Not Just the Tudors: Episode Summary – "Tudors & Their Dogs"

Introduction

In the "Tudors & Their Dogs" episode of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb delves into the multifaceted roles that dogs played in Tudor society. Accompanied by historian and author Mike Lodes, the discussion explores how dogs were not only companions and status symbols but also essential working animals in various aspects of Tudor life, from hunting and warfare to everyday tasks and courtly life.

Dogs in Tudor Society

Professor Lipscomb opens the episode by highlighting Henry VIII's 1526 decree to limit the number of dogs in royal residences, aiming to reduce chaos and maintain order within the court. Despite these restrictions, Henry VIII himself was an avid dog lover, maintaining a variety of breeds for different purposes, including hunting and companionship.

Hunting Dogs: Greyhounds and Beyond

Mike Lodes provides an in-depth analysis of the greyhound's role in Tudor hunting practices. Greyhounds, referred to as le bre or olivrier during the period, were prized for their prowess in chasing hares and deer. Lodes explains, “Greyhounds are of the first degree. They are a very, very high status dog” (07:50).

The episode explores the use of greyhounds not only for hunting but also as symbols of status among the gentry. Anne Boleyn’s beloved lapdog, Poi, and her greyhounds exemplify the blend of companionship and functional utility in noble households. The luxury bestowed upon these dogs, such as elaborate collars and fine grooming, underscores their esteemed position in Tudor society.

Companion Dogs: The Maltese and Spaniels

Moving beyond hunting, the conversation shifts to companion dogs prevalent in the Tudor court. Mike Lodes highlights the popularity of the Maltese and spaniels, breeds favored for their affectionate nature and petite size. “The Maltese ... were white, fluffy, and adorable,” Lodes notes (12:47). These dogs served as emotional support for their owners, bridging the gap between functional utility and personal companionship.

Lodes emphasizes that regardless of their primary function, companionship was a universal trait valued in all dog breeds. Whether shepherds or hunters, dog owners sought loyal and affectionate companions alongside their working partners, reinforcing the deep-rooted bond between humans and dogs.

Working Dogs: Bloodhounds, Poodles, and More

The episode delves into various working dogs of the Tudor era, starting with bloodhounds. These dogs were exceptional for tracking individuals and were even used in military contexts. “Bloodhounds were especially bred to track down people, to track down fugitives,” explains Lodes (16:07). Their unparalleled sense of smell made them indispensable for both hunting and warfare, as evidenced by their deployment in suppressing rebellions.

Poodles, or water spaniels as they were known, played a crucial role in duck hunting. Lodes describes their function: “Their job is to root about the sedges and the rushes around ponds and waterways and seek out ducks” (22:17). These intelligent and agile dogs were trained to retrieve crossbow bolts and assist hunters in capturing game, showcasing the practical applications of canine skills in Tudor sporting activities.

Additionally, the discovery of Hatch, a Manchester terrier from the Mary Rose shipwreck, illustrates the role of ratting dogs in ship maintenance. These dogs were essential for controlling rat populations aboard ships, highlighting their practical importance in Tudor maritime life.

Dogs in Warfare and Communication

Bloodhounds were not only used for tracking but also served as hounds of war. Mike Lodes recounts instances where bloodhounds were deployed in military campaigns, such as the Earl of Essex’s expedition to Ireland, where 800 bloodhounds were utilized to combat guerrilla fighters (19:31). Their ability to navigate difficult terrains and track elusive targets made them valuable assets in Tudor warfare strategies.

The concept of messenger dogs is also discussed, though Lodes expresses skepticism about their practical use compared to homing pigeons. Despite their limited use, the idea reflects the innovative approaches to communication and security in Tudor times.

Dogs as Status Symbols and Artistic Representations

The episode explores how dogs served as status symbols, reflected in Tudor art and portraiture. Lodes explains that the presence of specific dog breeds in portraits often signified the owner’s social standing and virtues such as loyalty and fidelity. “If you paint a picture of a little spaniel, you're not painting a picture of a griffin,” he notes (46:09). However, the symbolic representation of dogs complicates the interpretation of their exact breeds and roles.

Portraits of nobility with their dogs underscore the societal hierarchy and the intertwined relationship between humans and canines. The depiction of dogs in art not only showcased their aesthetic appeal but also their functional and symbolic significance within Tudor culture.

Status Enforcement through Canine Ownership

Mike Lodes draws parallels between the ownership of dogs and sumptuary laws, which regulated social hierarchy through restrictive measures. For instance, King Knut’s edict prohibiting greyhounds in Royal forests and enforcing the mutilation of poachers’ hounds served to maintain elite control over hunting privileges (43:41). Such regulations ensured that only those of high status could own prized hunting breeds, reinforcing social stratification.

Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Tudor Dogs

The episode concludes with reflections on the enduring legacy of Tudor dogs. Lodes emphasizes that while breeds have evolved, the foundational roles of dogs as companions, working animals, and status symbols remain ingrained in society. The symbiotic relationship between humans and dogs, cultivated over centuries, is highlighted as foundational to the perception of dogs as “man's best friend.”

Professor Lipscomb and Mike Lodes wrap up by acknowledging the significant impact of dogs on Tudor life and their continued relevance today, both as beloved pets and as integral members of human society.

Notable Quotes

• Professor Susannah Lipscomb (00:00):
  "Henry issued a formal decree. No one to be allowed to have greyhounds or other dogs in court, except a few small spaniels for ladies, but to keep them in kennels outside."

• Mike Lodes (07:50):
  "Greyhounds are of the first degree. They are a very, very high status dog."

• Mike Lodes (16:07):
  "Bloodhounds were especially bred to track down people, to track down fugitives."

• Mike Lodes (22:17):
  "Their job is to root about the sedges and the rushes around ponds and waterways and seek out ducks."

• Mike Lodes (43:41):
  "This is an age where everybody's got a dog for one purpose or another."

Final Thoughts

"Tudors & Their Dogs" offers a comprehensive exploration of the integral roles that dogs played in Tudor England. From high-status companions and skilled hunting partners to essential workers in maritime and military contexts, dogs were deeply woven into the fabric of Tudor society. This episode not only sheds light on the historical significance of dogs during this period but also underscores the timeless bond between humans and their canine companions.