The Origin Of The Molossi

The molossi … You may be wondering what kind of animal it is. Well, in this article we explain who they are and where they come from. Are you curious? Well, do not miss what is coming!

What are molossi?

We refer to dogs that are characterized by having a rounded skull, drooping ears, a short jaw and a strong and powerful body.

They can be divided into 3 groups:

• Dogo-type Molossi.
• Mountain molossi.
• And small molossers.

Let’s see each of them:

Dogo type molossi

They are an evolution of the mountain molosser and have a very remarkable appearance with very marked features. Large head, remarkable musculature, facial wrinkles and short hair.

Although at first they were used as guard dogs or even war dogs, they have evolved into prey or even fighting dogs. Some breeds that are considered dogo-type molossi are: the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Neapolitan Mastiff, the Tosa or the Presa Canario, among others.

Mountain molossi

They have long hair and are the oldest of the Molossians. They have a very high cross height and are used mainly as sheepdogs.

As examples of breed that belong to this type are the following: Saint Bernard, Leonberger, Tibetan Mastiff, Caucasian Shepherd, among others. Although all of these have something in common, they are rescue dogs on land. Also among this type of molosser is the Newfoundland, a dog closely associated with water rescue.

Small or bulldog-like molossers

This type of molosser is the one that has undergone the most physical transformation. They have reached the maximum degree of brachycephaly, and they have the shortest jaws that can exist. In addition, their muscular strength is immense, despite the fact that their size is smaller than the previous types discussed.

This type of dog was used for dog fights and bloody games. That is why today they are known as aggressive breeds, although they are not at all if they receive a good education.

Where do the molossi come from

Its name comes from Molosia, a city in Greece where large dogs were used to tend livestock and fight wars. That is why dogs that have characteristics suitable for this type of work are known as molosser or molosser.

The story goes back to Phoenician times in the Ancient East. It is believed that they were responsible for introducing them into Europe. Although there are those who believe that Alexander the Great himself was responsible for taking them to Greece after the conquest of Persia.

Be that as it may, in Molosia they were very well received and appreciated. They also achieved great fame outside its borders. In fact, during the expansion of the Roman Empire, several were taken to different territories that were used in amphitheaters and battlefields.

And thanks to Marco Polo, these dogs arrived in Tibet. Thanks to this the famous Tibetan Mastiff is known.

Although molossi include different breeds of dogs as we have seen previously, there are some that are not registered as such. It is the example of the Pit Bull or the Boerboel.

Also, it is considered that there are some hybrid breeds, such as the American Bull, which is not a 100% colossus.

And, with the passage of time, there were also some that became extinct, such as the Alpine Mastiff and the Cordovan fighting dog.

Some special dogs, with remarkable physical features, but that despite their past, are not marked by him. That is, the character of each dog, regardless of the breed, is marked by education and the treatment it receives. So remember, a pet needs love and discipline in its fair share.

Regardless of the breed it is, it will be a loving and happy dog ​​if you know how to train it.

Image source: Kumarrrr, Sunnygirl and Pleple2000.