The topic is Derr’s new book– How the Dog Became the Dog.
Lapham has carefully read this book, because he doesn’t just focus on the dog origin information that is the main focus of the text.
He gets Derr to discuss other parts of the book, which are just as interesting. They discuss (among other things) the origins of dog breeds– the “water curs of Newfoundland” caught my ears– and how the ancients used dogs in war.
Lots of good stuff.
“The Drover, or Cattle-dog of Cuba and Terra Firma, in America, we have seen in great numbers, and they perform a service which those of their tribe in Europe are scarcely fit for. We have often witnessed, when vessels with live stock arrive in our West India colonies, and the oxen are hoisted out by a sling passed round the base of their horns, the great assistance they afford to bring them to land. For, when the ox first suspended by the head is lowered, and allowed to fall into the water, men generally swim and guide it by the horns; but, at other times, this service is performed by one or two dogs, who, catching the bewildered animal by the ears, one on each side, force it to swim in the direction of the landing place, and instantly release their hold when they feel it touches the ground; for then the beast naturally walks up to the shore. These dogs have the form of the Dane, and the colours of a wolf, with a long truncated tail, and generally a black spot over each eye, covering their small half pendulous ears; their eyes are small, very bright, and the hair is rugged. There are some equal to mastiffs in bulk and bone; but it is likely that they are a cross with the Cuba breed of that race. We regard this breed as the continuous domesticated animal, of which the feral of St. Domingo is the wild representative, and both as imported from Spain.”
These and many others made their way to South USA. The Cuban Mastiff was a guardian of cattle (it was also found in the arenas like the Cordoba Fighting Dogs). Many dogs were imported into Cuba and the West Indies, including English Alaunts from 1556 to 1649. Breeds developed from these intercrossings include what we call the Old White English, which is used mainly as a guardian of livestock and farms, has webbed feet, and a placid demenor like the Newfie.