Molossus of Epirus

The Molossus of Epirus is a Greek flock guardian from the mountains of the north-west, and it carries a name that once meant something broader.

History

Ancient writers used "Molossus" for the dogs of the Molossian people of Epirus, and the word later became a label for heavy dogs generally — so the modern breed shares a name with an ancient reputation without being demonstrably the same animal. What is documented is a Greek mountain guardian working sheep against wolves in the Pindus range, standardised in Greece in the twentieth century.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm, self-directed and strongly protective, attached to its flock and household and wary of strangers.

Care and training

It needs space, secure boundaries and early socialising. Exercise needs are steady rather than intense. The dense coat sheds heavily.

Health

Known concerns are those of large guardian breeds: hip dysplasia and bloat. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.