Guard Dog

and docked tail) at the Archaeological Park of Lilybaeum, Marsala, Sicily]] , ca. 1826.]] Dogs have been used as guardians since ancient times. The ancient Romans placed Cave canem mosaics at the entrance of homes to warn visitors and intruders of the presence of dangerous dogs at the property. One of the first dog types used as guardians were Mastiff-type landraces of livestock guardian dogs, which protected livestock against large predators such as wolves, bears and leopards. In Greek mythology, Orthrus is an example of a livestock guardian dog known for guarding Geryon's red cattle. In more urban areas, some ancient guard dogs, such as the extinct bandogges, were chained during the day…