The Molosser Breed

Tibetan Mastiff

Moloser Dog Breed

Molosser is the name for the group of dogs that contain several different breeds of large, muscular dogs that all descended from the same basic dog. The name, Molosser is derived from Molossia, which is the modern day Albania.

The dogs within this group are commonly referred to as ‘mastiffs,' which when used in its proper sense, "Mastiff," refers to the English Mastiff. But, anyway, you may, also, hear the terms, "Mastin," "dogge," "dogue," and "dogo," when referring to the Molosser breed.

General Appearance of the Molosser

These dogs typically have thick, heavy bones, pendant ears, a relatively short neck, and a short muzzle. They are very muscular dogs that have been used for search and rescue, guard and protection, herding, and cart dogs.

Origin of the Molosser

This particular group of dog breeds have a debated origin.

It is said that the Molossians came from Epirus, which is northwest Greece, where they were given their name, "Molosser" because of the Molossi tribes.

These people wanted a dog that could serve as a guardian dog and a war dog, and selectively bred the "Canis Molossi," which is thought to be the early Tibetan Mastiff.

However, the origin of the Molosser breeds is not known, some of the breeds occur in various legends. For example, Zeus supposedly created a breed of strong dogs with similar characteristics of the Molossers.

But, with traders, warriors, and other people who found themselves traveling over the continent of Europe, the first true Molosser is unknown.

Books

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Training and Temperament of the Molosser Breeds

These dogs, collectively are great breeds. They tend to have wonderful temperaments with people of all ages.

BUT, they are known for their

Dominance streak
Stubbornness
Strong will
Devotion
Loyalty
Eagerness to please

The breeds in the Molosser category, tend to need a strong, firm hand in charge, otherwise they feel the need to take the role of 'Alpha Dog.'

Early socialization and training is the key to living with a Molosser happily ever after.

As many of the breeds in this category are considerably larger dogs, one must watch interaction between children and the dogs, as the children may be accidentally injured during play due to the large size of the dog.