Molossus
It was once believed the Molossus was the definitive link between ancient dogs to all mastiff types that exist today. Bred by the Molossi Tribe in what is modern day Greece, these dogs were kept as property guards and hunters.
Today there are two main beliefs regarding the Molossus. The first, as mentioned above, that it is the ancestor to all modern mastiffs. Large and ferocious, it would do anything, including kill, to protect its master. However, other accounts mention dogs closer in appearance to a sighthound, swift and adapt hunter.
Although one would not often think of a sighthound as aggressive, some breeds are highly protective. Both the Sloughi and the Azawakh have secondary roles in their homelands as guardians. Due to the location of the Molossi it is possible either of these breeds were forerunners of the true Molossus.
Some believe that the Molossi kept multiple types of dogs, but this seems unlikely. One important note, the modern Sarplaninac in appearance is very similar to the most famous Molossus sculpture, Jenning’s Dog, pictured left.
Today there are two main beliefs regarding the Molossus. The first, as mentioned above, that it is the ancestor to all modern mastiffs. Large and ferocious, it would do anything, including kill, to protect its master. However, other accounts mention dogs closer in appearance to a sighthound, swift and adapt hunter.
Although one would not often think of a sighthound as aggressive, some breeds are highly protective. Both the Sloughi and the Azawakh have secondary roles in their homelands as guardians. Due to the location of the Molossi it is possible either of these breeds were forerunners of the true Molossus.
Some believe that the Molossi kept multiple types of dogs, but this seems unlikely. One important note, the modern Sarplaninac in appearance is very similar to the most famous Molossus sculpture, Jenning’s Dog, pictured left.
Molossus Facts
- accounts vary from large mastiff-like to sighthound-type
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