The Molossus dog is an ancient breed that originated in the Molossia region of Greece. They were bred to be powerful and fierce, with a strong instinct to protect their families.
One of the most distinctive features of the Molossus is its massive size, with males weighing up to 130 pounds and standing as tall as 30 inches at the shoulder. This makes them a formidable presence in any household.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Molossus dogs are also known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a great choice for families with children. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn at times.
The Molossus has a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet for busy owners.
For another approach, see: Molossus Dog Breeds
Physical Characteristics
The Molossus dog is an intimidating specimen, with a strong-boned, large body and a giant head.
Their dark brown eyes are relatively small and sit quite far back in their face. Their ears are not particularly big and hang down in close contact with their head.
A fully grown Molossus can reach a substantial size, with females weighing from 40kg to 60kg and males weighing in at 45kg to 65kg.
Their short coat is quite smooth and most dogs are a mixture of brown and black, with some having white patches and a brindle pattern.
Appearance
The Molossus of Epirus is a large dog breed with a strong bone structure and a distinctive appearance. Their dark brown eyes are relatively small and sit quite far back in their face.
Their neck is substantial, thick, and muscular with loose folds of skin. This is a notable characteristic of the breed.
Their body shape is rectangular, with a deep chest and sloping shoulders. This gives them a sturdy and powerful appearance.
Their short coat is quite smooth and often a mixture of brown and black. Some dogs may have white patches or a brindle pattern.
The Molossus of Epirus is known for its epic proportions, and a fully grown female can weigh between 40kg to 60kg.
Size
The American Molossus is a large-sized mixed breed. They have a significant presence due to their size.
Their coats come in various colors, including white, brown, black, and brindle.
Coat Color and Grooming
The American Molossus has a short coat that requires very little maintenance.
A quick weekly brushing should suffice to control excess shedding and remove dirt.
Keeping coat wipes on hand is a good idea, as this pup's sensitive skin doesn't appreciate excess bathing.
Wrinkles on the face may need to be gently wiped down to remove debris.
As with all dog breeds, nail maintenance is also a must.
Highlights
The American Molossus is a unique breed that boasts an impressive physical presence. This crossbreed combines the sturdy American Bulldog with the gentle giant Neapolitan Mastiff.
One of the standout features of the American Molossus is its substantial size, which is matched by an equally significant personality. They possess a considerable size that's hard to ignore.
Their gentle giant nature is inherited from the Neapolitan Mastiff, which is known for its loyalty and protectiveness. This breed has a long history of serving as guard dogs for prominent figures.
The American Molossus also inherits agility from the American Bulldog, which was historically used for various tasks, including guarding livestock in stockyards. This versatility in working roles is a testament to their adaptability.
Here are some key physical characteristics of the American Molossus:
- Substantial size
- Gentle giant nature
- Agility inherited from the American Bulldog
Despite their large size, the American Molossus is a cuddly partner that loves to snuggle on the couch. Their protective stance is balanced by a loving and affectionate demeanor, making them an excellent family companion.
Character and Temperament
The Molossus dog is known for its extreme loyalty, forming close bonds with family members and showing them a great deal of respect.
They can be wary of new people and may grow to be quite territorial, which can make them unnecessarily hostile in certain situations.
Early training and intensive socialization can prevent this from becoming a major issue down the line.
As a bold and courageous breed, the Molossus is not daunted by much and will stand up to confrontation or new situations with confidence and self-assurance.
This tranquil and calm disposition makes them a great watchdog and guard dog, but also means they should always be closely monitored when in the company of children, due to their size and strength.
With unknown children, they must not be trusted.
The American Molossus is often good-natured and loving with those they know well, but can be standoffish with those they don’t.
Consistent positive reinforcement training from a young age is crucial to improve their quality of life and yours as an adult.
If you notice behavioral issues, consider bringing in a professional trainer for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Molossus go extinct?
The Molossus went extinct due to a combination of factors, including high maintenance costs and crossbreeding with other breeds. Its extinction was a result of human actions rather than a natural decline.
What is the difference between a Mastiff and a Molosser?
A Mastiff is a specific breed, while a Molosser refers to a group of working dogs with a shared ancestry, including the Mastiff breed. Understanding the difference between the two can help you appreciate the rich history and diversity of these powerful dogs.
What breed were Roman war dogs?
The Roman war dogs were primarily Molossians, a powerful breed bred specifically for combat. They played a crucial role in the Roman military, particularly during campaigns in Sardinia.
What is the closest breed to the Molossus?
The closest breed to the Molossus is the Neapolitan Mastiff, with which it shares a common ancestry.
What are the descendants of the Molossian Hound?
The Molossian Hound is an ancestor of several large breeds, including the English Mastiff, Great Dane, and Rottweiler. Its descendants also include the St. Bernard, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, and Bernese Mountain Dog.
Sources
- [9] (wikipedia.org)
- Molossidae (wikipedia.org)
- molossers (wikipedia.org)
- #mollosusofepirus (instagram.com)
- List of Molosser Type Dog Breeds (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Molossus (wikipedia.org)
- Construction In Rome Reveals Well-Preserved, 2000-Year-Old Dog Statue - Smithsonian Magazine » GyanByts (gyanbyts.com)
- Construction in Rome Reveals Well-Preserved, 2,000-Year-Old Dog Statue | Smart News - lieverthuis (lieverthuis.info)
- American Molossus Dog Breed Information & Characteristics (dogtime.com)
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