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Dogs of the Mayflower
by: San Francisco Chronicle, CA
While you may not qualify as an "elite" member of the Mayflower Society, your dog just might.
Research confirms that pilgrims weren't the only passengers aboard the Mayflower. A few of their furry friends also made the transatlantic trek from Southampton, England to Plymouth, MA in 1620.
An English Springer Spaniel and a Mastiff both joined the pilgrims on their journey to the new world and were the first breeds to make dogs a part of everyday life for the new Western settlers.
The earliest mention of dogs in America in literature appears in the 17th century journal "Mourt's Relation" that recounted the first years of life in the new world. The English Springer Spaniel and Mastiff, brought by John Goodman, helped the pilgrims find and retrieve game on Cape Cod during the first winter ashore. The names of the two beloved pooches were never recorded in the historical accounts. Although there may have been other pets aboard the Mayflower, they were not written about.
John Goodman died during that first harsh winter and it is uncertain what became of the dogs. Most likely, one of the surviving colonists adopted them and cared for them throughout the remainder of their lives.
The Mastiff is one of the largest breeds, with some dogs topping 200 pounds. They are powerful and courageous but also gentle and loyal companions who enjoy the company of their owners. Mastiffs were raised in Britain for more than 2,000 years and were employed by nobility as hunting and guard dogs.
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized, fun-loving hunting dog known for its stamina, eagerness and keen ability to scare up a large variety of game birds as well as rabbits. Cheerful and affectionate, Springers love their families and like to stick close to their owners.
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