Molosser
Ancient Epirus was known for its wardogs and guardian dogs, descendants of ancient mastiffs. The dogs were named Molossers after a country in Epirus, Molossia. "Molosser" now refers to the breeds that descended from the ancient mastiff. While the varied breeds still share some physical characteristics, all retain the courageous and protective nature of their ancestors.
The breeds of Molosser blood are depicted on this site in three main categories that are further explained. This list is the most complete listing of the Molossers you'll find anywhere on the web! If you believe that you've found any errors in this document or perhaps you know of a breed or variety that was missed please feel free to let us know by Private Message to Admin or email! You are welcomed to contribute information concerning a breed profile, history or any stories relating to the subject. This comprehensive list was developed by Al Wolf, who also wrote the profiles!
The Molosser category covers a wide spectrum of breeds, regardless of their type and use. Whether the breed is a mountain shepherd dog, a sled-pulling spitz, a hunting dog, a fighting and baiting dog, or even a toy companion breed, if it is descended from the ancient Moloss stock of dogs, you will find it here. Enjoy your stay.
1st Group: Molossers that are bred true to original mountain type, regardless of the age and country of their origin.
2nd Group: Molossers that are not bred true to mountain type, regardless of the age and country of their origin. These are the Molossers that are a product of both breeding away from the Mountain type and crossing Molosser breeds with non-Molosser breeds, resulting in the various Bull breeds, Hounds, Guardians etc...
3rd Group: This is the so-called Molossov Coctail category. These breeds are either directly linked to the 1st and 2nd Molosser Group, but bred away from common type, such as the bearded shepherds, or they are considered to be non-Molossers, but have the Molosser blood running through their veins. Again, this is not related to the ages and countries of their origin.
Our grouping or the dogs are: Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 - this grouping has no bearing on a kennel club's dog group.
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Molosser dog in the Vatican
Molosser dogs, hunting and shepherd dog
Molosser boar hunting
Molosser athens kerameikos museum molosser dog statue
Molosser detail
Sarcophagus with a Calydoniang Boar Hunting scene
Molosian dog body
Molossus hog hunting
Molossus with hunter
Roman Circus Gladiators and Venatione hunting scene
Molossus hog hunting roman mosaic
Molossus Cave Canem, Pompei, Italy
Molosian Coin
Grecian coin
Greek Molossus
Greek Molossus
Greek molossus
Roman molossus vest detail
Epirus map
Molossus in Spain, roman mosaic located in Villa Olmeda, Valencia Spain.
Molossus with Phoenician Scarabs
Roman Mosaic, Molossus hog hunting
Molossus Kosovo mosaic