The Molossus Roman War Dog was a breed of dog known for its size, strength, and loyalty. It was a massive dog, with some records indicating they could weigh up to 120 pounds.
These dogs were often used as guards and companions by the Roman army. They were fiercely protective of their owners and would defend them at all costs.
The Molossus was also known for its intelligence and trainability. They were highly responsive to commands and could be trained for various tasks, including hunting and guarding.
Their loyalty and strength made them a valuable asset to the Roman army, and they were often used in battle to help protect soldiers and territories.
Worth a look: The Molossus Dog
History and Origins
The Molossus Roman War Dog has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. They originated in Epirus, a region in northwest ancient Greece and southern Albania, and were known to exist since before 400 BC.
They were bred to be livestock guardians, protecting flocks of sheep and cattle from predators like wolves and bears. This role made them essential farmyard workers in their time.
The Molossus was a large and powerful dog, standing between 2 and 2.2 feet tall to the shoulders, and weighing between 100 and 110 pounds on average. Some Molossus dogs even reached up to 200 pounds in weight.
They were also used in battle, with Alexander the Great reportedly taking them to fight alongside him. Their size and strength made them valuable assets in times of war.
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About and History
The Molossus of Epirus has a rich history that spans over 2,000 years, with roots in ancient Greece and southern Albania. They were a well-known breed in their time, used for various purposes.
The Molossus was primarily used as a livestock guardian, protecting flocks of sheep and cattle from predators like wolves and bears. Their size and strength made them a valuable asset on farms.
Worth a look: Molossus Dog Breeds
They were also used in battle, with some reports suggesting that Alexander the Great took them to fight alongside him. Their loyalty and power made them a formidable force on the battlefield.
The Molossus was a large breed, standing between 2 and 2.2 feet tall at the shoulder, and weighing between 100 and 110 pounds on average. Some individuals weighed up to 200 pounds.
Here are some breeds that are believed to be descendants of the Molossus:
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Old English Mastiff
- Tibetan Mastiff
These breeds share some physical characteristics with the Molossus, such as their large size and strength. However, their exact relationship to the Molossus is still a topic of debate among experts.
Why Did the Dog Go Extinct?
The Molossus dog didn't actually go extinct in the classical sense. Instead, it was largely absorbed into other breeds through crossbreeding.
This process started around the 2nd Century A.D. as the Roman Empire began to decline. The Molossus dog's lineage can still be found in larger breeds like the St. Bernard and the Mastiff.
Physical Characteristics
The Molossus Roman war dog is an intimidating specimen, with a strong-boned, large body that's sure to command attention.
Their dark brown eyes are relatively small and sit quite far back in their face, giving them a unique appearance.
Their ears are not particularly big and hang down in close contact with their head, which adds to their imposing stature.
Their neck is substantial, thick and muscular with loose folds of skin, a testament to their powerful build.
Their deep chest and sloping shoulders give them a rectangular body shape, making them a formidable sight.
Their medium-sized tail is thick at the base and often more densely furred than their body, adding to their overall size.
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 possible.
A fully grown female Molossus of Epirus can weigh from 40kg to 60kg and measure 64cm to 74cm, while the male is slightly larger.
The male Molossus can weigh in at 45kg to 65kg and reach heights of 66cm to 75cm, making them a force to be reckoned with.
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Behavior and Training
The Molossus Roman War Dog is a breed that thrives on structure and clear communication. An experienced trainer is essential to prevent dominance and territorial behavior.
They appreciate gentle and patient trainers who will reward them for good behavior. This breed can be independent, but they'll be more than happy to oblige if they believe they'll benefit from the task.
Early training and intensive socialization are crucial to prevent unnecessary hostility towards new people. With proper training, they can excel as both a watch dog and a guard dog.
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Trainability
The Molossus of Epirus can be a bit stubborn, especially when it comes to being told what to do. They don't love being bossed around and can be independent, which can make training a bit of a challenge.
However, if you can convince them that they'll benefit from the task, they'll be more than happy to oblige. This means you need to be a trainer who can show them the value in what you're asking them to do.
A gentle and patient trainer is essential for the Molossus of Epirus, as they appreciate being rewarded for good behavior. Dominance and territorial behavior can be a problem if not addressed properly.
With the right approach, you can prevent these issues and have a well-behaved Molossus of Epirus.
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The American Dog
The American Molossus dog is a cross between Neapolitan and Old English Mastiff, making it a distinct breed from its original ancestors.
This unique combination of breeds can sometimes make training a bit more challenging, but with patience and consistency, you can develop a strong bond with your American Molossus.
The American Molossus will always be a distinctly different breed than the original Molossus, which can make it harder to find breed-specific training resources.
However, with the right approach and training techniques, you can help your American Molossus become a well-behaved and loyal companion.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and other major dog kennel clubs do not recognize the American Molossus as an official breed, which means you may not find breed-specific training programs or resources.
But don't let that discourage you - with dedication and the right training methods, you can help your American Molossus thrive and become a beloved member of your family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What breeds are Roman molossers?
Roman Molossers are a group of ancient breeds that include the Cane Corso, Neapolitan Mastiff, and others, characterized by their large size and powerful build. These breeds are part of the broader Molosser family, known for their strength and protective instincts.
Sources
- #mollosusofepirus (instagram.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)
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- Statue of a Molossian hound. Ca. 320 B.C. (wikimedia.org)
- Ancient Roman Molosser Dogs - Dog Breeds (k9rl.com)
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