Molosser
Encyclopedia
Molosser is a category of large, solidly-built dog that includes several breeds, probably all descended from the same root stock. The name derives from Molossia, a subregion of ancient Epirus
, ancient Greece
, where the large shepherd dog was known as the Molossus
.
The proper noun "Mastiff", however, is used to refer to the English Mastiff
, a breed that originated from Celtic dogs in England over two thousand years ago. Other terms include "Mastín" (Spanish
), "Dogge" (Germanic
), and "dogue" or "dogo" (Romance languages
).
Breeds such as the Bullmastiff
, Dogue de Bordeaux
, Fila Brasileiro
, Pyrenean Mastiff
(Mastín del Pirineo), Spanish Mastiff
, Neapolitan Mastiff
, Tibetan Mastiff
, and many others fall into the larger category of "Molossers", but are not "Mastiffs". Each is a separate and distinct breed. The Boxer
breed is also included, as it is a creation from other Molossers including the Old English Bulldog
.
Molossers typically have heavy bones, pendant ears, a relatively short and well-muscled neck, and a short muzzle. Although some Molossers are used for search and rescue
, such as the Newfoundland
and the Saint Bernard, most are used as guard dog
s, due to their deep voices and natural guarding instincts, or livestock guardian dog
s for protection against large predators as well as poachers. Some breeds like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
have also been used as cart dogs
.
dog was in 1121 BC, when a Tibetan mastiff
trained for hunting was given to a Chinese emperor. The mastiffs would later be exported to Mongolia
, Mesopotamia
and Central Asia
where they would mix with local dogs, resulting in a loss of long hair and colour uniformity. The main features, such as height and a massive head with a big short muzzle were kept. The dogs were considered valuable in Babylon
, and are mentioned in cuneiform
in the 4th century BC. A large mastiff-like dog is shown on the ancient terra cotta
by Birs Nimrud. The dog is rather tall: 90 centimetres (35.4 in) at the withers, has a stocky head and powerful hind quarters. The dogs were used for hunting in ancient Assyria
. Archeological digs of the Ashurbanipal
palace (7th century BC) revealed pictures of dogs felling wild horse
s and donkeys
. Assyrian mastiffs were also used for military purposes and for protection.
The ancient mastiffs would later be imported from Assyria and Babylon to Egypt
and Asia Minor
. Xerxes I of Persia
led predatory wars to enlarge the borders of his empire, taking with him large war dogs
in his Army. After his army's defeat by the Greeks
, his mastiffs were kept as trophies of war. The mastiffs would be bred in Molossia
and from there, spread all over the Mediterranean under the name of "epirian
" dogs or molosses. Mastiffs were used to fight in the Roman amphitheater against lion
s and may have been used in lion hunting. They are said to be at the root of many Mountain dog
breeds.
The Alans
kept mastiff-like dogs taken from Eastern Europe
which acted as retriever
s, guard dog
s, and fighting dogs
. The name associated with these dogs is Alaunt
, or in Spanish Alano
. The mastiffs were used in unison with sighthound
s to hunt wisent
, aurochs
and bear
. Groups of Alanian tribes came to Europe during the Migration Period
, fighting on the territory of modern France
, Spain
, Portugal
and Northern Africa, taking with them their dogs. The Alanian mastiffs then spread to the British Isles
. The mastiff of the Alps
, the Alpine Mastiff
, was a progenitor of the St. Bernard
and contributed to the modern English Mastiff
.
The Newfoundland dog is the only Canadian molosser type dog breed. Portuguese fishermen have fished off the shores of Newfoundland for centuries, and the Newfoundland breed was likely a result of Portuguese mastiff
s breeding with the native St. John's Water Dog
.
The Bulldog
breeds split from the Molossers in England and spread to the New World
with colonization as well as Western Europe and, though smaller, are considered by some still to be Molosser breeds.
theorized there were four basic canine races, based on his observation of their different skull structures: Lupoides (Spitz
), Braccoides (scenthounds
), Graioides (sighthound
s), and Molossoides (mountain dogs, mastiff breeds and even Pugs). Although study of the canine genome is causing the revision of phenotype-based taxonomies such as Mégnin's, the four categories are still used in some traditional contexts.
Epirus
The name Epirus, from the Greek "Ήπειρος" meaning continent may refer to:-Geographical:* Epirus - a historical and geographical region of the southwestern Balkans, straddling modern Greece and Albania...
, ancient Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, where the large shepherd dog was known as the Molossus
Molossus (dog)
-History:This ancient extinct breed of dog is commonly considered to be the ancestor of today's Mastiff-type dogs and of many other modern breeds. Mastiff-type dogs are often referred to as Molossus dogs or Molossers...
.
The proper noun "Mastiff", however, is used to refer to the English Mastiff
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff, referred to by virtually all Kennel Clubs simply as the Mastiff, is a breed of large dog perhaps descended from the ancient Alaunt through the Pugnaces Britanniae. Distinguishable by enormous size, massive head, and a limited range of colors, but always displaying a black mask,...
, a breed that originated from Celtic dogs in England over two thousand years ago. Other terms include "Mastín" (Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
), "Dogge" (Germanic
Germanic languages
The Germanic languages constitute a sub-branch of the Indo-European language family. The common ancestor of all of the languages in this branch is called Proto-Germanic , which was spoken in approximately the mid-1st millennium BC in Iron Age northern Europe...
), and "dogue" or "dogo" (Romance languages
Romance languages
The Romance languages are a branch of the Indo-European language family, more precisely of the Italic languages subfamily, comprising all the languages that descend from Vulgar Latin, the language of ancient Rome...
).
Breeds such as the Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large breed of domestic dog. It has a solid build and a short muzzle. The Bullmastiff shares the characteristics of Molosser dogs, and was originally developed by 19th-century gamekeepers in England to guard estates and immobilize poachers. The breed's bloodlines are drawn from...
, Dogue de Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff or Bordeauxdog is a breed of dog that is strong, powerful, and imposing. The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds. They are a typical brachycephalic molossoid type. Bordeaux are very powerful dogs, with a very muscular...
, Fila Brasileiro
Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro is a large working breed of dog developed in Brazil.-Appearance and disqualifications:Official standard of the Fila Brasileiro, CAFIB.GENERAL APPEARANCE: A typical molosser dog...
, Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a large breed of dog originally from the Aragonese Pyrenees in Spain.- Description :The Pyrenean Mastiff is a very large dog, males 77 cm and females 71 cm at the withers, although they can be up to 81 cm . They have a heavy white coat with large darker spots...
(Mastín del Pirineo), Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff, or Mastín Español is a large breed of dog, originating in Spain, originally bred to be a Livestock guardian dog and a guard dog whose purpose is to defend livestock from wolves and other predators...
, Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff, Italian Mastiff, is a large, ancient dog breed. This massive breed is often used as a guard and defender of family and property due to their protective instincts and their fearsome appearance....
, Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed and type of domestic dog originating with nomadic cultures of Central Asia.-Names and etymology:...
, and many others fall into the larger category of "Molossers", but are not "Mastiffs". Each is a separate and distinct breed. The Boxer
Boxer (dog)
Developed in Germany, the Boxer is a breed of stocky, medium-sized, short-haired dog. The coat is smooth and fawn or brindled, with or without white markings. Boxers are brachycephalic , and have a square muzzle, mandibular prognathism , very strong jaws and a powerful bite ideal for hanging on to...
breed is also included, as it is a creation from other Molossers including the Old English Bulldog
Old English Bulldog
The Old English bulldog was a breed of dog.-Appearance:The Old English bulldog was compact, broad and muscular, as reflected in the well-known depiction Crib and Rosa. The average height was approximately 15 inches, and they weighed about 45 pounds...
.
Molossers typically have heavy bones, pendant ears, a relatively short and well-muscled neck, and a short muzzle. Although some Molossers are used for search and rescue
Search and rescue dog
The use of dogs in search and rescue is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. Dedicated handlers and well-trained dogs are required for the use of dogs to be effective in search efforts...
, such as the Newfoundland
Newfoundland (dog)
The Newfoundland is a breed of large dog. Newfoundlands can be black, brown, gray, or black and white. They were originally bred and used as a working dog for fishermen in the Dominion of Newfoundland, now part of Canada. They are known for their giant size, tremendous strength, calm dispositions,...
and the Saint Bernard, most are used as guard dog
Guard dog
A guard dog, an attack dog or watch dog is a dog used to guard against, and watch for, unwanted or unexpected people or animals. The dog is discriminating so that it does not annoy or attack familiar people.-Barking:...
s, due to their deep voices and natural guarding instincts, or livestock guardian dog
Livestock guardian dog
A livestock guardian dog is a domesticated canine used to defend livestock against predators. LGDs are commonly referred to as "sheep dogs" since they most often have guarded flocks of sheep, but most are capable of guarding other species of livestock. They are classified as pastoral dogs...
s for protection against large predators as well as poachers. Some breeds like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a dog breed which was developed in the Swiss Alps. The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn or Senner, dairymen and herders in the Swiss Alps. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are almost certainly the result of indigenous dogs mating with large Mastiff types...
have also been used as cart dogs
Dogcart (dog-drawn)
A dogcart is a cart pulled by one or more dogs. The traditional varieties are rare:* Dog carts pulled by a single dog were sometimes used by peddlers....
.
Origins
The first known record of a molosser-typeDog type
Dog types are broad categories of dogs based on function, with dogs identified primarily by specific function or style of work rather than by lineage or appearance....
dog was in 1121 BC, when a Tibetan mastiff
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed and type of domestic dog originating with nomadic cultures of Central Asia.-Names and etymology:...
trained for hunting was given to a Chinese emperor. The mastiffs would later be exported to Mongolia
Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east and west. Although Mongolia does not share a border with Kazakhstan, its western-most point is only from Kazakhstan's eastern tip. Ulan Bator, the capital and largest...
, Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia is a toponym for the area of the Tigris–Euphrates river system, largely corresponding to modern-day Iraq, northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey and southwestern Iran.Widely considered to be the cradle of civilization, Bronze Age Mesopotamia included Sumer and the...
and Central Asia
Central Asia
Central Asia is a core region of the Asian continent from the Caspian Sea in the west, China in the east, Afghanistan in the south, and Russia in the north...
where they would mix with local dogs, resulting in a loss of long hair and colour uniformity. The main features, such as height and a massive head with a big short muzzle were kept. The dogs were considered valuable in Babylon
Babylon
Babylon was an Akkadian city-state of ancient Mesopotamia, the remains of which are found in present-day Al Hillah, Babil Province, Iraq, about 85 kilometers south of Baghdad...
, and are mentioned in cuneiform
Cuneiform
Cuneiform can refer to:*Cuneiform script, an ancient writing system originating in Mesopotamia in the 4th millennium BC*Cuneiform , three bones in the human foot*Cuneiform Records, a music record label...
in the 4th century BC. A large mastiff-like dog is shown on the ancient terra cotta
Terra cotta
Terracotta, Terra cotta or Terra-cotta is a clay-based unglazed ceramic, although the term can also be applied to glazed ceramics where the fired body is porous and red in color...
by Birs Nimrud. The dog is rather tall: 90 centimetres (35.4 in) at the withers, has a stocky head and powerful hind quarters. The dogs were used for hunting in ancient Assyria
Assyria
Assyria was a Semitic Akkadian kingdom, extant as a nation state from the mid–23rd century BC to 608 BC centred on the Upper Tigris river, in northern Mesopotamia , that came to rule regional empires a number of times through history. It was named for its original capital, the ancient city of Assur...
. Archeological digs of the Ashurbanipal
Ashurbanipal
Ashurbanipal |Ashur]] is creator of an heir"; 685 BC – c. 627 BC), also spelled Assurbanipal or Ashshurbanipal, was an Assyrian king, the son of Esarhaddon and the last great king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire...
palace (7th century BC) revealed pictures of dogs felling wild horse
Wild Horse
The wild horse is a species of the genus Equus, which includes as subspecies the domesticated horse as well as the undomesticated Tarpan and Przewalski's Horse. The Tarpan became extinct in the 19th century, and Przewalski's Horse was saved from the brink of extinction and reintroduced...
s and donkeys
Asinus
The subgenus Asinus encompasses four species and several subspecies of Equidae characterized by long ears, a lean, straight-backed build, a scant tail, and a reputation for considerable toughness and endurance....
. Assyrian mastiffs were also used for military purposes and for protection.
The ancient mastiffs would later be imported from Assyria and Babylon to Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
and Asia Minor
Asia Minor
Asia Minor is a geographical location at the westernmost protrusion of Asia, also called Anatolia, and corresponds to the western two thirds of the Asian part of Turkey...
. Xerxes I of Persia
Xerxes I of Persia
Xerxes I of Persia , Ḫšayāršā, ), also known as Xerxes the Great, was the fifth king of kings of the Achaemenid Empire.-Youth and rise to power:...
led predatory wars to enlarge the borders of his empire, taking with him large war dogs
Dogs in warfare
Dogs in warfare have a long history starting in ancient times. From 'war dogs' trained in combat to their use as scouts, sentries and trackers, their uses have been varied and some continue to exist in modern military usage.-History:...
in his Army. After his army's defeat by the Greeks
Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece is a civilization belonging to a period of Greek history that lasted from the Archaic period of the 8th to 6th centuries BC to the end of antiquity. Immediately following this period was the beginning of the Early Middle Ages and the Byzantine era. Included in Ancient Greece is the...
, his mastiffs were kept as trophies of war. The mastiffs would be bred in Molossia
Molossians
The Molossians were an ancient Greek tribe that inhabited the region of Epirus since the Mycenaean era. On their northeast frontier they had the Chaonians and to their southern frontier the kingdom of the Thesprotians, to their north were the Illyrians. The Molossians were part of the League of...
and from there, spread all over the Mediterranean under the name of "epirian
Epirus
The name Epirus, from the Greek "Ήπειρος" meaning continent may refer to:-Geographical:* Epirus - a historical and geographical region of the southwestern Balkans, straddling modern Greece and Albania...
" dogs or molosses. Mastiffs were used to fight in the Roman amphitheater against lion
Lion
The lion is one of the four big cats in the genus Panthera, and a member of the family Felidae. With some males exceeding 250 kg in weight, it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger...
s and may have been used in lion hunting. They are said to be at the root of many Mountain dog
Mountain dog
Mountain dog is a generic form of canidae, dog, dog breed or landrace typically from mountain environs.They are often a working dog, particularly a livestock or flock guardian or farm dog. By and large, these dogs tend to have a claimed Molosser dog in their genetic heritage...
breeds.
The Alans
Alans
The Alans, or the Alani, occasionally termed Alauni or Halani, were a group of Sarmatian tribes, nomadic pastoralists of the 1st millennium AD who spoke an Eastern Iranian language which derived from Scytho-Sarmatian and which in turn evolved into modern Ossetian.-Name:The various forms of Alan —...
kept mastiff-like dogs taken from Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe is the eastern part of Europe. The term has widely disparate geopolitical, geographical, cultural and socioeconomic readings, which makes it highly context-dependent and even volatile, and there are "almost as many definitions of Eastern Europe as there are scholars of the region"...
which acted as retriever
Retriever
A retriever is a type of gun dog that retrieves game for a hunter. Generally gun-dogs are divided into three major classifications: retrievers, flushing spaniels, and pointing breeds. Retrievers were bred primarily to retrieve birds or other prey and return them to the hunter without damage...
s, guard dog
Guard dog
A guard dog, an attack dog or watch dog is a dog used to guard against, and watch for, unwanted or unexpected people or animals. The dog is discriminating so that it does not annoy or attack familiar people.-Barking:...
s, and fighting dogs
Dog fighting
Dog fighting is a form of blood sport in which game dogs are made to fight, sometimes to the death. It is illegal in most developed countries. Dog fighting is used for entertainment and may also generate revenue from stud fees, admission fees and gambling....
. The name associated with these dogs is Alaunt
Alaunt
The Alaunt is often thought of as an extinct breed of dog, however the Alaunt is not a breed, it is a type of dog also known as Mastiff. A number of modern dog breeds are believed directly descended from the Alaunt. The original Alaunt is thought to have resembled a Caucasian Shepherd Dog. They...
, or in Spanish Alano
Alano Español
Alano Español, sometimes called the Spanish Bulldog in English, is a very large breed of dog of the molosser dog type, originating in Spain. The breed is best known for its former use during Spanish bullfights.- Appearance :...
. The mastiffs were used in unison with sighthound
Sighthound
Sighthounds, also called gazehounds, are hounds that primarily hunt by speed and sight, instead of by scent and endurance as scent hounds do.-Appearance:...
s to hunt wisent
Wisent
The wisent , Bison bonasus, also known as the European bison or European wood bison, is a species of Eurasian bison. It is the heaviest surviving land animal in Europe; a typical wisent is about long, not counting a tail of long, and tall. Weight typically can range from , with an occasional big...
, aurochs
Aurochs
The aurochs , the ancestor of domestic cattle, were a type of large wild cattle which inhabited Europe, Asia and North Africa, but is now extinct; it survived in Europe until 1627....
and bear
Bear
Bears are mammals of the family Ursidae. Bears are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans, with the pinnipeds being their closest living relatives. Although there are only eight living species of bear, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Northern...
. Groups of Alanian tribes came to Europe during the Migration Period
Migration Period
The Migration Period, also called the Barbarian Invasions , was a period of intensified human migration in Europe that occurred from c. 400 to 800 CE. This period marked the transition from Late Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages...
, fighting on the territory of modern France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
and Northern Africa, taking with them their dogs. The Alanian mastiffs then spread to the British Isles
British Isles
The British Isles are a group of islands off the northwest coast of continental Europe that include the islands of Great Britain and Ireland and over six thousand smaller isles. There are two sovereign states located on the islands: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and...
. The mastiff of the Alps
Alps
The Alps is one of the great mountain range systems of Europe, stretching from Austria and Slovenia in the east through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany to France in the west....
, the Alpine Mastiff
Alpine Mastiff
The Alpine Mastiff is an extinct Molosser dog breed, the progenitor of the St. Bernard, and a major contributor to the modern Mastiff , as well as to other breeds that derive from these breeds or are closely related to them...
, was a progenitor of the St. Bernard
St. Bernard (dog)
The St. Bernard is a breed of very large working dog from the Italian and Swiss Alps, originally bred for rescue. The breed has become famous through tales of alpine rescues, as well as for its large size.-Appearance:The St. Bernard is a large dog...
and contributed to the modern English Mastiff
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff, referred to by virtually all Kennel Clubs simply as the Mastiff, is a breed of large dog perhaps descended from the ancient Alaunt through the Pugnaces Britanniae. Distinguishable by enormous size, massive head, and a limited range of colors, but always displaying a black mask,...
.
Rafeiro do Alentejo
The Rafeiro do Alentejo or Alentejo Mastiff, also called the Portuguese Mastiff, is a breed of dog that originated in Portugal. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is of the livestock guardian dog type, and the name refers to its area of origin, Alentejo, in south-central Portugal...
s breeding with the native St. John's Water Dog
St. John's Water Dog
The St. John's Water Dog, also called the St. John’s Dog or the Lesser Newfoundland, was a naturally occurring dog breed from Newfoundland. Little is known of the breeds that went into its creation, although it was likely a random-bred mix of old Irish, English, and Portuguese working breeds. The...
.
The Bulldog
Bulldog
Bulldog is the name for a breed of dog commonly referred to as the English Bulldog. Other Bulldog breeds include the American Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge and the French Bulldog. The Bulldog is a muscular heavy dog with a wrinkled face and a distinctive pushed-in nose...
breeds split from the Molossers in England and spread to the New World
New World
The New World is one of the names used for the Western Hemisphere, specifically America and sometimes Oceania . The term originated in the late 15th century, when America had been recently discovered by European explorers, expanding the geographical horizon of the people of the European middle...
with colonization as well as Western Europe and, though smaller, are considered by some still to be Molosser breeds.
Canine Taxonomy
Nineteenth-century army veterinarian and entomologist Jean Pierre MégninJean Pierre Mégnin
Jean Pierre Mégnin was a French army veterinarian and entomologist. He is best known for his work with dogs and forensic entomology....
theorized there were four basic canine races, based on his observation of their different skull structures: Lupoides (Spitz
Spitz
Spitz-type dogs are a type of dog, characterized by long, thick, and often white fur, and pointed ears and muzzles...
), Braccoides (scenthounds
Scenthound Group
Scenthound Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Dogs listed in a kennel club's Scenthound Group may not all be of the same type of dog.- Scenthound type :...
), Graioides (sighthound
Sighthound
Sighthounds, also called gazehounds, are hounds that primarily hunt by speed and sight, instead of by scent and endurance as scent hounds do.-Appearance:...
s), and Molossoides (mountain dogs, mastiff breeds and even Pugs). Although study of the canine genome is causing the revision of phenotype-based taxonomies such as Mégnin's, the four categories are still used in some traditional contexts.
List of breeds
- Adronicus Mastiff
- Akbash DogAkbash DogThe Akbash Dog is native to western Turkey in the region known as the Akbaş, and it is primarily used as a livestock guardian dog.-History:...
- Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Central Asian Ovtcharka)
- Alano EspañolAlano EspañolAlano Español, sometimes called the Spanish Bulldog in English, is a very large breed of dog of the molosser dog type, originating in Spain. The breed is best known for its former use during Spanish bullfights.- Appearance :...
(Spanish Alano) - AlauntAlauntThe Alaunt is often thought of as an extinct breed of dog, however the Alaunt is not a breed, it is a type of dog also known as Mastiff. A number of modern dog breeds are believed directly descended from the Alaunt. The original Alaunt is thought to have resembled a Caucasian Shepherd Dog. They...
(extinct) - Alapaha Blue Blood BulldogAlapaha Blue Blood BulldogThe Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is an American rare dog breed, believed to have been developed in the Alapaha River region of southern Georgia. They are recognized for intelligence, athleticism, and a protective nature...
- Alpine MastiffAlpine MastiffThe Alpine Mastiff is an extinct Molosser dog breed, the progenitor of the St. Bernard, and a major contributor to the modern Mastiff , as well as to other breeds that derive from these breeds or are closely related to them...
(extinct) - Alp Mastiff (Cane Garouf)
- American BulldogAmerican BulldogThe American Bulldog is a breed of working dog that was developed in the United States. There are generally considered to be three types of American bulldog: the Bully or Classic type , the Standard or Performance type , and the Hybrid type...
- American Bull Molosser
- American MastiffAmerican MastiffThe American Mastiff is a molosser-type dog that was created over 20 years ago by Fredericka Wagner of Flying W Farms by crossing an English Mastiff and an Anatolian Mastiff.- General :...
- American Pit Bull TerrierAmerican Pit Bull TerrierThe American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, short haired dog whose early ancestors came from England and Ireland...
- American Staffordshire TerrierAmerican Staffordshire TerrierThe American Staffordshire terrier is a medium-sized, short-coated American dog breed. In the early part of the twentieth century the breed gained social stature and was accepted by the American Kennel Club as the American Staffordshire Terrier in 1936...
- Alangu Mastiff (Indian Mastiff)
- Antebellum BulldogAntebellum BulldogThe Antebellum Bulldog or Altamaha Plantation Dog is an American new breed dog breed, developed in the Altamaha River Valley Basin, a region of southeastern Georgia.-Appearance:...
- Anatolian Shepherd DogAnatolian Shepherd DogThe Anatolian Shepherd Dog also known as Karabash is a breed of dog which originated in Anatolia and was further developed as a breed in America....
- Appenzeller SennenhundAppenzeller SennenhundThe Appenzeller Sennenhund is a medium-size breed of dog, one of the four regional breeds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn, herders in the Swiss Alps...
- Argentine DogoArgentine DogoThe Dogo Argentino is a large, white, muscular dog that was developed in Argentina primarily for the purpose of big-game hunting, including wild boar and puma; the breeder, Antonio Nores Martinez, also wanted a dog that would exhibit steadfast bravery and willingly protect its human companion to...
- Armenian Gampr dogArmenian Gampr dogArmenian Gampr is a breed of livestock guardian dog that originated in the Armenian Highlands, including the territories of modern Eastern Anatolia of Turkey and the Republic of Armenia. The Armenian Gampr was bred by local people using primitive selection...
- BandogBandogThe term Bandog originated around 1250-1300 in Middle England, referring to a mastiff type dog that was bound by a chain during the daytime and was released at night to guard against intruders...
- Banter BulldoggeBanter Bulldogge-History:The breed was developed in Ohio in the late 1990s by Todd Tripp as an attempt to recreate the Brabanter Bullenbeisser of the 18th century....
- Belgian Mastiff
- Bergamasco
- Bernese Mountain DogBernese Mountain DogThe Bernese Mountain Dog, called in German the Berner Sennenhund, is a large breed of dog, one of the four breeds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. The name Sennenhund is derived from the German "Senne" and "hund" , as they accompanied the alpine herders and dairymen called Senn...
(Berner Sennen) - BoerboelBoerboelThe Boerboel is a large, mastiff dog breed from South Africa, bred for the purpose of guarding the homestead. These dogs were often a first line of defense against predators and were valuable in tracking and holding down wounded game...
(South-African Mastiff) - Boston TerrierBoston TerrierThe Boston Terrier is a breed of dog originating in the United States of America. This "American Gentleman" was accepted in 1893 by the American Kennel Club as a non-sporting breed. Color and markings are important when distinguishing this breed to the AKC standard. They should be either black,...
- BoxerBoxer (dog)Developed in Germany, the Boxer is a breed of stocky, medium-sized, short-haired dog. The coat is smooth and fawn or brindled, with or without white markings. Boxers are brachycephalic , and have a square muzzle, mandibular prognathism , very strong jaws and a powerful bite ideal for hanging on to...
- Brazilian Bullmastiff
- Broholmer
- Bucciriscu Calabrese
- BulldogBulldogBulldog is the name for a breed of dog commonly referred to as the English Bulldog. Other Bulldog breeds include the American Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge and the French Bulldog. The Bulldog is a muscular heavy dog with a wrinkled face and a distinctive pushed-in nose...
(English Bulldog, British Bulldog) - Buldogue Campeiro
- BullenbeisserBullenbeisserThe Bullenbeisser was a breed of dog known for its strength and agility. The breed was closely related to the Bärenbeisser The Bullenbeisser (also known as the German Bulldog) was a breed of dog known for its strength and agility. The breed was closely related to the Bärenbeisser The Bullenbeisser...
(German Bulldog) (extinct) - BullmastiffBullmastiffThe Bullmastiff is a large breed of domestic dog. It has a solid build and a short muzzle. The Bullmastiff shares the characteristics of Molosser dogs, and was originally developed by 19th-century gamekeepers in England to guard estates and immobilize poachers. The breed's bloodlines are drawn from...
- Bully KuttaBully KuttaBully Kutta is a Molosser type dog which is found largely in Pakistan. The word Bully actually derives from the languages of Sindhi and Urdu as bohli — meaning heavily wrinkled and the word Kutta means dog...
(Pakistani Mastiff) - Bull TerrierBull TerrierThe Bull Terrier or English Bull Terrier is a breed of dog in the terrier family. They are known for their large, egg-shaped head, small triangular eyes, and "jaunty gait." Their temperament has been described as generally fun-loving, active and clownish...
(England) - Ca de Bou (Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Mallorquin Bulldog, etc.)
- Cane CorsoCane CorsoThe Cane Corso is an Italian breed of dog, for years valued highly in Italy as a companion, guardian and hunter.- Description :-Appearance:...
(Sicilian mastiff) - Cão da Serra da Estrela (Estrela Mountain Dog)
- Cão de Castro LaboreiroCão de Castro LaboreiroThe Cão de Castro Laboreiro, or Dog from Castro Laboreiro, or Portuguese Cattle Dog or Portuguese Watch Dog, is a dog breed of the livestock guardian dog type, originating from Castro Laboreiro in the northern mountains of Portugal....
(Portuguese Watchdog, Portuguese Cattledog) - Cão de Fila de São Miguel (Azores Cattledog)
- Cão de Fila da Terceira (Dog of Terceira (Terceira IslandTerceira IslandReferred to as the “Ilha Lilás” , Terceira is an island in the Azores archipelago, in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the larger islands of the archipelago, with a population of 56,000 inhabitants in an area of approximately 396.75 km²...
, Azores) - see Cão de Fila de São Miguel) - Cão de Gado Transmontano (Portuguese Mountain Cattle dog (MontesinhoMontesinho Natural ParkThe Montesinho Natural Park is a protected area located in the municipalities of Vinhais and Bragança, northeastern Portugal. Sections of the southern slopes of the Serra da Coroa fall within the park....
)) - Catahoula BulldogCatahoula BulldogThe Catahoula bulldog is a crossbred ; it is a cross between the Catahoula leopard dog and the American bulldog for a specific purpose....
- Catahoula Cur
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- Central Asia Shepherd DogCentral Asia Shepherd DogThe Central Asian Ovtcharka is recognized by FCI, as a Molossoid type dog breed of Russian origin. Most breed representatives reside in Russia, and local kennel club officials refer to Central Asians as one of the most popular dog breeds in the country, often rating it as the #1...
- Cimarrón UruguayoCimarron UruguayoThe Cimarrón Uruguayo is a breed of molosser type dog originating in Uruguay. The word cimarrón in Latin America is used to mean feral, referring to the breed's history....
(Uruguayan Cimarron) - Dosa InuKorean Mastiff- Description :The Korean Mastiff is of the Molosser dog type. In Korea, it is called 미견도사, and is also widely known as the Dosa Gae, as well as the Mee-Kyun Dosa...
(Mee-Kyun Dosa, Korean Mastiff) - Dogue de BordeauxDogue de BordeauxThe Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff or Bordeauxdog is a breed of dog that is strong, powerful, and imposing. The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds. They are a typical brachycephalic molossoid type. Bordeaux are very powerful dogs, with a very muscular...
(French Mastiff) - Dogo Argentino
- Dogo CubanoDogo CubanoDogo Cubano or Cuban Mastiff or Cuban Dogo or Cuban Dogge is an extinct breed of dog from Cuba.It was of Bull Mastiff type.This breed of dog was used for dog fighting....
- Dogo GuatemaltecoDogo GuatemaltecoThe Dogo Guatemalteco is a medium sized, mostly white breed of dog, which superficially resembles the Dogo Argentino but is of separate origin. It was bred by the Gallusser family in Guatemala in the 1930s, and, for the most part, continues to stay there, save a few exceptions in the U.S...
- Dogo SardescoDogo SardescoDogo Sardesco is a breed of dog used as a guard dog, livestock guardian dog, working dogRare and fairly unknown outside Italy, the Dogo Sardesco was developed in the villages of Sardinia as an all-around working Molosser...
- Dutch Mastiff (An alternate name for a Pug, technically a misnomer from a genetic standpoint)
- English MastiffEnglish MastiffThe English Mastiff, referred to by virtually all Kennel Clubs simply as the Mastiff, is a breed of large dog perhaps descended from the ancient Alaunt through the Pugnaces Britanniae. Distinguishable by enormous size, massive head, and a limited range of colors, but always displaying a black mask,...
(Mastiff) - Entlebucher Sennenhund (Entlebucher Mountain Dog)
- Fila BrasileiroFila BrasileiroThe Fila Brasileiro is a large working breed of dog developed in Brazil.-Appearance and disqualifications:Official standard of the Fila Brasileiro, CAFIB.GENERAL APPEARANCE: A typical molosser dog...
(Brazilian Mastiff) - French BulldogFrench BulldogThe French bulldog is a small breed of domestic dog, related to the English bulldog and American bulldog.-History:The origin of the modern French Bulldog breed descends directly from the dogs of the Molossians, an ancient Greek tribe. The dogs were spread throughout the ancient world by Phoenician...
- Armenian Gampr
- Giant Maso Mastiff
- Golden RetrieverGolden RetrieverThe Golden Retriever is a medium-sized breed of dog. They were historically developed as gundogs to retrieve shot waterfowl such as ducks and upland game birds during hunting and shooting parties. As such, they were bred to have a soft mouth to retrieve game undamaged and have an instinctive love...
- Golden Mastiff
- Gran Mastin de BorínquenGran Mastín de BorínquenEl Gran Mastín de Borínquen, also known as the Puerto Rican Mastiff, Mastín Borincano, Becerillo de Borínquen and Perro Barsino de Hacienda, is the only breed native to the island of Puerto Rico....
- Great DaneGreat DaneThe Great Dane , also known as German Mastiff or Danish Hound , is a breed of domestic dog known for its giant size...
(German Mastiff) - Great Pyrenees
- Greater Swiss Mountain DogGreater Swiss Mountain DogThe Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a dog breed which was developed in the Swiss Alps. The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn or Senner, dairymen and herders in the Swiss Alps. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are almost certainly the result of indigenous dogs mating with large Mastiff types...
(Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund) - Gull TerrGull TerrThe Gull Terr is a breed of dog which is found largely in Pakistan. It was bred from Bull Terriers and the local Bully Kuttas. They are typically found today in heavily rural areas of Pakistan...
- Gull Dang
- HovawartHovawartThe Hovawart is a German dog breed. The name of the breed means "an estate guard dog," which is the original use for the breed. The breed originated in the Black Forest region and was first described in text and paintings in medieval times....
- Himalayan SheepdogHimalayan SheepdogThe Himalayan Sheepdog is a Nepalese breed of dog that has become very rare. This Mountain dog is similar in appearance to the Newfoundland and the Tibetan Mastiff. They have a large body and have been known to have a loud bark.-Appearance:...
- Kangal DogKangal DogThe Kangal Dog is regarded as the national breed of Turkey. The Kangal, which weighs 100–165 lbs fully grown, was originally used as a livestock guardian dog...
- KomondorKomondorThe Komondor is a large, white-colored Hungarian breed of livestock guardian dog with a long, corded coat....
- KuvaszKuvaszThe Kuvasz is a dog breed of ancient Hungarian origin. Mention of the breed can be found in old Hungarian texts. It has historically been used to guard livestock, but has been increasingly found in homes as a pet over the last seventy years....
- LandseerLandseer (dog)The Landseer is a dog breed. Many kennel clubs consider the Landseer to be simply a black-and-white variant of the Newfoundland, but the Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes it as a separate breed...
(sometimes considered a colour variety of the NewfoundlandNewfoundland (dog)The Newfoundland is a breed of large dog. Newfoundlands can be black, brown, gray, or black and white. They were originally bred and used as a working dog for fishermen in the Dominion of Newfoundland, now part of Canada. They are known for their giant size, tremendous strength, calm dispositions,...
) - LeonbergerLeonbergerThe Leonberger is a breed of large dog. The breed's name derives from the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. According to legend, the Leonberger was ostensibly bred as a 'symbolic dog' that would mimic the lion in the town crest...
- Moscovskaya Storozhevaya Sobaka (Moscow Watchdog)
- Neapolitan MastiffNeapolitan MastiffThe Neapolitan Mastiff, Italian Mastiff, is a large, ancient dog breed. This massive breed is often used as a guard and defender of family and property due to their protective instincts and their fearsome appearance....
- NewfoundlandNewfoundland (dog)The Newfoundland is a breed of large dog. Newfoundlands can be black, brown, gray, or black and white. They were originally bred and used as a working dog for fishermen in the Dominion of Newfoundland, now part of Canada. They are known for their giant size, tremendous strength, calm dispositions,...
- Olde Boston Bulldogge
- Old Roman Bull-Dog
- Olde English BulldoggeOlde English BulldoggeThe Olde English Bulldogge is a purebred breed of dog. It is a re-creation of the bull-baiting dog that existed in England during the English Regency period of 1811-1820.- Appearance :...
- Panther Dog
- Perro Cimarron
- Perro de Presa CanarioPerro de Presa CanarioThe Perro de Presa Canario is a large Molosser-type dog breed originally bred for working livestock. The name of the breed is Spanish, means "Canarian blood hound," and is often shortened to "Presa Canario" or simply "Presa." The breed is also called Dogo Canario, mean Canarian...
- Perro de Toro
- Polish Tatra Sheepdog
- PugPugThe pug is a "toy" breed of dog with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face, and curled tail. The breed has a fine, glossy coat that comes in a variety of colors, and a compact square body with well-developed muscle. They have been described as multum in parvo , referring to the pug's personality and...
- Pyrenean MastiffPyrenean MastiffThe Pyrenean Mastiff is a large breed of dog originally from the Aragonese Pyrenees in Spain.- Description :The Pyrenean Mastiff is a very large dog, males 77 cm and females 71 cm at the withers, although they can be up to 81 cm . They have a heavy white coat with large darker spots...
- Pyrenean Mountain DogPyrenean Mountain DogThe Pyrenean Mountain Dog, known as the Great Pyrenees in North America, is a large breed of dog used as a livestock guardian dog.The Great Pyrenees is a very old breed, and has been used for hundreds of years by shepherds, including those of the Basque people, who inhabit parts of the region in...
(Great Pyrenees) - Rafeiro do AlentejoRafeiro do AlentejoThe Rafeiro do Alentejo or Alentejo Mastiff, also called the Portuguese Mastiff, is a breed of dog that originated in Portugal. The Rafeiro do Alentejo is of the livestock guardian dog type, and the name refers to its area of origin, Alentejo, in south-central Portugal...
- RottweilerRottweilerThe Rottweiler is a medium to large size breed of domestic dog that originated in Rottweil, Germany. The dogs were known as "Rottweil butchers' dogs" because they were used to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat and other products to market...
- Sage KoocheeSage KoocheeThe Kuchi dog is an Afghan herding dog, taking its name from the Kuchi people of Afghanistan. It is also a guard and working dog following the nomads, protecting caravans and flocks of sheep, goats, camels and other livestock from wolves, big cats and thieves...
(Afghan Sheepdog) - Sage Mazandaranihttp://www.moloss.com/breeds/stuvx/s002/ (Sage Sangesari)
- Saint Bernard
- ŠarplaninacŠarplaninacThe Šarplaninac or Šarplaninec , also known as Sharplaninac/Sharplaninec, Illyrian Shepherd Dog or Yugoslav Shepherd Dog-Šarplanina is a dog breed of the livestock guardian type originally from Serbia and Macedonia.- Appearance :The...
or Illyrian Sheperd - Shar PeiShar PeiThe Shar Pei, or Chinese Shar-Pei, is a breed of dog known for its distinctive features of deep wrinkles and a blue-black tongue. The breed comes from China. The name translates to "sand skin" and refers to the texture of its short, rough coat...
- Spanish MastiffSpanish MastiffThe Spanish Mastiff, or Mastín Español is a large breed of dog, originating in Spain, originally bred to be a Livestock guardian dog and a guard dog whose purpose is to defend livestock from wolves and other predators...
- Staffordshire Bull TerrierStaffordshire Bull TerrierThe Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, short-coated, old-time breed of dog. It is an English dog, where it is the 5th most popular breed, and related to the bull terrier...
- Tibetan Kyi Apso (Bearded Tibetan Mastiff)
- Tibetan MastiffTibetan MastiffThe Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed and type of domestic dog originating with nomadic cultures of Central Asia.-Names and etymology:...
- Tosa InuTosa (dog)The is a breed of dog of Japanese origin that is considered rare. It was originally bred in Tosa as a fighting dog and still is today.- Appearance :...
(Japanese Mastiff) - Turkish Mastiff (Malakli)
- Valley BulldogValley bulldogThe Valley Bulldog is a mixed breed of Bulldog and Boxer, found most commonly in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada. It is a common conception that Valley Bulldog originated in the Annapolis Valley, giving the designer breed the name "Valley Bulldog".-Appearance:The perfect Valley Bulldog...
- Vucciriscu
- Xochaso