Curlie

Molosser Group

Ancient Epirus was known for its wardogs and guardian dogs, descendants of ancient mastiffs. The dogs were named Molossers after a country in Epirus, Molossia. "Molosser" now refers to the breeds that descended from the ancient mastiff. While the varied breeds still share some physical characteristics, all retain the courageous and protective nature of their ancestors.

Recreational categories are intended for the hobbyist with a focus on the breed and showing the animals; on limited occasions litters or puppies may become available and offered to the public. Websites whose primary focus is to sell puppies or dogs will be considered a business. Currently all businesses selling puppies or dogs as companions, pets, or show animals should be listed in Regional under the businesses physical location.

Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog

Recently recognized as a working dog by the American Rare Breed Association, the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog originated in the Alapaha region of Georgia, a descendant of 15th century English bulldogs.

The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is alert, powerfully built, and agile. Ranging in size from 20 to 25", 50-100 pounds, they have a short, stiff coat with a soft undercoat.

Please submit sites for the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog.

American Bandogge

The American Bandogge, a recent guardian breed, is a cross between an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Neapolitan Mastiff.

These short-coated muscular dogs stand 22-25" tall and weigh 85-100 pounds. They are confident, faithful, and very suspicious of strangers.

Please submit site for the American Bandogge.

American Bulldog

The American Bulldog, also known as the Old English White, is a recently named breed. In the 1700's, British settlers to the southern United States arrived with their English Bulldogs. These dogs served on the farms and plantations as guardians and livestock dogs. The American Bulldog remains true to his working dog roots.

The American Bulldog is short-coated, well-muscled, weighing 65-130 pounds, and ranging in height from 19-28".

Please submit sites for the American Bulldog.

Boerboel

The history of the Boerboel in South Africa traces back to the dogs of the settlers who began arriving in the 1600's, particularly Jan Van Riebeeck who brought his "bullenbijter", a mastiff-type dog, with him. Over the centuries, the dog known as the "bole" evolved as a worker, guardian, and fighter, taking on the necessary roles of the isolated farms. The "bole" almost disappeared due to urbanization and in 1980's the South African Boerboel Breeders Association was formed to improve and refine the breed. Today, the South African Boerboel is a family guardian and watchdog.

The Boerboel is a large, strong, solid dog with a smooth, short coat. It reaches a height of 23-28" and a weight of 110-200 pounds. It is steady, loyal, and affectionate.

Please submit sites that are for the Boerboel.

Boxer

The Boxer, a German breed, was developed by crossing the Brabanter Bullenbeißer and the English Bulldog. The Bullenbeißer, also a Molosser, was used over the centuries as a big game hunter, a butcher's dog, and finally a family guardian. In 1895, the founders of the Boxer breed formed the Boxer-Klub in Munich.

The Boxer is playful, sociable especially with children, loyal, and cautious with strangers. Lean and muscular, the Boxer stands 21-25" tall and weighs 53-70 pounds.

Official recognition: FCI Group 2, AKC Group 3 - Working Dogs, CKC Group 3 - Working Dogs, KC: Non-Sporting - Working Group, ANKC: Group 6 - Utility.

Please submit sites for the Boxer.

Breeders

Breeders of breeds of dogs in the Molosser Group.

Bulldog

The Bulldog (English Bulldog) probably descended from ancient British wardogs. Once a butcher's dog, the Bulldog was used in the sport of bull-baiting from the 13th through 19th centuries. When the sport was banned, the breed lost popularity and almost disappeared. Recovery of the breed resulted in a dog with physical as well as temperament differences. Today's Bulldog is primarily a companion.

The short-coated Bulldog is heavily muscled, weighing 50-55 pounds and standing 12-14" tall. He is affectionate and courageous.

Official recognition: FCI Group 2, AKC Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs, CKC Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs, KC Non-Sporting - Utility Group, ANKC Group 7 - Non Sporting.

Please submit all sites that deal with the Bulldog.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff, originally called the "Gamekeepers Night Dog," was developed in the late 1800's in England to assist gamekeepers patrolling large landholdings. The breed is a cross between the English Bulldog and the English Mastiff. Today the Bullmastiff is a family guardian, watchdog, and Search and Rescue dog.

The Bullmastiff is an active, loyal, fearless, and powerful dog with a short, stiff coat. Standing 24-27" tall, it weighs 90-130 pounds.

Official recognition: FCI Group 2, AKC Group 3 - Working Dogs, CKC Group 3 - Working Dogs, KC Non-Sporting - Working Group, ANKC Group 6 - Utility.

Please submit all sites that deal with the Bullmastiff.

Cane Corso

The Cane Corse is an ancient breed, perhaps a direct descendant of the Roman Moloss. It was used in Italy as a hunter, family and property guardian, and livestock guardian and herder. With very few dogs remaining by the 1970's, breed rescue efforts began. FCI recognition was granted in 1996. Although restoration of the breed is still ongoing, the Cane Corso is increasingly popular as a family guardian.

The Cane Corso has a short, dense, stiff coat, is 22-28" tall and weighs 88-100 pounds. It is affectionate, courageous, active, and agile.

Official recognition: FCI Group 2.

Websites of breeders are categorized by the breeder''s location. Please only submit websites here if there is not a category for the country.

Ca de Bou

The Ca de Bou is also known as the Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Mallorquin Bulldog, and Mallorca Mastiff. It was developed on the island of Mallorca in the 18th century as a fighting breed. The breed, once thought extinct, is being revived. It was recognized by the FCI in 1996 and is classified as a watch and guard dog.

Please submit all sites for Ca de Bou.

Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei is an ancient breed that originated in the southern provinces of China and served as a guardian of family and property, a herder, and a hunter. The dog population of China was virtually eliminated in the mid-1900's. Limited Shar-Pei breeding continued in Hong Kong and Taiwan and the Hong Kong Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1968. A Hong Kong breeder, Matgo Law, appealed to U.S. breeders to help save the breed and a limited number of dogs were imported. Today the Shar-Pei is a family companion, guardian, and watchdog.

The Shar-Pei is covered with loose folds of skin which gives the dog a wrinkled appearance, especially as a pup. It may have a shorter "horse" coat or longer "brush" coat. The breed ranges from 18-20" tall and weighs 35-55 pounds. It is easy-going, loyal, and affectionate, especially friendly with children, and wary of strangers.

Official recognition: FCI Group 2, AKC Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs, CKC Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs, KC Non-Sporting - Utility Group, ANKC Group 7 - Non Sporting.

Websites of breeders are categorized by the breeder''s location. Please only submit websites here if there is not a category for the country.
Please include in the description the country the kennel is located in.

Clubs

Breed specific clubs for dogs in the Molosser Group.

Danish Broholmer

The Danish Broholmer is an old breed, originating from the ancient mastiffs of Denmark crossed with German Mastiffs and then, centuries later, with English Mastiffs. A Danish royal game-keeper began a program to preserve the breed in the mid-1800's and the breed now bears his name. Since 1974, breeding has been strictly controlled by the Danish Kennel Club.
This big, strong breed reaches a height of 27-30" and weight of 90-130 pounds. It has a short, harsh coat. The Danish Broholmer is calm, good-natured, protective, and alert.

Please submit all sites for the Danish Broholmer.

Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino (Argentine Mastiff) originated in Cordoba, Argentina. It is the result of carefully crossbreeding several breeds with the "old fighting dog from Cordoba." The Dogo Argentino is a hunting dog and family guardian.
This powerful breed reaches a size ranging from 24-27" and 80-100 pounds. The coat is short and sleek. The Dogo Argentino is courageous and bold.
Official recognition: FCI Group 2.

Please submit all sites for the Dogo Argentino.

Dogue de Bordeaux

While its exact origins are unknown, the Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) is an ancient breed. Bred in France for centuries as a guardian, hunter, and fighter, it wasn't until the 1860's that the breed was named after the capital of its native region. Today the Dogue De Bordeaux is a family companion and guardian.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a very powerful dog with a short, soft coat. Standing 23-27" tall, the Dogue weighs 80-110 pounds. The breed is loyal, determined, and fearless. While loving with family, the Dogue de Bordeaux is animal aggressive.
Official recognition: FCI Group 2, ANKC Group 6 - Utility.

Please submit all sites for Dogue de Bordeaux.

Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro (Brazillian Mastiff) is believed to be a cross of, primarily, ancient Bulldogs, Bloodhounds, and English Mastiffs. The result was a guardian, herder, and big game hunter. Today the Fila Brasileiro is a family guardian, herder, and police dog.
The Fila is a powerful, muscular dog with a short, soft coat. It reaches 24-30" and 90-110 pounds. It is loyal, courageous, and very suspicious of strangers.
Official recognition: FCI Group 2, CKC Group 8 - Miscellaneous Class.

Please submit all sites for the Fila Brasileiro.

Great Dane

The Great Dane is an ancient breed. Developed in Germany by crossing sighthounds with mastiffs, they were originally used to hunt wild boar; but today are primarily protective family companions.

Submit your site here if it concerns Great Danes in a general way, such as a mailing list, breed characteristics or history.
If your site is about a breeding program ( puppies and/or stud dogs ), your pet''s personal page, a rescue service or a club, please list it in the appropriate subcategory : Breeders, Pets, Rescue or Clubs.

If you are selling a product, your site will not be listed here. Please submit it to Shopping/Pets/Dogs.

Boarding kennels, training or pet sitting services should be submitted to the proper locality in Regional.

Mastiff

The Mastiff or English Mastiff originated in England over 2000 years ago as a property guardian, fighter, and wardog. By the 1800's, the breed was rare; by the 1940's, almost extinct. Restoration of the Mastiff began after World War II by the Old English Mastiff Club. Today the Mastiff is a companion and working dog.
The Mastiff is an extremely muscular dog, weighing 175-190 pounds and reaching a height of 27-30". An alert, dominant, powerful and courageous breed, the Mastiff is also loyal, good-natured, responsive, and especially good with children.
Official recognition: FCI Group 2, AKC Group 3 - Working Dogs, CKC Group 3 - Working Dogs, KC Non-Sporting - Working Group, ANKC Group 6 - Utility.

Please submit all sites for the Mastiff.

Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff (Mastino Napoletano) developed in the area of Naples, Italy. The breed is probably a direct descendant of the Roman wardogs. Dr. Piero Scanziani is considered the father of the modern Neapolitan Mastiff due to his efforts, beginning in the 1940's, to preserve the breed. Today the Neapolitan Mastiff is a family companion and natural guardian.
The Neopolitan Mastiff is an alert, protective breed that is also calm, steady, and friendly with family and friends. The breed has a short, thick coat and grows to 26-30" and 110-155 pounds.
Official recognition: FCI Group 2, CKC Group 8 - Miscellaneous Class, KC Non-Sporting - Working Group, ANKC Group 6 - Utility.

Please submit all sites for theNeopolitan Mastiff.

Olde English Bulldogge

The development of the Olde English Bulldogge began in 1971 when David Leavitt began crossing English Bulldogs with American Pit Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs and Bullmastiffs to restore the original English Bulldog, less the breed's aggressiveness. The Olde English Bulldogge Association has established strict requirements to assure the future of the breed.
This short-coated, powerfully built breed reaches 20-25" tall and 65-105 pounds. While alert and protective, the Olde English Bulldogge is calm and friendly with family and friends.

Please submit all sites for the Olde English Bulldogge.

Presa Canario

The Presa Canario is also known as the Canary Dog, Perro de Presa Canario, and Perro Dogo Canario. Originally bred for dogfighting, it is probably the result, many centuries ago, of crosses between native dogs of the Canary Islands and mastiff breeds brought by travelers. The Preso Canario was almost extinct when, in the 1970's, it began to gain popularity as a guardian and the Club Español del Presa Canario was formed to manage the recovery of the breed.
The Presa Canario is powerfully built and has a short, coarse coat. It reaches 21-26" and 84-106 pounds.

Please submit all sites for the Presa Canario.

Rescues and Shelters

Breed specific rescue organizations for dogs in the Molosser Group.

Rottweiler

The Rottwieler was developed in the German town of Rottweil by crossing native dogs with the herding dogs that accompanied the Roman legions. It was known as a butcher's dog, used for herding and guarding the cattle and guarding master and property. In 1910, the Rottwieler was officially recognized as a police dog in Germany. Today the Rottweiler is a guardian, companion, and working dog.
This powerful, muscular breed has a short, black, thick coat with tan or mahogany markings. The Rottweiler grows to a height of 23-27" and weighs 90-110 pounds. The breed is protective, dominant, steady, and obedient.
Official recognition: FCI Group 2, AKC Group 3 - Working Dogs, CKC Group 3 - Working Dogs, KC Non-Sporting - Working Group, ANKC Group 6 - Utility.

Please submit all sites for the Rottweiler.

Spanish Mastiff

The Spanish Mastiff (Mastín Español) is an ancient breed that developed in the central region of Spain as a livestock guardian. In 1981 the Asociación Española del Perro Mastín Español (AEPME) was founded to recover the breed. Today the Spanish Mastiff is used as a personal protection dog, a guard dog, and a livestock guardian.
The Spanish Mastiff grows to 26-29" tall and weighs 110-135 pounds. It has an abundant, short coat. It is obedient and protective but may be aggressive toward other animals.
Official recognition: FCI Group 2 - Molossian type. CKC Group 8 - Miscellaneous Class.

Please submit all sites for the Spanish Mastiff.

Tosa Inu

The Tosa Inu is also known as the Tosa Fighting Dog, Tosa-Ken, Tosa-Token, and Japanese Mastiff. Developed in the 1800's to compete in dog fighting rings in Japan, the breed is now used primarily as a guardian and is proving itself as a working dog.
The Tosa Inu is a well-muscled, solid dog, reaching 24-26" and up to 200 pounds. It has a short, dense coat. Stoic, relentless, and courageous, it may be aggressive toward people and animals.
Official recognition: FCI Group 2, CKC Group 8 - Miscellaneous Class.

Please submit all sites for Tosa Inus.

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