Pugnaces Britanniae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Pugnaces Britanniae | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country of origin | ||
| Roman Britain | ||
| Classification and breed standards | ||
| This breed of dog is extinct |
Pugnaces Britanniae (Latin) or War Dog of Britain is an extinct breed of dog.
Contents |
[edit] Appearance
The references by Roman writers to the 'canes pugnaces' of Roman Britain suggest a dog of a large and heavy type. Oppian says the fighting dog had light brown eyes, truncated muzzle, loose skin above the brows, a broad back, great stature, and muscular legs.
[edit] History
The Roman conquest of Britain made Britain a Roman province. At that time, there were giant, wide-mouthed dogs, which the Romans called Pugnaces Britanniae, that were far superior to their own. A Roman Officer (L. Procurator Cynegii), was stationed in Winchester and responsible for selecting these dogs, which were exported to Rome for contests in the amphitheatre and for integration into the military as war dogs.
'Pugnaces' of Roman Britain were specifically referred to by the Greek historian Arrian in 130.
[edit] Further reading
- Homan, M. (1999). A Complete History of Fighting Dogs. Howell Book House. ISBN 1-58245-128-1
