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A Little Known History of Killer DogsMost people are unaware that in the past, dogs were bred not only to be great hunters and protectors, but as killers for use in war. These animals were specifically bred to be killer dogs. They were treated poorly, and starved to make the vicious, then released against enemy soldiers. The effect was both lethal and demoralizing. Breeds of killer dogs include the giant molosians, which are now extinct, and the ancestors of some of today's breeds. However, this streak of viciousness is now less prevalent in their descendants, like the Rottweiler. Killer dogs were used all through the world, not just in remote areas. There are accounts of them being used in early English battles.
The benefits to early armies of utilizing killer dogs against the enemy were many. These animals moved quickly, making them hard to attack with missile fire. It was generally necessary to engage them with swords, which brought soldiers within range of these animals' vicious teeth. The impact on the enemy's morale when a large number of killer war dogs was released was impressive. Because the dogs had frequently been starved for some time before the battle, they did not discriminate when they fed, eating humans as well as fallen horses. Working in the same way that wolves do when hunting, war dogs were also able to hamstring the horses of the mounted nobility, making them useful against knights riding horseback.
However, when the need for these animals decreased, so did their viciousness. Mastiffs and other breeds are descended from these war dogs, but without the rigorous breeding and ill treatment, they became much more docile. They instead became used as royal pets and protectors for the nobility. They did still occasionally accompany their masters to war, however.
Generally, dogs descended from killer breeds are large in build, with powerful muscles. They can be trained to function in a pack, or to operate as guards. In war, they were often confined in solitary cages. Their handlers interacted with them as little as possible, feeding them infrequently and teaching them to react angrily to the human presence. This, plus exclusion from the presence of other dogs made the animals quite vicious. It was necessary to tow their cages to the battlefield, then release them from a point out of harm's way. Killer dogs were often used to soften up the enemy before the main army advanced. Although their modern descendants are now cherished pets, we should remember their history and treat these animals with respect. |
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