5 Instances Of Dogs As Weapons In War History
Dogs have worn a lot of jobs throughout history, but some of the darkest ones came on the battlefield. Long before they were known mainly as loyal companions, certain breeds were trained for violence, used to intimidate enemies, and sent into war for their strength and aggression.
From Spanish soldiers to conquistadors, these dogs were treated as weapons, not pets. Some were bred for size and power, while others were valued for speed, tracking, or sheer fear factor. Their names still show up in old records, and a few became infamous in their own right.
Here are five moments when dogs were used in war history, and the stories behind them are hard to forget.
1. Mastiffs used by Spanish soldiers
Mastiffs weighing around 250 pounds were used by Spanish soldiers during the conquest of the Moors in Grenada. They had huge jaws that were perfect for the intended use.
The first example sets the tone for everything that follows.
2. Mastiffs used by Columbus
Christopher Columbus also used dogs, specifically mastiffs, during his conquests. They were part of the weapons used against the indigenous people, as evidenced by the ship logs.
3. Irish greyhounds used by Conquistadors
Irish greyhounds were used by the conquistadors to protect their territories. They are known to have used these dog weapons by letting them loose on indigenous people “for sport,” as noted by Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher and psychologist. He emphasizes the historical context of using animals in warfare, stating, “The use of dogs in conflict illustrates a troubling aspect of human behavior where cruelty is sometimes justified under the guise of sport.”
That kind of use made these dogs part of the violence itself.
And long before modern deployments, the 1925 diphtheria serum run in Nome had hero dogs that saved lives.
4. Becerrillo
Dr. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, states that "our relationships with animals often reflect our deepest instincts and societal values." In the case of Becerrillo, the dog of Juan Ponce de León, his violent behavior was starkly evident, reportedly killing 33 people in a single hour, with witnesses describing him “with his mouth dripping from the blood of his victims.” This serves as a chilling reminder of the darker roles animals have played in the context of warfare throughout history.
5. Leoncico
The offspring of Becerrillo was called Leoncico. His owner was a man named Balboa, who was a conquistador.
Leoncico was equally brutal as his father. According to Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, "The bond between humans and animals can often transcend traditional roles, leading to unique dynamics." Due to his effectiveness, Leoncico was given the status of a human, and his salary was equal to that of a crossbowman.
Their names lived on long after the battles did.
After mastiffs and conquistadors, see a Marine dog reunite with its handler after years apart in Kuwait.
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