Thank you for your post.
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molossers as wardogs
Posted by Marc Joris on October 2, 2009, 4:10 am
I'm writing a novel in a medieval setting in which wardogs would play a major role. Are there molosser breeds that can outrun a horse, and still are strong enough to be used as wardogs?
short answer no, as no breed of molosser exists that can CONSISTANTLY run faster than any horse.
the mastives used in midieval warfare were more like modern bandogs, boerboels, kangals, CAS & CAO. they were large atheletic dogs but not enormous like the show dogs. they didn't have exxagerated or detrimental features like haw eyes, skin folds that obscured vision & fostered skin infections or severe undershot jaws. they were used primarily to disrupt formations, especially cavalry. in a pursuit role they would have been used mainly against infantry as only sighthounds have the speed to catch a fleeing horse in good condition. in the disruption role they were sometimes fitted w/ armor ranging from leather coats to scale mail & even plate armor. they sometimes had a skull plate w/ a small pot of incendiary burning attached to the top. the dogs themselves would attempt to catch the opposing horses by the face and drag the horse down. once down they would then engage the rider who was often stunned by the impact of the fall. once breaks were created the leading cavalry squadrons would then focus their charge against the break in an attempt to split the opposing formation. they would trample their own dogs in the process. it takes a large number of mastives to be effective in a battle. the horses used by knight were bred for battle and although bred for manageability & steadiness, they were also bred to fight aggressively and so killed many dogs. in the periods of less armor before & after the midieval period sighthounds & sighthoundXmastives were also used in war in pursuit roles. dogs also had more pronounced effects in these periods as they could do more damage to the unprotected/less protected horses & men. however the advent of firearms also nearly eliminated the true fighting dog from the battlefield.
i guess in war there is no replacement for displacement
What about Danes? I know no dog can out run a horse but I also know that my danes are actually kinda brutal as far as ability goes and whatnot. They're huge and capable too...so I was curious if they were truly just a hunting dog or if they ever did make it to the battlefield...if anyone knows. After reading the first post there my first thought came to the Danes.
they most likely did make it to the battlefield as they are directly descended from the alaunt gentile which we know did. remember however the original dane wasn't as leggy as the modern "elegant" show lines.
Thanks for the pic post too. Too bad the breed has been so changed... My modern Danes sometimes impress me with their ability and even attitude so I can't imagine their ancestors...
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
