...the dog had an important role as a rat catcher.
The skull and skeleton of a small adult dog were retrieved from an area in and around the Carpenters cabin on the Mary Rose.
This is the only dog that was found on board. Apart from companionship for the carpenter who lived permanently on board the dog had an important role as a rat catcher.
The skeleton is almost complete; this hypothetical reconstruction is being reconsidered because the dog’s posture is thought to be untypical.
The whole skeleton is at the moment at the Royal Veterinary College in London being examined. DNA analysis could indicate hair colour and the genetic background; bone density is also being examined.
The dog was small to medium-sized and stood about 47cm at its shoulders and has a similar bone configuration to a whippet, although it is unlikely to have had a special pedigree.
Research is continuing at the Mary Rose Trust on all aspects of the ship and life on board.
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