazard, then you could not admire the renowned Molossians so much."[3]
The ancient Greek historian Strabo reported that dogs were exported from Britain for the purpose of game hunting, and that these dogs were also used by the Celts as war dogs.[4]
The late Roman poet Nemesianus refers to British dogs, describing them as swift and suited to hunting.[5] The even later Roman poet Claudian describes British dogs "that can break the backs of mighty bulls".[6]
References
- ^ Fleig, D. (1996). Fighting Dog Breeds. (Pg. 26 - 27). Neptune, NJ: TFH Publications. ISBN 0-7938-0499-X
- ^ The History of the Mastiff, M.B.Wynn, 1885. William Loxley.
- ^ "Grattius - Cynegeticon". Retrieved 2009-06-07.
- ^ "Strabo's Geography". Retrieved 2009-06-07.
- ^ "Nemesianus - The Chase". Retrieved 2009-06-07.
- ^ "Claudian - On the Consulship of Stilicho". Retrieved 2009-06-07.
See also
Sources
- Fleig, D. (1996). Fighting Dog Breeds. (Pg. 26 - 27). Neptune, NJ: TFH Publications. ISBN 0-7938-0499-X
- Homan, M. (1999). A Complete History of Fighting Dogs. (Pg. 9). Howell Book House. ISBN 1-58245-128-1