Roman War Dogs: History, Breeds, and Everyday Life

Roman war dogs were an integral part of the Roman army, serving as companions, messengers, and even combatants.

These dogs were often bred for specific tasks, such as hunting or guarding, and were trained to respond to commands in Latin.

Some of the most common breeds used by the Romans included the Molossus, a large and powerful dog used for guarding and combat, and the Laconian Hound, a smaller dog bred for hunting.

The Romans valued their war dogs for their loyalty and bravery, often rewarding them with food and praise.

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The Roman War Dogs were a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. They were trained to attack the enemy, sent into battle with armor or spiked necks, and even used as relays to send messages. The Romans first used battle dogs in their military formations, modeling their tactics after those of other peoples who had engaged in battle.

These war dogs were incredibly brave and were used in a variety of ways, including sentry duty and as "fire bearers" with buckets of flaming oil on their backs. They were also used to weaken the enemy's lines by wreaking havoc ahead of the cavalry.

The Canis Pugnax, a breed of war dog, was renowned for its fearlessness and bravery. It was used as a "pireferi" and was harnessed up with buckets of flaming hot oil to charge into battle. The Romans took some of these dogs back to Italy where they were interbred with native dogs of that region.

The resultant dogs, known as Canis Pugnax, were trained to go into battle with the Romans. They sported collars and anklets with large spikes and treacherous curved blades.

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The Romans had a fondness for small dogs, which they called catuli and catellae, and would often keep them as domestic pets. These little dogs were spoiled rotten, with owners serving them food in abundance.

The Romans also imported various breeds from other regions, including the Molossus of Epirus, a large and powerful breed used as a guard and shepherd dog. The Vertragus, a greyhound from Gaul, was another popular import used for running competitions.

The Cane Corso, a Molossoid breed, has its roots in ancient Greece and was favored by Greek livestock keepers as guardians for their animals.

In Capua, there was a renowned dog training center in the ancient Roman Empire.

The war dog farms in Capua were the most important dog training center in the world, attracting dogs of all breeds from across the Empire.

Dogs were not only trained but also crossed with each other to improve performance, making them even more effective.

The Romans studied the most suitable food for their war dogs, ensuring they were well-fed and ready for battle.

War dogs were often protected by leather armor and sometimes equipped with protective metal blades to enhance their fighting capabilities.

Seneca noted that even beggars kept company with dogs, who would accompany them as they asked for alms in public places.

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The Cane Corso breed has a rich history that dates back to ancient Greece. The Molossers, a type of dog that the Cane Corso is descended from, were first mentioned in 411 B.C. and were favored by Greek livestock keepers for their ability to guard animals.

These dogs were not only strong and athletic, but also nimble and able to chase off predators. They were highly valued for their skills and were often used in battle. The Molossers are believed to be the predecessors of many modern-day Mastiffs and Mastiff-type dogs.

The Cane Corso itself is a Molossoid breed, meaning it's a type of dog that originated from the Molossers. It's a large and powerful breed, known for its intelligence and athleticism. The Cane Corso was originally used as a guard dog and in battle, and its descendants can still be seen today.

Here's a brief overview of the Cane Corso's ancestors:

The Cane Corso's history is a testament to the importance of dogs in ancient times. They were not only loyal companions, but also valuable assets in battle and as guard dogs. Today, the Cane Corso is still a popular breed, known for its intelligence, athleticism, and loyalty.

Dogs played a significant role in ancient Roman society, bred for various purposes including pets, guardians, herding, hunting, and war.

Many beautiful virtues were appreciated in dogs by the Romans, including loyalty, obedience, unconditional affection, nobility of soul, great intuition, and spontaneity in expressing emotions.

The Romans loved little dogs, called catuli and catellae, as domestic pets and developed close relationships with these canines.

The Molossus of Epirus, a guard and shepherd dog, was imported into Italy from Greece and used for various purposes.

The Romans also imported other breeds, including the Vertragus, a greyhound used for running competitions, and the Lacone, a popular hunting dog in Greece.

These imported breeds were highly valued by the Romans, who appreciated their unique characteristics and abilities.

Marcus Valerius Martial, a Roman poet, wrote an epigram to a tiny dog named Issa, highlighting the strong bond between humans and dogs in Roman society.

Dogs were frequently spoiled with food, as evident from Petronius Arbiter's "Satyricon", where a pet dog is fed so much food that it almost bursts.

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