The Spaniards in the Americas in 1492-1580
had dogs. when they were in battle what did the dogs do for them?
During the period of 1492-1580, the Spaniards in the Americas indeed used dogs as a part of their military strategies. These dogs, known as war dogs or warhounds, served several purposes in battles.
1. Intimidation: The presence of dogs on the battlefield was intimidating to the indigenous peoples they encountered. The sight of large, fierce dogs would often create fear and panic among the enemy forces, disrupting their formations and morale.
2. Tracking and scouting: Dogs have a keen sense of smell and can track human scents over long distances. The Spaniards used these dogs to track down enemy forces, to identify ambushes, or to locate hidden settlements or resources.
3. Protecting the flanks: Dogs were trained to protect the flanks of the Spanish troops, preventing their enemies from surrounding them or launching surprise attacks. This gave the Spaniards an advantage by providing an early warning system against any approaching threats.
4. Attack and defense: These war dogs were trained to be aggressive and could be unleashed upon the enemy forces. They would often be equipped with armor or spikes on their chests to inflict maximum damage on opponents. They were trained to bite and immobilize enemies, creating confusion and disarray in their ranks.
It is important to note that while dogs were used in battles, they were not the sole factor in Spanish victories. The dogs often worked in conjunction with other military tactics and technologies employed by the Spaniards, such as firearms, cavalry, and superior organization.