Additonal Breeds Starting
With Letter:
Pet Sites
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COUNTRY:
Afghanistan
WEIGHT:
Up to 200 pounds
HEIGHT:
34 inches
COAT:
Short, plush and dense; abundant
undercoat
COLOR:
Dark sables; very little white
GROUP:
Mastiff
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Probably closely related to both the Kangal Dog of Turkey and the Tibetan
Mastiff, this ancient breed was utilized by primitive tribes to settle land
and tribal disputes. When villagers argued over grazing areas, goat herd
ownership or other grievances, a dog from each tribe was placed in the pit
to fight out the dispute. Owners of the winning dog were declared victorious.
. . with no further argument. This primitive prelude to a third-party decision
of a jury or judge eliminated warring and unnecessary loss of life.
The Aryan Molossus were bred, raised
and trained by "dog specialists" not affiliated with any tribe.
When disputes were percolating, tribal leaders, who were astute experts
in such matters, went to the "dog man" and dickered for the best
animal. The chosen title contender stayed with his breeder until the day
of the contest, when he fought in a pit at the dog compound or was delivered
to neutral ground. Only the men came to watch the fight. Tails were painted
or dyed so that the opponents could be easily identified during the fracas.
Dogs often fought to the death; if not, the loser was necessarily destroyed.
These dogs were extremely large and
fractious, with their tails held high and loosely curled over the backs.
Loose skin hanging on the head and throat protected them during the vicious
melee. Nobody but the owner ever handled them—or cared to, due to their
fierce reputation, although they were even-tempered with their "promoter."
These dogs have
been moved into the highest mountains and hidden from the Russian army
recruitment. Because of expense in upkeep, their numbers were always limited,
with breeders retaining just a few title contenders. Their current status
is endangered by the Russian occupation of the country, which has overturned
old tribal customs.
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