16 British War Dogs 



drover's collie, one of our most important breeds from a 

 practical point of view, would not be ce! ed pictorially. 



It is, however, an open question, as to whuthei th. : *Jep 

 dog was not quite as ancient as the greyhound, as we have 

 very ancient testimony as to its use by the keepers of the 

 flocks, and for guarding purposes of all kinds. The Tibetan 

 sheep dog of the present day stands for a very ancient 

 race, which was probably of a larger and fiercer description. 

 The Pyrenean dog is also the descendant of the guardians 

 of mountain fastnesses, as is also the same type of dog to 

 be found in the mountainous region of Italy and Middle 

 Europe. There seems to be every reason for believing, that 

 this class of animal in all these countries, is descended 

 from a common ancestor of great size and courage, in some 

 cases shaggy, and in others more of the mastiff appear- 

 ance, and greatly prized on account of the determined 

 and unflinching fidelity to the property and person of its 

 owners. Referring to such animals, Homer says : 



Nor last forget thy faithful dogs, but feed 

 With fattening whey the mastiff's generous breed 

 And Spartan race, who for the fold's relief, 

 Will prosecute with cries the nightly thief ; 

 Repulse the prowling wolf, and hold at bay 

 The mountain robbers rushing to their prey." 



In Job is found the following allusion to dogs, in Chapter 

 XXX., verse i : 



" Whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with 

 the dogs of my flocks." 



There are, however, dogs of other breeds depicted on 

 the ancient temples of Assyria, and which have been 

 brought to light during excavations. Some of these show 

 a large-headed dog somewhat like a St. Bernard. A collar 



