New Article

 At last! My new article, Medieval Dogs, has been published in Renaissance Magazine and is available in bookstores and on newsstands. Don't miss it.

Here is an excerpt of the article:

Medieval dogs were trained for war, protection and hunting, they provided a service to every social class in medieval society, a companion, protector of property and livestock, a guardian against enemies, and pets of royalty. Revered in legend and myth, coveted by royalty and loved by peasants to kings; they remained a constant throughout the middle ages.

Dogs of War

Egyptians, Samaritans, Greeks, and Romans used dogs for war. These dogs were called Bullenbeisser, a mastiff type dog known for its strength and agility. These large fighting dogs were brought to Europe by migrating Sarmatian tribes (Alans) and by the late 5^th century were adopted throughout Europe and became extinct by crossbreeding.   

On another note, I wish everyone a joyous and safe holiday season.