5 Instances Of Dogs As Weapons In War History
Dogs have been used as guards as well as for other purposes throughout history. Even today, people in various parts of the world keep dogs in their homes and other places to guard them.
Similarly, due to their fierceness and abilities such as sniffing, they are part of the military and other law enforcement agencies. There is a canine unit in almost all such organizations.
Although nowadays dogs are mostly known for their faithfulness, companionship, and cuteness, if we go through the pages of history, we find some types and breeds of dogs that were specifically used for fighting, especially in wars.
Such dogs were specially trained and used as weapons during battles. Breeds that are large and have strong jaws were considered perfect for ripping apart flesh, leather, and bones.
They were also used for criminal purposes. For example, during a time in history, they were often let loose on indigenous people for the purpose termed as "for sport".
Dogs such as Becerrillo and its offspring Leoncico were quite famous war dogs back then. Let's take a look at five famous instances when dogs were used for war purposes in history.
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.
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.”
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.
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