What breed of dog played in the Hound of the Baskervilles? - briefly
The canine featured in the various adaptations of "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is often portrayed as a large, menacing dog, typically depicted as a mastiff or a similar large breed. However, the original novel by Arthur Conan Doyle does not specify the exact breed of the hound.
What breed of dog played in the Hound of the Baskervilles? - in detail
The Hound of the Baskervilles, a classic novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, features a mysterious and terrifying spectral hound that haunts the moors of Dartmoor. The breed of the dog depicted in various adaptations of the story has been a subject of interest for many readers and viewers. In the original novel, Doyle does not specify the exact breed of the hound, leaving it to the imagination of the reader. However, the description provided in the book suggests a large, powerful, and intimidating canine.
In the novel, the hound is described as having a "dripping, shining coat," "matted hair," and "a broad, glistening tongue lolling from its jaws." These characteristics, along with its size and ferocity, have led many to speculate about the breed. One of the most commonly suggested breeds is the Mastiff. Mastiffs are known for their large size, powerful build, and intimidating appearance, which aligns with the description in the novel. Additionally, Mastiffs have a history of being used for guarding and protection, which fits the role of the hound in the story.
Another breed often considered is the Great Dane. Great Danes are also large and imposing, with a sleek coat that could appear "dripping and shining" in the moor's mist. Their size and strength make them a plausible candidate for the spectral hound. The Great Dane's history as a hunting and guarding dog further supports this theory.
In various film and stage adaptations, different breeds have been used to portray the hound. For instance, in the 1939 film adaptation starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, a large, black Newfoundland was used. Newfoundlands are known for their size and strength, but their coat is typically more fluffy and less sleek than described in the novel. In the 1959 Hammer Films adaptation, a Neapolitan Mastiff was used, which has a loose, wrinkled skin and a powerful build, fitting the novel's description more closely.
It is essential to note that the breed of the hound is not the central focus of the story. The hound serves as a symbol of the supernatural and the dark legacy of the Baskerville family. The mystery and fear surrounding the hound are more important than its specific breed. Nonetheless, the physical characteristics and behavior of the hound, as described in the novel, provide valuable clues for identifying the most likely breeds.
In conclusion, while the original novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle does not specify the breed of the hound, the description suggests a large, powerful, and intimidating canine. The Mastiff and Great Dane are among the most plausible breeds based on the novel's description. Various adaptations have used different breeds, each bringing their unique interpretation to the iconic spectral hound. The breed of the hound, while intriguing, is secondary to the story's themes of mystery, fear, and the supernatural.