Molossy is not one breed of dogs, but a group that combines several breeds at once. Almost all of these giants have a big and kind heart, so many people want to have such pets.
Origin
The dogs got their name in honor of the Molossians living in Epirus (Greece). It was there that groups of dogs appeared that had a rather large torso, and also possessed tremendous physical strength. In addition, these dogs faithfully served their owners.
At first, such animals were bred only in this area, and besides, they were not taken out for the purpose of selling outside the area. But after a while the rumor about them spread to other Greek cities. They began to sell for big money. Some purebred puppies were sold for gold, the amount of which was equal to their weight.
To preserve primacy, only males were sold outside the city, and females were left for breeding in an enclosed space.
For this reason, the Molossians were quite rare animals. After many wars, these animals fell into ancient Rome. The Romans began to use them as warriors, who were dressed in armor and launched into the ranks of the enemy. They tore the soldiers to shreds in just a few minutes.
Moloss began to use not only in wars, but also in gladiatorial battles. After several centuries, the animals fell into European countries.
To date, this group includes more than 30 breeds, which are combined not only by external signs, but also by common characteristics.
Common external features and characteristics of character
Although the Moloss are different breeds of dogs, they all have certain features which can only be in this group of animals.
- First of all, it is their tall stature. Height can reach up to 100 centimeters.
- Almost all dogs have drooping ears. Previously, they were stopped in order to improve hearing a little, and also to prevent the enemy from grabbing the dog by the ears in battle. Today, this is not done, so the animals look more gentle and touching.
- They all have pendulous skin.
- They have powerful jaws and the same strong bones.
- The look is wise. For many, they cause fear and admiration.
- All molossy feel territory perfectly.
Despite their huge size and formidable appearance, they are quite emotional and require increased human attention.
If it is not enough, it will only lead to negative consequences.
If we talk about their education or training, then here we must try very well. After all, the Molossians understand everything perfectly, but they do not rush to carry out the commands given. If we talk about their characteristics, they are all calm enough, reliable and self-confident. In addition, such a dog faithfully serves its owner, if he educated him correctly.
Varieties
If we talk about the breeds of dogs that are part of the Moloss group, then today there are a lot of them. They all have their own characteristics that distinguish them from each other. Many of them are especially popular. Among them it is worth noting such as bulldogs, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs or St. Bernards. To learn more about them, you need to consider their description.
Dogo Bordeaux
These are the brightest representatives who belong to this group. Their weight ranges from 40 to 45 kilograms, and growth can reach up to 70 centimeters.They differ from other breeds with a rather powerful and massive head, as well as with very powerful jaws. In dogs, a pronounced transition, going from the muzzle to the forehead.
The coat of these animals is small and very soft to the touch. The color can be black, golden, and also fawn.
Some of them have small white spots, which are placed on the paws and chest of the dog. However, this is not considered a vice.
It is better not to keep such big dogs in the apartments, as they need space for games. Mastiffs are very lazy by nature, so they will need a load, as well as regular walking. If this is not done, then it can lead to an animal's obesity.
Bullmastiff
England is considered the birthplace of this animal, but at the same time, such dogs are quite popular in the USA. Therefore, many of them are called American Bullmastiffs. They were born as a result of crossing bulldogs with mastiffs. They were recognized in the past century. The dogs immediately attracted the attention of many breeders. They have a highly developed chest. The muzzle is square and rather wide nose.
The hair of the bullmastiffs is rather smooth and short, besides, it fits tightly to the body.
Its color is brown-red, there may be small white specks. Weigh bulmastiffs up to 60 kilograms with growth of 70 centimeters.
In city apartments it will be very difficult. It will take too much to walk and give physical exertion. They are very lazy and can lie in one pose for a long time. By nature, they are very capricious, so they are difficult to train.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Dogs of this breed are very complex. By their nature, they are not aggressive, but at the same time they have a well-developed hunting instinct. Large and spacious open-air cages are necessary for their maintenance, where they can perfectly feel themselves.
If we talk about their description, then it is quite large, but at the same time, squat animals.
They have a powerful physique. Weigh up to 50 kilograms with growth of 73 centimeters.
The head is wedge-shaped with rather wide cheekbones and wide-set ears.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The real birthplace of mastiff is Italy. They are very stubborn and persistent, they can not always obey man. Therefore, their upbringing is better to do not independently, but with a specialist. Dogs of this breed overheat very quickly, so do not need too large loads. Swimming is best for them.
The weight of such pets reaches 75 kilograms with a growth of 70 centimeters. The fur of animals has a black or blue color.
The muzzle is short and massive with slightly drooping lips and well developed jaws. By their nature phlegmatic mastiffs, therefore, they will never attack first.
Newfoundlands
Dogs of this breed have a very powerful physique. The back is fairly straight and strong. The cranium is well developed and has a square shape. The muzzle is covered with short and smooth fur. Weigh Newfoundland up to 70 kilograms with a growth of 69 centimeters.
The body of the animal is covered with thick hair with a close-lying undercoat, which requires regular care of it. That is, it must be constantly combed using a special comb. For this purpose it is best to buy a metal comb. This should be done twice a week. It is necessary to bathe an animal no more than 5-6 times a year, or to do so as it is polluted. In addition, it is necessary once a month to treat the dog with special means from such parasites as fleas or ticks.
As for their character, they are too kind and inquisitive animals. They are easy to train, but all training should be carried out in a playful way.
However, be sure to take into account the fact that all the Newfoundlands are quite heavy and get tired very quickly. Therefore, training should be either a little easier, or spend a little less time on them.
German boxer
This is quite a devoted and calm animal. He loves not only adults, but also children. Easy to train as it has a very playful character. Often use these dogs to guard the border.
Dogs weigh up to 30 kilograms with a height of 55 centimeters. Build have a strong, but not too large. The head is wide and massive.
How to choose?
Choosing for yourself a puppy from the Moloss group, it is necessary to approach this very responsibly. After all, many relate to breeding not too seriously, crossing them with other breeds of dogs. In addition, such giants can have a lot of problems. Among them it is worth noting the following:
- rather weak limbs, this problem may appear in dogs as a result of poor heredity;
- allergy;
- convulsions.
A series of tests should be carried out to ensure that there are no genetic diseases. Be sure to ask the pedigree puppy. He must also have a passport and vaccination notes.
But the most important thing is that the puppy should definitely please its owner, because you have to spend a lot of time with it.
Summarizing, we can say that these large and formidable dogs belonging to the Molossian group will become excellent pets in any home. They are fearless and loyal, so they can not only protect their masters from any enemiesbut also remain faithful to them in every situation. But for this dogs need proper care, as well as properly conducted training.
For Moloss dogs, see below.