Molossian dogs are normally robust, muscular, strong and highly loyal to their own. In addition, the vast majority of them have a very high sense of protection, so they are not only excellent canine companions, but also great protectors.
For this reason, it is not surprising that these furry ones draw so much attention. Well, despite their rough appearance, they are one of the most noble dogs that we can find. If you are thinking of adopting a dog with these characteristics, keep reading this article on our site, where we will tell you more about the Molossian dog breeds
What are molossian dogs?
Molossian dogs are dogs that share a series of physical characteristics, such as:
- Muscular.
- Strong jaws.
- Big head.
- Short or flat snout.
In ancient times various crossbreeding of dogs was carried out with the aim of turning them into excellent protectors and guardians. As a result, robust, faithful and extremely noble and protective dogs towards their masters were produced.
Dogo type Molossian dog breeds
Currently, there are two categories of Molossian dogs: bulldog type and mountain type. In this section, we will focus on the bulldog type.
Boxer
The boxer is one of the most popular molosser dogs worldwide Born from the cross between the extinct Brabant bullenbeiser and the old bulldog, the boxer usually has a fawn or brindle coat. Occasionally, we can also find albino boxers, although it is not very common.
The Boxer is a very active dog, so he needs a lot of daily physical exercise. With a very muscular and proportionate body and a snub nose, the Boxer was a messenger dog during World War II, which delivered communication cables, as well as a dog ambulance, to transport the bodies of soldiers wounded in war.
Great Dane
The Great Dane is currently one of the largest dog breeds in existenceIt is also a very elegant and charismatic dog. In fact, the International Cinological Federation (DIC) considers it "the Apollo of the canine breeds" due to its size and well-proportioned body
We can find Great Danes with different coat colours, such as fawn, brindle, black, harlequin or blue. It is a giant-sized dog with a very muscular body. He has short hair and big ears.
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is another of the best-known Molossian dog breeds. Of German origin, it has a strong, robust and athletic body and its size can vary from medium to large. For all this, the rottweiler inspires admiration and fear in equal parts, especially by those who do not know him.
Despite his powerful appearance, a well-socialized Rottweiler can be a loyal and very loving companion. In addition, it is not a particularly active dog, so it adapts to all kinds of circumstances and houses.
Brazilian Row
As its name indicates, the Fila Brasileiro has its origin in Brazil, where it is normally used as a guard dog, a hunter of large prey, and also a protector of cattle. Despite its enormous and robust body, it is one of the most loyal and helpful dogs that we can find. In fact, he has the highly developed protection instinct, making him not only a perfect companion, but also a great protector.
As a fun fact, when slavery was legal in Brazil, the Fila Brasileiro was also used to catch runaway slaves. Fortunately, that is now a thing of the past.
Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is especially known worldwide for its large number of body wrinkles. Of both American and Chinese origin, the Shar Pei is a very popular breed of dog that is also considered a symbol of social status.
The Shar Pei is a medium-sized dog with a very muscular and compact body. He is very intelligent and slightly independent in character. In ancient times, it was used as a guard dog, hunting dog, fighting dog, and as a herding dog.
Broholmer
Broholmer are one of the oldest dog breeds in existencen. During the Middle Ages, they were used to hunt deer and protect the lands of feudal lords. However, it was not until the 18th century that this breed was officially recognized.
The Broholmer is a large and impressive dog, being able to measure up to 75 cm and weigh up to 70 kg. It has a massive, wide head, a strong, thick neck, and a broad, strong chest. Its fur is short, tight and dense. Unfortunately, sheds a lot of hair, so it's not recommended for allergy sufferers.
Dogo mallorquin dog or ca de bou
This is a breed of dog typical of the Balearic Islands In the past, ca de bou were used asbull fighting dogs In fact, "ca de bou" in Catalan means "bull dog". For this reason, the Majorcan mastiff has strong muscles and a flat nose, typical of Molossian dog breeds.
Today, luckily, this type of practice is not carried out, and the ca bolou is one of the most faithful and protective dogsWhat can we find.
Presa Canario or Dogo Canario
Another of the most popular Molossian dog breeds is the Presa Canario, which is national symbol of its place of origin, Gran Canarias (Spain) In addition, it is one of the oldest dogs in the country. The Presa Canario is a robust, muscular and elongated dog, large in size and quite active.
Although they are very noble and faithful, the Dogo Canario is still considered one of the most potentially dangerous breeds in Spain and other countries.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Despite its imposing physical appearance, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a very good-natured and noble dog, perfect for families with children. One of its peculiar characteristics, in addition to its enormous head, is the number of wrinkles that accumulate on its face, especially when the dog is attentive to something.
In the past, the Dogue de Bordeaux was used for hunting big game, fighting and as a guard dog. Despite its French name, it is believed to have some Celtic origins.
Cane corso or Italian mastiff
The Cane Corso is a quite Territorial, protective and independent dog It descends from the Canis Pugnaux, a breed of Molossian dog that was used as war dog, guard dog and fighting dog in the arenas, where he fought against other animals such as bears and lions.
Also, it is a very active dog, making it perfect for families with experience in meeting this type of need in dogs.
Neapolitan mastiff
Neapolitan mastiffs, or Neapolitan mastiffs, are dogs extremely strong and robust, which is why they were used as dogs in ancient times guardians and for wars. However, these are not the only qualities that define it, as it is also a very loyal Molossian dog breed.
Physically, they are dogs characterized by having many folds in their skin and being very tall. In fact, they can measure between 70-80 centimeters tall and weigh up to 100 kg.
Tosa inu
The Tosa Inu is a Japanese breed of dog of the Molossian type that is undoubtedly pretty, faithful and imposingThey are usually quite reserved dogs with strangers, but very affectionate and playful with their own. It is a large dog that can perfectly measure up to 60 centimeters tall.
Although it is a dog very good with children, its adoption is not recommended for people without experience with this type of dog, since they are dogs with a lot of strength and dominance that, without a good education, may need the help of a professional dog trainer.
San Miguel Row
This is a breed of dog that is little known today. One of its most distinctive features is its strong, square-shaped head Its body is strong, muscular, and quite tall, though not very long. The Fila de San Miguel is a very active dog that needs a lot of exercise, so its adoption is only recommended for those who can meet its needs.
Although the Fila de San Miguel has existed for several decades, it was not until 1995 that it was officially considered a breed by the FCI. Nowadays, it is becoming one of the most popular dogs in Portugal.
Other breeds of molosser bulldog type dogs
- French Bulldog.
- English bulldog.
- American Bulldog.
- Bullmastiff.
- Mastiff.
- Uruguayan Cimarron.
Molossian mountain dog breeds
Now let's move on to the next category: mountain-type Molossian dogs.
Hovawart
Hovawart dogs are of German originDespite not being very popular, they are one of the direct descendants of the German Shepherd, which is very well known. It is characterized by having a coat that can be black with fire, black or blonde.
They are dogs with a highly developed protective instinct, which is why they have been used as guard and working dogs. Despite their strong muscles, Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate and sweet.
Leonberger
Another of the lesser-known but very beautiful Molossian dog breeds is the Leonberger. They are very strong and robust dogs, with long brown hair. In addition, it has the peculiarity of having the black face It is believed that it is a cross between breeds such as the Saint Bernard and the Great Pyrenees.
Despite their large presence, they are generally docile and calm dogs, making them perfect for families. As a curiosity, note that it is a breed that is often used as rescue dog.
Landseer
Another of the most spectacular Molossian dogs is the Landseer, from Germany and Switzerland. Although the FCI recognizes it as a separate breed, many kennel clubs consider the Landseer to be actually the black and white variant of the Newfoundland.
He is a very noble and affectionate dog with children. In fact, the British painter Edwin Landseer illustrated several paintings with these dogs rescue children from the water, which is why the breed received this name.
Tornjak or shepherd from Bosnia-Herzegovia and Croatia
The Tornjak is another Molossian-type dog breed that surprises with its imposing size and strength. However, despite its robust appearance, it is a very agile and well-proportioned dog. The Tornjak have long, dense hair that almost completely covers their bodies, and a coat of various colors, where the predominant is white as the base They also have a warm and sweet look.
On the other hand, they are very protective, loyal and affectionate dogs with their own, which makes them perfect companions for both children as well as adults.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a giant-sized dog In fact, it is popularly known as "the gentle giant" due to its enormous size and his noble and good-natured character. Due to its good temperament and extremely developed protective instinct, it is also considered a nanny dog
Newfoundlands are strong and robust dogs that can be found in three colors: black, black and white and brown. They are currently also used as rescue dogs.
Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a dog considered a giant breed, as it can weigh up to 100 kg and measure 77 centimeters in length. tall. The Pyrenean Mastiff is a very muscular Molossian-type dog breed, with the very strong and robust limbs, which can lead us to the mistaken idea that he is a clumsy dog in his walk. But nothing could be further from the truth, since they are very agile.
In terms of character, the Pyrenean Mastiff is a very faithful dog that can play a good role as a guard dog and as a pet. company, since in addition to being a protector, he is very affectionate with his own.
Spanish Mastiff
With characteristics similar to the Pyrenean mastiff, the Spanish mastiff is the largest dog breed in Spain, reaching sizes of up to 80 centimeters from the mane For centuries, the Spanish mastiff has not only been an excellent companion animal, but has also been a great protector in houses and properties in rural Spain.
Even so, nowadays it is not uncommon to see a Spanish mastiff walking around the city due to its enormous popularity. And it is that they are not only very noble, but it is an undoubtedly beautiful race.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Also known as the Great Pyrenees, it is another Molossian-type dog breed considered giant. With long, silky white hair, or white with spots, centuries ago it was used as a guard dog, protector of flocks as well as guardian of castles.
Today, it is very common to see it in homes all over the world due to its nobility and beauty. Of course, if you are thinking of adopting a Pyrenean Mountain Dog, keep in mind that they are cold weather dogs, so it is not recommended to live in excessively hot areas.
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is the most famous cattledog. Of Molossian type and native to the Swiss Alps and northern Italy, the Saint Bernard descends from other breeds, such as the Tibetan Mastiff, the Great Dane, the Newfoundland and the extinct Alpine Mastiff.
Saint Bernards are today synonymous with bravery, loy alty and tranquility, which is why it is one of the most adopted dogs all over the world.
Atlas Mountain Dog or Aïdi
Also called the Atlas shepherd, it is a native dog of Morocco that has been commonly used by the Berbers as a shepherd dog. Its molossoid physical characteristics are more than remarkable, although perhaps not as much as other dogs such as the Saint Bernard.
The Aïdi dog has a rustic and muscular body He is an energetic dog, with a strong constitution and quick in his movements. Its head is cone-shaped, similar to that of bears. He has a abundant mantle, which protects him from both the sun and the cold, as well as from jackals and other predators in the area.
Other mountain-type Molossian dog breeds
- Dog of chaste Laboreiro.
- Kraski Ovcar or Karst shepherd.
- Dog of the Sierra de la Estrela.
- Rafeiro del Alentejo.
- Romanian shepherd from Bucovina.
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
- Caucasian Shepherd.
- Tibet Mastiff.
- Pastor Kangel.
- Charplanina Yugoslav Shepherd Dog.
Molossian mongrel dogs
If you have decided to adopt a moloid-type dog, in animal shelters and associations you will also find mestizo dogs for adoption with moloid characteristicsIf you are looking for a particular breed, ask the associations in your area or contact shelters specialized in rescuing dogs of that breed.
If you finally adopt a mongrel puppy and you don't know what size it will be as an adult, you can consult this other article on our site on How to know how big a mongrel dog will be?