What role did dogs play in the Holy Lands during biblical times? In Turkey, large white dogs guard flocks?
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Kings beggars
WRONG SECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes the Bible does not speak highly of dogs, it is true. The Romans used dogs to fight in battles and they had guard dogs and dogs that hunted by scent and a variety of maltese that was used as a companion dogs. The beware of the dog sign was found in dwellings in Rome and Pompeii not to warn visitors of a dog that may bite, but to warn them not to step on the tiny Italian Greyhound inside!
The history of dogs is really interesting I recommend The Rosetta Bone if you would like to learn more.
Addition: To drb: As I am referring to the book the Rosetta Bone, it states as I state above. But yes I can see that statement evolving into what we know it as today. Makes perfect sense. Thank you for clarifying.
The large dogs you refer to in Turkey are Anatolian Karabas or Kangal (same breed just different names) They are fawn rather than white and have been guarding sheep/goats in Turkey for centuries, since before biblical times probably. There are dogs of this type all over the world doing the same guarding job and there has been for centuries.
Not being religious I have no idea how the bible refers to dogs but I’m sure I’ve seen a picture of the shepherds with dogs somewhere in religious text.
Mostly, the dogs were pariah dogs that scavenged the garbage heaps, and were considered unclean. That is still the attitude toward dogs in much of that part of the world today.
I think you must be referring to the Akbash dog, which is native to Turkey, and if I’m not mistaken, is a large white flock guard.
Note to Desiree: The “cave canem” warning in some Roman villas was also accompanied by a tile with a picture of a large, lunging dog similar to today’s Neopolitan mastiff, on the end of a chain. Romans did use this kind of dog as a protection animal and the “beware of dog” inscription also referred to these.