The Savant Alaunt

From Top to Bottom: Alaunt Bucherie, Alaunt Gentil, Alaunt Veantre - Master of Game 1450

1625 called “Il Guercino” by Giovanni Francesco Barbier - thought to be a depiction of an Italian Mastiff

We believe the term “running mastiff” is thrown around haphazardly to appeal to the romanticized versions of the Cane Corso or other mastiff subtypes, who in modern times been bred too heavy to truly course game fairly at speed. On top of most being too many generations removed from meaningful work, their physiology has changed. They’ve gone from “grocery getter” to “couch potato” as evidenced by the changes seen through the length of their loin and back, the flexibility in their spines, the angulation of their shoulders, weight distribution and even the shape of their feet. It is the genetic variation in dog breed which have highlighted differences in movement. When we lose historical functions, we lose breed types.

As apex predators, canids by design were built to run - sporting only 13 ribs, they have shortened digestive systems, which allows them to make shorter more accurate turns. Canid gaits are divided into two categories - symmetrical where movements of each side mirror each other, and asymmetrical where movements on each side are not the same. Dogs can change their gaits based on a variety of factors, including conformation, experience, training, terrain and level of fatigue. Certain gaits are required in the standards of certain breeds.

In our opinion, a true running dog is one by breeding - not merely an action. There are physiological differences bred into certain breed types that emphasize a dog traveling at speed. The fastest gait in canids is asymmetrical; its a four time gait with suspension where all the legs are lifted off the ground. There are two types of gallop: the single suspension and the double suspension gallop.

Stride length is influenced by a flexible loin (which begins at the point of the attachment of the last rib to the spine and continues to the pelvis). This is the area that provides the keystone arch to the topline. Flexion and extension of the vertebral column greatly increases effective stride length working with the loin to act as a coil. Loin extension during rear leg thrust produces a leap that enables the forelimbs to impact far ahead of the dog’s static anatomical reach. Epaxial and hamstring muscles support body weight and elevate the body’s center of gravity during the leap suspension phase, while abdominal wall muscles bring the dog’s pelvis forward during loin flexion. Hindquarters are long, with well bent stifles and close low set hocks. This lends itself to a dog who is carried low to the ground without lowering the body while in pursuit.

It’s important to take note that the gait found in running dogs is only as effective as the feet which carry them. A V8 without traction is worthless - which brings us to the importance of the paws. Varied game has always meant varied terrain - and physiological adaptations to enhance running at full speed while rapidly changing direction requires unique structural differences found within this breed type.

Historical significance

The Alaunt Type was first recorded in Central Asia by the Alani of Pontic Steppes - the Kavkaz nomads of Sarmatian Indo-Iranian ancestry. This group of people were known as superb warriors, herdsmen and breeders of both horses and dogs, where their nomadic lifestyle required dogs capable of not only going to war, but valued protectors of both livestock and caravans. As far as what we know today, the Alaunt’s primary ancestors were a type of working gripping dog, with origins strongly rooted in the ancient mountain dogs of the East - like the Gampr, or Alabai in type.

The Alaunt name was synonymous with a type of working dog as opposed to a specific breed which came to exist in various forms influenced by regional requirements. Geopolitical history influenced the Alaunt type, as the Alani people spread into Russia, East into Mongolia, Tibet and China, South into India and Egypt and West into Europe. With that we can see how the blending of cultures, and environmental demands quickly became reflected within the dogs themselves. It was the routine crossing of these gripping dogs to indigenous scent and sight hound types which gives us much of the diversity we see today.

This is well documented as we look towards medieval Europe - where the Alaunt was classified into three distinct types; the Alaunt de Bucherie, a traditional livestock guardian type (which is thought to be the progenitor to many of the modern mastiff and bull breeds and crucial in the development of various fighting and baiting dogs in France), the Alaunt Gentil, a light greyhound type (which eventually became assimilated into local hunting breeds with the Alaunt Veantre) and the Alaunt Vautre, an aggressive hunting type of par force hound used in the chase. In France, the word “vuatre” was eventually used exclusively for boarhounds - and was frequently attributed the “vaultre” as a “mongrell between a hound and a mastiffe…fit for the chase or hunting of wild bears and Boares…” - David Hancock

“Light heavyweights of the canine world, quick on their feet and devastating at close quarter combat or protection when threatened. they are not mountain dogs or draught dogs needing massive bone but strongly-built hounds of athleticism with their own distinct type” - David Hancock

Locomotive Superiority

Unlike a standard gallop, the double suspension gallop has two periods of air time within each stride

When we think about apex predators - and running dogs in particular, what they all have in common is the presence of “the hare foot” - which is a fairly long, closely knit, shallow-padded foot which is similar to that of the wolf, coyote, or fox. The hare foot tends to have a long third digital bone - with two middle toes which protrude further than the two outermost toes. The longer third digital bone is helpful for the type of quick initial speed needed for outrunning prey, change of directions, sustaining an effortless trot for varying distances, or the altering of gait instantly in rugged terrain. The length of the toes ensure leverage, traction, strength and flexibility of the foot, while also emphasizing the distribution of weight on the heel pad as well as all four toes.

When compared to the more common “catfoot” where we see a deep, rounded paw with toes nearer to the base of the heel of the foot. This design is typically better for sustained, long distanced trotting. Structurally - because the heel pad is not sharing the body weight of the dog with the toe pads, cat footed breeds typically carry their weight forward, with strong, straight upright shoulders to reduce stress on the toes. They frequently are squarely built, with short powerful backs and large, wide shoulders.

H. Edwards Clarke, in The Greyhound, wrote that injuries such as broken toes and split webs are common, making a strong, compact foot essential. Tight, arched toes usually indicate strength, while loose “hare feet” tend to be weak—though I see no reason why a tight hare foot cannot be sound. Daphne Moore, in Foxhounds, stressed that the ideal foot resembles the wolf’s: natural, weight evenly borne on all toes and heel. Yet in smooth-coated breeds one often sees dogs standing without the heelpad touching the ground—showing why feet should be judged from the side, as well as by pad wear.

Sound feet affect balance. If the heelpad fails to share the load, the toes are overburdened, weakening them and forcing the knee to absorb stress. This explains why early 20th-century foxhounds with heavy forelegs and contracted feet often stood over at the knee, leading to upright shoulders. Over-compact, bunched feet are not without danger. Feet matter more than bite, coat, ear set, or pigmentation. Judges—especially of hounds and lurchers—should remember: no foot, no dog. The soles reveal a dog’s true quality, and only sound feet allow a prizewinner to walk proudly from the ring.

-Credit Col. David hancock.

Tools of the Trade: The Running Catch Dog

Adoration of the Magi, from 1423 by the Italian painter Gentile da Fabriano

The running catch dog has always been bred where function dictates form—pace fused with power. The infusion of bull or mastiff blood into sighthound lines produced the true “do-or-die lurcher”: a dog combining the raw persistence, controlled aggression, and strength of the bull breeds with the speed and hunting instinct of the coursing hound. This balance of bone, muscle, and leverage allows the dog not merely to run, but to launch itself in a succession of leaps, converting strength into velocity.

Historically accurate yet rarely acknowledged, the Alaunt as a breed type enjoys popularity worldwide, and is often best represented through “bull lurchers” throughout the UK, the “Bull Arab” the national pig hunting breed of Australia, Nagi Type Bully Kuttas throughout Southern Asia. These “running catch dog types” share a similar design, with their phenotypes rooted in ability and strength demonstrated through their work.

Such dogs embody the par force hound tradition, their value proven through unregulated coursing. Modern parallels exist in the Ridgeback, Dane, and Dogo Argentino—breeds where gait efficiency sets them apart. At speed, the forequarters must bear 60–70% of the body’s weight while still permitting maneuverability. Correct construction demands straight forelimbs, a long upper arm dropping the elbow below the brisket, and shoulders sloped just enough for reach without the excessive layback of endurance trotters. Long pasterns absorb shock, flatten under load, then rebound—contributing to lift and stride economy.

Dogs don’t just run with their legs, but with their back. A square, broad, and well-muscled topline provides the spring of the lumbar vertebrae, translating power from the loin and hindquarter into a ground-covering motion. The topline should flow without interruption from neck to croup. Rump, thighs, hocks, and pasterns must be strong and sufficiently long to drive the dog forward with both reach and return.

Enduring speed also requires lung room. Functional anatomy dictates a body 10–15% longer than height, measured from prosternum to ischium. This length comes primarily from the loin—short enough to maintain strength, long enough to avoid being “short-coupled.” The critical gap between the last rib and the thigh determines balance: too little, and the dog gains only explosive power without endurance; too much, and the back weakens through lack of support.

The running catch dog, then, is no accident of fashion but the deliberate intersection of form and purpose—an athlete honed by necessity, built to seize, hold, and endure.

“A powerful neck, a seizing jaw, with breadth right down to the nose, strong loins, good spring of rib, with the rib-cage showing good length as well as circumference, immense power in the sprint and great muscularity. Mentally, such a dog has to have extraordinary persistence, enormous amounts of determination when closing with quarry, yet always responsive to commands.” — David Hancock

The Savant Alaunt: Mastiff Foundation bulldog influence sighthound expression

Savant Alaunt” Rendering - January 2022

These reconstructed Alaunt Gentil/Veantre types have consistently been bred without all the excessive bone and weight typically seen within modern mastiffs, (resultant of sighthound influence) and exist throughout parts of Europe. They portray a strong head, are moderately built, with athleticism reminiscent of the greyhound throughout hunting and enthusiast circles. Unfortunately many of them tend to lack phenotypical consistency due to heavy cross or “one off” breeding - with some enthusiast preferring more bull, sighthound or mastiff influence to suit their needs.

The Savant Alaunt is the culmination of our appreciation of history. We recognize the strengths of cross breeding, historical influence, and our experiences throughout the US and abroad. What we have always sought out to do was to perpetuate our own running catchdogs reminiscent of those found throughout Australia. We are committed to producing our ideal dog through the use of working mastiffs, traditional bulldogs, and hunting sighthounds. Not a far cry from Brian Plummer - but with the selection pressure of only incorporating dogs who continue to exude the strengths and skills of their ancestors.

We aim to produce a dog 85-110lbs, and between 26-29” at the withers that is capable of serving a “one out” running catchdog. With the speed, and mass to hold hogs, while retaining enough defense drive and a civil edge to serve as a home deterrent. At this stage of our program - the character of a mastiff with sighthound influence has made itself apparent, and moving forward will be a quest towards refinement, as we emphasize the bulldog mindset, as well as consistency in both type and character.

Alaunts, Alanos, and the Gentile/Veantre types could easily be considered a “Heavy Greyhound”“Light Mastiff” “Boar Lurcher” “Mastiff Lurcher” or “Light heavyweight” type of Coursing Dog - has actively been pursued by canid enthusiast Brian Plummer - who set out to recreate a large hunting-guard dog which closely resembled the ancient Alaunt Gentil/Veantre - the large game hunting mastiff type dog, from which many breeds are thought to have descended. His formula is well documented - and despite his passing in 2003 his desire to reconstruct a type without all the “excessive bone and weight of the normal mastiff types” and to “perpetuate a strong headed, good boned, intelligent, athletic greyhound bodied dog which possess the necessary drive and keen hunting instinct” would be one day be deemed worthy enough of being called the “New British Alaunt”. Plummer documented his recreation to resemble the Alaunt Gentil/Veantre large game hunting, mastiff type dog - from which he believed many breeds were thought to have been descended. He had written the following:

“The Greyhound, simply because the breed is the most physically perfect of any breed of dog known to man. It seems free from any of the congenital disorders known to man. Furthermore, the addition of greyhound blood ensures the hybrid will be fleet of foot and agile enough to avoid the thrust of a large predator.”

“Bull Terrier blood is also essential in the formula. The correct strains of bull terrier that are not only game, but also free of physical and mental faults. The most fierce natural selection has produced the Bull Terrier. Few are lacking in courage - a delicious understatement - for no breed of dog on earth is as courageous as the bull terrier. Furthermore some breeds of bull terrier are not only bright, but also reasonably tractable…I hasten to add that I have avoided using bull terrier dogs which have an unnatural hostility to other dogs, and have used studs which have shown a strong hunting instinct.”

“Bull Mastiff Blood - I have used the son of the very tall strong headed Graecia Marcus, the Crufts winning Bull Mastiff of 2001. On reflection I believe I made a mistake in the selection of the dog and should have asked to have used the champion dog and not his son. My own stud Naglum, has a lovely strong head and is “up to size”, but his dam line has many smallish bitches in its pedigree. I shall correct this small problem - if it manifests itself - in later generations, for I also have easy access to an oversize Bull Mastiff stud dog bred by Ch. Naukeen Heath Thyme.”

- Brian Plummer

They don’t make them like this

The Savant Alaunt is the product of experience — forged through years of working with elite bandogs, bulldogs, mastiffs, and herding lines. Since 2015, we’ve competed in high-level bite sports, trained under top working-dog talent, and connected with serious handlers worldwide. Through it, we’ve learned what bull and mastiff breeds are truly capable of — and how often those capabilities are misunderstood.

Combat dogs need combat. Their strength, intelligence, and drive are tied to their willingness and ability to both create and withstand conflict. This is their superpower — and their challenge. Reactivity, intensity, dominance, and commitment are not flaws; they are truths written in their genes. Handling them requires skill, presence, and understanding. In untrained or unskilled hands, these traits can be overwhelming.

Over the years, we’ve seen a pattern: many are drawn to these dogs, but struggle with the responsibility they demand. They liked the “idea” more than the “inconvenience” our dogs would come with. Producing mastiffs with bulldog drive taught us that there is such a thing as “too much dog.” Giving one to an inexperienced handler is like handing the keys of a Ford Raptor to a teenager with a learner’s permit. Owners loved the idea, but without understanding, the reality can be intense. That insight shaped the Alaunt: a dog refined for today’s handlers while retaining uncompromising capability.

Think of the Alaunt as “mastiff-lite.” Our linebred working mastiffs paired with sighthound DNA preserve strength and drive while adding handleability and strategic thinking. They give you time — to read a situation, to respond thoughtfully, to prevent escalation. They aren’t pushovers, but they aren’t trigger-happy either. Same-sex aggression, high-value item management, and precautions around small animals are constants, but these dogs reward a knowledgeable handler with reliability and composure that other bull and mastiff types rarely offer.

They assess, decide, and act with intention. Protective yet measured, confident but calm — the Alaunt is the canine gentleman. When the situation demands it, they bring it. Until then, they stand self-assured, unbothered, and deliberate.

n the field, the Alaunt is relentless. Strategic, methodical, and focused, their predatory drive rivals wild canids. Sighthound independence, mastiff steadiness, and bulldog commitment combine into a dog who hunts on their terms and fights to win, not merely to fight. Their drives are deep, precise, and uncompromising.

Yet, for all their intensity, these dogs bond deeply with their handlers. They inherit the mastiff’s loyalty, the bulldog’s biddability, and a sighthound’s instinctive “off switch” indoors. They thrive when used as intended: running catch dogs who pursue with focus, return with precision, and live to serve the handler who understands their design.

The Alaunt is not a dog for everyone. If your experience is limited to herders, bulldogs, or terriers, this breed may challenge you in ways you haven’t encountered. They are running dogs with foresight, intelligence, and intentionality. They demand a handler willing to think differently, to understand motivation, behavior, and drive at a fundamental level. They live to serve, and when used as intended — as running catchdogs who seize game on their terms, not the quarry’s — they reveal canine perfection the way nature intended. We’ve come to appreciate a type of “primitive beauty” found through the running catch dogs, who are fueled by effort, and and the excitement of the chase. They are running dogs, with a sighthound’s brain and foresight. They require the human to rethink what they know about canine drives, behaviors and motivations. When you understand the how behind their work, you begin to unlock the why behind their design. Their intelligence, motivation, and intentionality reveal their true power, and there aren’t many dogs like them.

Handled correctly, the Alaunt is unmatched: a rare combination of intelligence, power, loyalty, and composure. They require respect, attention, and understanding — and in return, they give their all, not just for themselves, but for their human partner. As a breeder, I’m both bound and burdened by what I create. It means shaping a dog with the strength and substance to be truly dependendable, while keeping a discerning eye on human limitations. The right dog doesn’t just serve its role - it demands the handler rise to meet it.