Experienced dog breeders are well aware that molossoid dogs are dogs that are united in one group according to several 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 molosses (dogs) came from a common ancestor. The first mention of such dogs dates back to 640 BC. e. The name of this group, apparently, came from Molossia. This ancient state was located in the western part of Greece. It was from there that these animals came to the territory of the Ancient Roman Empire. The Romans appreciated these large hardy dogs. During the fighting, the dogs of the Molossian group were part of the Roman legions. In peacetime, they were released into the arena to combat gladiators or predatory animals. Subsequently, they spread throughout Europe.
Molossoid: dog breeds
Today, this group includes about 30 different breeds. The most popular are rottweilers, St. Bernards, dogs, mastiffs, boxers, English bulldogs, Central Asian and Caucasian shepherds. All of them have a wide chest, developed muscles and more or less drooping skin. Many of them are characterized by increased aggressiveness in relation to other relatives. Molossoid dogs are dogs, the description of which can be read a little lower, they are stubborn in nature, but at the same time they do not tend to dominate.
Dogue de bordeaux
These animals are considered one of the most prominent representatives of the Molossoid group. Dogs of this breed weigh 40-50 kilograms with a height of 58-68 centimeters. The main distinguishing feature of the Bordeaux Great Dane is a massive head with powerful thick jaws and a pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle.
The body of these dogs is covered with short soft hair. They are characterized by a solid black-pied, golden or fawn color. The presence of white spots on the legs and chest of the animal is not considered a vice.
Dogues of Bordeaux are unsuitable for maintenance in city 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 the Molossian group. Dogs of this breed are distinguished by a complex independent character. By their nature, they are not aggressive, but they have a very developed protective instinct. These large dogs cannot be kept on a leash. For these animals you need to build spacious enclosures.
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are squat dogs with a massive skeleton and well-developed volumetric muscles. Their height is 64-75 centimeters, and weight - at least 45-50 kilograms. A characteristic feature of these animals is a massive, well-set wedge-shaped head with wide cheekbones and small, widely spaced ears.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Italy is considered the birthplace of this handsome man. 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 short hair of blue, black or brown shade. The main distinguishing feature of the Neapolitan mastiff is a wide skull with a short massive muzzle, drooping loose lips and well-developed jaws.
These strong-willed and very stubborn dogs are not programmed for instant submission. Therefore, their training will require a lot of time and patience. In addition, they easily overheat and do not need increased physical exertion. The best activity for the Neapolitan mastiff is swimming.
These are bright representatives of the Molossian group. Dogs, photos of which can be seen below, have a calm character. Phlegmatic mastiffs never attack first, with the exception of situations in which their masters are in danger.
Bullmastiff
This is a fairly young breed, whose homeland is England. These animals were bred as a result of a cross between a bulldog and a mastiff. As a full breed they were recognized in the 20s of the last century.
These huge powerful animals instantly find themselves in the spotlight. Bullmastiffs are characterized by well-developed muscles and a wide, powerful chest. The main characteristic feature of these dogs is a wide square skull with a short muzzle and a wide nose.
The angular dense body of the bullmastiff is covered with smooth, short, tight-fitting wool of brown-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 in private houses. These massive dogs have a rather lazy character. If they are not persistently pushed to the door, they will still lie on the couch. Bullmastiff training is complicated by the fact that they are very wayward. The dog will never begin to carry out a meaningless, in her opinion, command.
Newfoundland
Animals of this breed have a powerful, compact and strong body with a straight line of the back. Newfoundlands have a wide skull with a well-developed occipital part and a slightly convex arch. The short square face of the dog is covered with fine short hair. The growth of adults is 66-71 centimeters, weight - 54-68 kilograms.
Thick Newfoundland wool with a dense undercoat needs regular maintenance. In order for the dog to have a neat appearance, it needs to be combed periodically with a special metal brush. It is advisable to repeat this procedure every three days. You need to bathe the dog as it gets dirty. Once every three weeks, the animal is recommended to be treated with antiparasitic agents against fleas and ticks.
Newfoundlands have a kind, calm and curious character, so they are easy to learn. However, their training should be more like a game. During training, it must be borne in mind that these large heavy dogs tire quickly.