Dogs of Roman Britain

Dogs of Roman Britain concerns the presence of dogs within Britain under Roman occupation. Through various excavations in the Province of Britannia, evidence for a variety of uses from dogs has been found. There has been evidence of cultural involvement and significance of dogs found among the remains of excavated sites. Along with this are written references to the use of dogs as well.

The Roman Province of Britannia was known for exporting dogs. The references by Roman writers to these dogs suggest that British dogs were both fast and strong, useful in hunting and even in war. Some modern dog book authors are of the opinion that these dogs were a distinct breed of dog, and that this breed was the progenitor to the English Mastiff[1] and possibly the Bulldog.[2]

  1. ^ Fleig, D. (1996). Fighting Dog Breeds. (Pg. 26 - 27). Neptune, NJ: TFH Publications. ISBN 0-7938-0499-X
  2. ^ Wynn, M.B. (1886). History of the Mastiff. William Loxley. pp. 64–67.