Molossi (dogs): breeds, photo, description

Experienced breeders are well aware that molosses are dogs that are grouped together in several groups with similar characteristics. As a rule, these are large animals with a massive head and powerful jaws.

A bit of history

Scientists involved in the study of these animals agree that the Molossians (dogs) descended from a common ancestor. The first mention of such dogs is dated 640 BC. E. The name of this group, most likely, came from Molosia. This ancient state was located in the western part of Greece. It was from there that these animals entered the territory of the Ancient Roman Empire. The Romans appreciated these great hardy dogs. In the process of conducting combat operations, the Molossian dogs were part of the Roman legions. In peacetime, they were released into the arena to fight gladiators or predatory beasts. Subsequently, they spread throughout Europe.

Molossi: breeds of dogs

To date, this group includes about 30 different breeds. The most popular are Rottweilers, St. Bernards, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Boxers, English Bulldogs, Central Asian and Caucasian Shepherds. All of them have a wide chest, developed musculature and more or less drooping skin. Many of them are distinguished by increased aggression towards other kindreds. Molossi - dogs, the description of which can be read just below, differ stubborn character, but they do not tend to dominate.

Bordeaux Great Dane

These animals are considered one of the brightest representatives of Molossa. Dogs of this breed weigh 40-50 kilograms with an increase of 58-68 centimeters. The main distinctive feature of the Bordeaux danes is a massive head with thick thick jaws and a pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle.

The body of these dogs is covered with a short soft coat. They have a solid black-piebald, golden or fawn color. It is not considered a blemish and the presence of white spots on the paws and chest of the animal.

Bordeaux mastiffs are unsuitable for maintenance in urban apartments, they need space. In addition, these animals are lazy by nature. Therefore, they need regular long walks and moderate physical exertion. Otherwise, the dog will gain weight quickly, which can lead to serious health problems.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

This is another typical representative of Molossa. Dogs of this breed are characterized by a complex independent character. By their nature they are not aggressive, but they have a very developed guarding instinct. These large dogs can not be kept on a leash. For these animals you need to build spacious aviaries.

Caucasian Shepherds - squat dogs with a massive skeleton and well-developed volumetric musculature. Their growth is 64-75 centimeters, and weight - not less than 45-50 kilograms. A characteristic feature of these animals is a massive, well-planted wedge-shaped head with broad cheekbones and small, widely spaced ears.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Homeland of this handsome man is considered to be Italy. The growth of dogs of this breed is 61-74 centimeters, weight - from 50 to 70 kilograms. The massive body of the animal is covered with a short coat of blue, black or brown hue. The main distinguishing feature of the Neapolitan mastiff is a wide skull with a short massive muzzle, drooping loose lips and perfectly developed jaws.

These strong-willed and very stubborn dogs are not programmed for instant submission. Therefore, their training will take a lot of time and patience. In addition, they easily overheat and do not need increased physical exertion. The best occupation for the Neapolitan mastiff is swimming.

These are bright representatives of Molossa. Dogs, whose photos can be seen below, have a calm character. Phlegmatic mastiffs never attack first, except in situations in which their owners are at risk.

Bullmastiff

This is a fairly young breed, the homeland of which is England. These animals were withdrawn by crossing a bulldog with a mastiff. As a full-fledged breed they were recognized in the 20s of the last century.

These huge, powerful animals instantly find themselves at the center of attention. Bullmastiffs are characterized by well-developed musculature and a broad, powerful thorax. The main characteristic feature of these dogs is a wide square skull with a short muzzle and a broad nose.

The angular dense body of the bullmastiff is covered with a smooth, short, tight-fitting wool of brownish-red color. Sometimes there are small white spots on it. The growth of these dogs reaches 60-69 centimeters, weight - 45-60 kilograms.

Animals of this breed are suitable for keeping in urban apartments and private houses. These massive dogs have a rather lazy character. If they are not persistently pushed to the door, they will lie on the couch. Training bullmastiffs is complicated by the fact that they are very wayward. The dog will never perform a meaningless team, in her opinion.

Newfoundland

Animals of this breed have a powerful, compact and sturdy body with a straight back line. Newfoundlands have a wide skull with a well developed occipital part and a slightly convex vault. The short square muzzle of the dog is covered with a thin short coat. The growth of adults is 66-71 centimeters, weight - 54-68 kilograms.

The thick coat of Newfoundland with a dense undercoat requires regular care. To the dog had a neat appearance, it must be periodically combed out with a special metal brush. It is advisable to repeat this procedure every three days. To bathe a dog it is necessary in process of pollution. Once every three weeks, the animal should be treated with antiparasitic drugs against fleas and ticks.

Newfoundlands have a kind, calm and inquisitive character, so they are easy to learn. However, their training should be more like a game. During training, it should be borne in mind that these large heavy dogs quickly become fatigued.