The Dog | Page 9

to encounter
the wolf, bear, and boar, but often overcame the panther, tiger, and lion,
both in the chase and amphitheatre. They also, being trained to war,
proved themselves most useful auxiliaries to this martial people.
The learned translator of Arrian states that
"the fabled origin of this breed is consistent with its high repute; for, on
the authority of Nicander, we are told by Julius Pollux, that the Epirote
was descended from the brazen dog which Vulcan wrought for Jupiter,

and animated with all the functions of canine life."
These were not the only dogs fashioned by the skilful hands of the
Olympic artist, as we find Alcinous, king of the Phaeacians, possessing
golden dogs also wrought at the celestial forge.
Pliny states that a dog of enormous magnitude was sent as a present by
the king of Albania to Alexander the Great when on his march to India;
and "that this monarch being delighted at the sight of so huge and fair a
dog, let loose unto him first bears, then wild boars, and lastly fallow
deer, all of which animals he took no notice of, but remained perfectly
unconcerned. This great warrior being a man of high spirit and
wonderful courage, was greatly displeased at the apparent cowardice
and want of energy in so powerful an animal, and ordered him to be
slain. This news was speedily carried to the king of Albania, who
thereupon sent unto him a second dog, stating that he should not make
trial of his courage with such insignificant animals, but rather with a
lion or elephant, and if he destroyed this one also, he need not expect to
obtain any other of this breed, as these two were all he possessed.
Tanta: suis petiere ultra fera semina sylvis, Dat Venus accessus, et
blando foedere jungit. Tunc et mansuetis tuto ferus erat adulter In
stabulis, ultroque gravis succedere tigrim Ausa canis, majore tulit de
sanguine foetum.
'Gratii Falisci Cyneget.,' liv. 1. v. 160.
Alexander being much surprised, made immediate preparations for a
trial, and soon saw the lion prostrate, with his back broken, and his
body torn in pieces by the noble dog. Then he ordered an elephant to be
produced; and in no fight did he take more pleasure than in this. For the
dog, with his long, rough, shaggy hair, that covered his whole body,
rushed with open mouth, barking terribly, and thundering, as it were,
upon the elephant. Soon after he leaps and flies upon him, advancing
and retreating, now on one side, now on the other, maintaining an
ingenious combat; at one time assailing him with all vigour, at another
shunning him. So actively did he continue this artificial warfare,
causing the huge beast to turn around so frequently on every side to

avoid his attacks, that he ultimately came down with a crash that "made
the earth tremble with his fall". Book viii. chap. 40.
The Molossian dogs were at a later period much esteemed by the
Romans as watch dogs, not only of their dwellings, but also to guard
their flocks against the incursions of wild animals. Horace, in the
following lines, passes a just tribute to the worth of this animal, when
referring to his watchfulness, and the ardour with which he pursues
those wild animals, even 'per altas nives,' that threaten the flocks
entrusted to his care.
"Quid immerentes, hospites vexas canis, Ignarus adversum lupos? Quin
huc inanes, si potes, vertis minas, Et me remorsurum petis? Nam,
qualis aut Molossus, aut fulvus Lacon, Amica vis pastoribus, Agam per
altas aure sublatâ nives, Quaecunpue praecedet fera."
'Epode' vi.--L.]
Ælian relates that one of them, and his owner, so much distinguished
themselves at the battle of Marathon, that the effigy of the dog was
placed on the same tablet with that of his master.
Soon after Britain was discovered, the 'pugnaces' of Epirus were pitted
against those of our island, and, according to the testimony of Gratius,
completely beaten. A variety of this class, but as large and as ferocious,
was employed to guard the sheep and cattle, or to watch at the door of
the house, or to follow the owner on any excursion of business or of
pleasure. Gratius says of these dogs, that they have no pretensions to
the deceitful commendation of form; but, at the time of need, when
courage is required of them, most excellent mastiffs are not to be
preferred to them.
The account of the British 'pugnaces' of former times, and also of the
'sagaces' and 'celeres', will be best given when treating of their present
state and comparative value. In describing the different breeds of dogs,
some anecdotes will be related of their sagacity and fidelity; a few
previous remarks, however, may be admissible.

A young man lost his life by