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Molosser


Molosser is a category of solidly built, large dog breeds that all descend from the same common ancestor. The name derives from Molossia, an area of ancient Epirus, where the large shepherd dog was known as a Molossus.

Molossers typically have heavy bones, pendant ears, a relatively short and well-muscled neck, and a short, broad muzzle.

Nineteenth-century army veterinarian and entomologist Jean Pierre Mégnin theorized the four basic canine races, based on his observation of their different skull structures, are: Lupoides (Spitz), Braccoides (scenthounds), Graioides (sighthounds), 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.

Molossers are used for a variety jobs that require strength and size. Some molosser types are used for search and rescue dogs, such as the Newfoundland and the Saint Bernard. Some are used as guard dogs to protect property from intruders. live alongside livestock and offer protection against large predators and poachers. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has been used as a cart dog.

The oldest known record of a molosser-type dog is found in its name, which is the namesake of the people who first used these dogs: Molosser is an of King Molossus, the grandchild of the mighty Achilles famed in the Trojan War, who ruled the ancient tribe of Molossians in Epirus. Since the ancient region of Epirus has historically been claimed by such modern countries as Greece and Albania, some dispute exists over the molosser's exact origin. The people of Epirus were a seafaring people, and these dogs sailed with their masters to Asia, where selective breeding gave them multiple phenotypes that were better suited to their new climates and roles.


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