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).

The Anatoli Shepherd is one of the ancient breeds being used during the Ottoman empire in Rome as herding dogs (explains why it was lording over the ducks and turtles!). Though they were popularly used in that region, this dog breed comes from Turkey. They are also used as herding and guarding dogs for flocks of sheep. The Anatoli's are peace loving and loyal pets, yet when push comes to shove are skilled attackers. These sheep herding dogs have been typified into 3: the Yoruk, Kangal and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.

The Yoruk come in all colors and coats, The Kangal are set apart by coats and their head structure-wolf like into Whites-AkaYaka and Blacks-Kayaka. While the Caucasian are long coated ones. Generally, the Anatoli Shepherd are responsible and loyal dogs. They will stake their life for their family yet would appreciate bouts of independence.

We remember our neighbors who had an unbelievable combination of pet dogs. These dogs were all big and seeing them pace behind the gates would discourage anyone from messing around in their territory. The friendliest dog among the 3 was Spike, a reddish brown type of Collie- he may have been the tallest but was just a sweetheart. The Leader of the threesome was an able and no-nonsense version of 'Nana' in Pater Pan, a female Rottie a an inch smaller than Spike but longer and squarer. The first 2 dogs have their sizes and breed that frights people even if they don't overtly do anything. While the 3rd dog was so mysterious since it clearly is a breed yet was more independent and tasked itself to bark the other pets (non-canine) into a corner. It just so happens as i became involved in canine research, I came across the Anatoli Shepherd and finally got to know that bossy dog our neighbors had.

Just goes to show a herder is always a herder.

 

Trial and prosecution of dog fighting breeders sends out the message to others who have made dog fighting a lucrative business. Because of their notoriety, they have attracted sadists to the sport and to pet rearing. Personally, the bans on dog breeds was started by those who have innovated the dogfight sport of old. There are unregistered Pitts used for viciousness, its a pity they have been introduced to violence that when caught they are judged as unfit for adoption and are sentenced to be killed.

Help save dogs while its still early, turning a blind eye is inexcusable. Tell tale signs your neighbor is a dog breeder or a dog fighting participant will help authorities convict and save the hapless victims of this deadly sport.

Tell tale signs…
Dogs are tethered with heavy chains of about 3 ft. Each dog having their own dog houses, fighting dogs are trained not to be a pack member and to hate even the other dogs around it.

Dogs are hauled in separate cages at night and come back a few days later. Sometimes less come back or other dogs are injured, mostly with wounds at the face or neck.

A consistent stream of people go up the road to a neighbor in that area. Do the visitors come with dogs of their own in cages? Some players aren't just there to place bets but to challenge a dog breeders' dog to up the ante.

Treadmills and barrels in water are other training tools. If a neighbor has them outside and lets a dog use it, then it is safe to say the dog is being trained for dog fighting.

Dog enthusiasts and pet lovers have a responsibility to take care and be vigilant that all dog breeds get a fair chance as a loved pet. Descrimination even in pet rearing is one hurdle enthusiasts just can't understand, pet dogs are pet dogs and just need the right kind of rearing to be  good dogs.

Tibet which is up in the Himalayas is one of the coldest places on Earth. This is where the legendary Buddhist Monks have meditated for years. When Buddhists were revered even by all in that region, threats to their peace was always there. Living on high ground, the Buddhists were  close to unreachable they were protected by guard dogs, the Tibetan species. There was the Kyi Apso and Lhasa Apso that were breeds domesticated at the foot of the mountain, often used by nomads for livestock guarding as well as being the first line of defense of the mountain dwellers. There were Tibetan Terriers, which barked up an alarm when  strangers approached. Their barks would then be a signal for the Tibetan Mastiffs to show themselves, either to attack or just scare intruders.

Unlike most breeds used solely to hunt and guard in competition with other breeds, the Tibetan breeds had a symbiotic connection from the start. It is a pity, for everyone to appreciate their awesome appearances, a decline in their connection and Buddhist exclusivity was needed.

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a rare dog breed, with only 300 puppies registered each year. Breeders of this type of spaniel have kept litters at a limited number to concentrate on the quality of the pups sired.

This breed is from Wales and has been bred since the 1300's. Among the spaniels, this is the variety that has been preserved and not tampered with. This breed had not dwindled unlike some breeds that were brought back from extinction by ancestor breed mixes. From being at the side of Welsh hunters of old, they have retained their attributes at the same have adjusted them to the needs of the present day hunter. Its name is a combination of its province and its main task as a gundog. Before when hunters used Falcons to kill game, the Welshies would track and flush rabbits or fowl. One of its duties was to cause panic for the prey and incite it to "spring", making it an easy target for the hunter's Falcon.

With its etymology out of the way, the Welshies are easily mistaken for its cousin the English Springer or the Brittany pointers because of their similar build. What is distinct with the Welsh Springer Spaniel is that it is red and white, with any pattern or tinges of red on the white areas. Any other color of the Welsh springer is not accepted by the AKC. Their coat is soft and dense and is said to be water, weather and thorn proof.

Welshies are also longer bodied than the English variety or the Brittany pointer. With droopy leaf-shaped ears that hang close to its cheeks. The Welshies have very expressive oval eyes that may be dark or a lighter hue of brown.

This breed has put to good use all the attributes from its ancestors. Most welshies are considered versatile often with many roles to fit during the hunt. These days it tracks or hunts more than just rabbits or game fowl but much larger game. Aside from tracking, the Welsh Springer also retrieves game from land or water. Some dog breeds are split or chosen for function during whelping period. With the Welsh Springer Spaniels, they can function as a hunter, companion dog and show dog all in its lifetime. It is possible in Welshies to be a dog show on a Friday and be hunting Saturday afternoon. This dog breed is known for its superb obedience and memory-being able to retain and recall training and commands.

Welshies are by nature even tempered. They are playful and affectionate to children and other pets in the home. Though of medium built, the Welsh Springer is more of a watch dog than a guard dog. When danger is near it alerts its owners and rarely does it display aggression towards strangers. When around visitors, it is neither aloof nor unfriendly. The Welsh Springer Spaniel's life span is from 12-14 years, from an obedient puppy to an old aged has been, Welshies are always devoted and very loving towards its family.