Ohh what great photos Shona, thanks for putting these up. Wow, they haven't half changed huh? What long legs they seemed to have, esp in pic 1. I much prefer them today. Great to look at these and compare. It's interesting the athletic comment, Marius is extremely agile and athletic. He can run for England that boy!!! They are big dogs, but they can go for miles I've never heard the term 'Smiling Snow' for a Samoyed, what a wonderful description and so very apt. Love it! PS: Do you think that the lady in the second pic has one smuggled under her dress? lol
she could have a few under there, I did wonder if the other dog in the photo was a frenchie? anyone have any thoughts on that?
I vaguely remember a saying something like "its a three dog night" Im now assuming it was in ref to these type of dogs keeping there owners warm,, or am I way off track with that?
Yes, it does look a bit like a Frenchie - another dog breed I adore. I think I'd have got on well with that lady!! I find it interesting that both breeds were longer in the leg. If that was a Frenchie it's amazing how much smaller and squatter they've become over time.
Loads of things about ancient rotties I would love to comment, but as for now I just ask; what is a frenchie??
Very interesting pics and discussion. I like to see how breeds evolve over time. Sadly the first two pics didn't load properly on my pc but I got an idea from the last two. I love the greater swiss mountain dog too. I can definitely see its ancestry in the rottie.
The difference is amazing. I would never say they were the same breed we see today. Thanks for sharing xxxx
Wow, so different from the Rotties we have today. Must say that often when I see old breed pics, I prefer the way the breeds started out but, in the Rottie case, I think they are almost pretty now (in a butch sort of way )
Fascinating and thanks for showing us, first 2 wouldnt load for me either Shona, is there any way you can show em again or send em to me please? nice to see pic of the Roman mastiff, knew about the Swiss Mountain dog, are they related to the Bernese in any way? or am i off track here?