Latin Dog Names

Becerrillo (Little Bull Calf) was a dominant Castilian dog who was bred and born at the kennels of Diego Columbus or Juan Ponce de Leon. He was trained to be an attack dog at a young age. In 1511, the medium-sized dog with a red coat was in Puerto Rico where his noticeable battle scars garnered him respect from all who saw his impressive physique. 

This fearless dog was the companion of the famous explorer and governor of Puerto Rico, Ponce de Leon. Captain Diego Guilarte de Salazar was in charge of caring for the dog on a daily basis. Captain Salazar was known for his barbaric practices of conducting business. Many feared Becerrillo because the dog was rumored to have mauled and killed many Indian natives in the San Juan Islands when commanded to attack by Salazar. 

One specific battle stands out above the rest in depicting the dog's fearless and ruthless nature. Becerillo was with Salazar and the conquistadors at a local village. In the wee hours of the morning, the dog heard a rustle and immediately started to bark to alert his human comrades. The local Indians were trying to launch a sneak attack. Becerillo charged into the battle at the side of Salazar. The dog killed thirty-three Indians within 30 minutes. The fierce nature of Becerillo gained him the respect of the soldiers. The dog ate the same rations as his human comrades and was also paid a wage for his services. 

One story depicted Becerillo's kind nature. Salazar sent a captive old lady to deliver a note. He had no intention of her ever delivering the letter. He just wanted to play a game by making her walk away, and when she was far enough, he commanded Becerillo to attack her. The large dog went after her without hesitation. However, when the old lady realized that the canine was charging her, she immediately dropped to her knees and begged the dog for mercy. Becerillo sniffed her and walked away without attacking. When Ponce de Leon learned of the incident, he commanded that woman be released. He is rumored to have said,  "I will not allow the compassion and the clemency of a dog to overshadow those of a real Christian."

Usually, before entering battle, Becerillo was outfitted in a thick padded leather jacket that acted as armor to protect him. However, one day in 1514, the canine was in pursuit of the enemy without his armor. As he crossed the river, he was shot with several arrows. Unfortunately, brave Becerillo died from the injuries. Becerillo's fellow soldiers believed that everyone thought of the dog as indestructible so they buried him in an unmarked grave so his death would remain a secret. 

During Becerillo's life, he sired a male named Leoncillo (Little Lion). Leoncillo not only looked like his father but also had the same fearless nature and intelligence. Ponce de Lion presented the puppy to Vasco Nunez de Balboa as a gift. The dog was Balboa's non-stop companion and accompanied him into battle on the Isthmus of Panama in 1513.