Once in a while, dog enthusiasts come across this term “Molosser”. Simply put, a Molosser is a dog type that is large and are dog breeds that are known for being heavy boned, overlapped ears, their short and  muscular neck and short muzzle.
These dog types can be grouped by their function as search and rescue, guard and security, livestock guardian and working dogs. The search and rescue group include the Newfoundland and the St. Bernard. These dogs have the temperament and keen sense of smell that aid them in tracking. Their weight and height make them able to pull or assist in rescues.

The guarding molosser group are the Bull mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasilerio, Mastin Del Pirineo, Spanish/ Neopolitan and Tibetan Mastiffs. These breed share similar physical and temperament qualities. Most of the times being mistaken for one or the other. These were the war dogs and used for capturing and immobilizing enemies or prisoners. The livestock and guardian and working dogs like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and the Berenese Mountain Dogs bear a resemblance to their Molosser kind but were more domesticated and treated like family. The Boxer and the Bulldog are the Molosser types of smaller size. They were mostly for protection, herding and at a time in bear baiting.

Buying a Molosser type takes patience and caution. Be careful and mindful about puppy mills and inexperienced breeders, you will not be able to appreciate or use the Molosser breed to its full potential if bred indiscriminately. This Christmas, the demand for dog breeds are up, people still think pet giving  is great. Its been said before and let it be underlined here again…dog owning is not just being taken by them puppy cuteness. Pet dog owning is knowing what breed your pet is: the problems it may have in health, the quirks the breed has and its physical 'overflows' (shedding, overly energetic, temper).