Molossus
The American Molossus is the name given by breeders today to the resurrected Greek dog. Breeders claim the original Molossus was produced by crossing Neapolitan mastiffs with other mastiffs, although there isn't enough evidence to define the original.
Breed Profile
Height
23-26
Inches
Weight
60-100
Pounds
Life Span
7-10
Years
Health
health
Hip Dysplasia
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a genetically inherited disease that changes hip joint function dramatically. It can cause the dog pain and discomfort.
Clinical Signs
Decreased activity
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs
Lameness in the hind end
Swaying, “bunny hopping” gait
Grating in the joint during movement
Treatment
Dogs with hip dysplasia have a variety of treatment options including:
Joint Supplements for the better health of the bones
Anti- Inflammatory medications for the pain relief and reduction in swelling of the joints
Physical therapy is recommended for better range of movement
In severe cases, surgery such as Total hip replacement, Femoral head ostectomy and Double or triple pelvic osteotomy is to be performed to improve the quality of life of the dog.
Eligible vet bill
$2,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Elbow Dysplasia
What is it?
Elbow dysplasia is a hereditary condition defined as an abnormal development of the elbow joint in young, large, and rapidly growing dogs.
Clinical Signs
Difficulty walking or running
Swollen elbow
Decreased range of motion
Joint stresses
Treatment
Dysplasia in dogs can be treated in several ways, including: Pain and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and surgery. Your veterinarian may recommend nonsurgical treatment if your dog's dysplasia is not severe, or if surgery is not an option due to other medical reasons.
Eligible vet bill
$1,200
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Fierce, Loyal & Ferocious
They were used as the ultimate war dogs
Playful
They can be playful around family
Affectionate
They are very affectionate with the family
Lifetime Care
Coat
They have a very short coat
Colors
During the day, they were very intimidating and hard to see at night as they were black brindle in color.
Hypoallergenic
No
Grooming
Excess shedding and dirt can be removed by regular brushing once a week.
Training
They require consistent training
Molossus: Introduction to the Breed
The American Molossus is an independent dog breed, but with a firm dog parent they can usually come around quickly to training. Despite being intelligent, this dog breed is notoriously stubborn. Consistency and refusal to relent to your dog's bad behavior is key when training this breed. To help maintain good manners and stay on track, this breed needs daily training sessions lasting five to ten minutes (any longer can cause disinterest and backfire). In addition to puppy classes or general obedience training, this breed may benefit from professional training.
When you're a new dog parent, the American Molossus probably isn't a great choice. There is a great deal of exercise, training, and mental stimulation required for this breed. No matter how much love the American Molossus receives, it can grow bored and frustrated without proper stimulation. Separation anxiety is also a possibility with this breed. Exercise and hands-on interaction with your pup when you are home can often help combat this.
A walk of at least forty minutes a day is recommended for this breed, although a longer walk would be appreciated. However, they still crave mental stimulation which they can find through training, scent work activities, and other forms of enrichment. When under stimulated, these breeds can exhibit frustrating behaviors like excessive barking and chewing.
It is a big decision to add a new pet to your family. Before you purchase a puppy, it is important to research the variety of puppies available and decide which one will be most beneficial to your family and lifestyle. You should carefully consider which characteristics you want in a dog and which you do not want. There are a few things you should know about the Molossus breed.
Molossus dogs are generally:
Good with Families
Capable
Intelligent
Loyal
Fierce
Energetic
American Molossus adoption comes with some considerations. This breed can make a good family pet because they are typically loving and well-mannered with children. They are, however, best suited to older children. Although they are unlikely to act aggressively towards children, their large size and clumsy nature may cause young children to get hurt accidentally. Most other family dogs get along well with this breed, but all dogs need proper introductions. Due to their hunting nature, this breed is not suitable for homes with smaller pets, such as hamsters and cats. This breed can be standoffish with strangers at first but are generally easygoing with almost everyone.
What are the Origins of the Molossus?
American Molossus dogs are mixed breeds, so they don't have a history as a distinct breed. However, both parent breeds are well-established and well-loved. A stouter and more wrinkled Old English Bulldog is the ancestor of the American Bulldog, brought to North America by working-class immigrants who wanted to keep their working dogs. Old English Bulldogs, while bred for certain genetic traits related to appearance, were bred for their best working qualities for all-around farm work by early farmers.
They were good for handling cattle as well as hunting because of their agility, intelligence, and loyalty. Invasive hogs were introduced to the American South without natural predators, and the American Bulldog's strong jaws and muscular build made them perfect hunters.
"Bulldogs" refers to a brief time in their history when they were used for the cruel sport of bullbaiting. Although the American Bulldog is mainly a guard dog and energetic family pet, it can excel in agility and flyball sports, although it is often overlooked in favor of breeds like the Border Collie. Known affectionately as the Mastino, the Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient breed.
Their ancestry dates to 3000 BCE, the beginning of the Bronze Age, when Upper and Lower Egypt were united, and mastiff-like working and guard dogs emerged in Tibet. Neapolitan Mastiffs are often kept as guard dogs because of their resounding barks and protective nature. Despite their huge size, this breed thinks of themselves as lap dogs, and they are happiest cuddling on the couch with you after a walk.
What are the Risks for the Molossus Dog Breed?
The Molossus, like all breeds, may develop certain conditions over their lifetimes. The fact that this is a rare and limited breed can also add to their health concerns as access to this information could be harder to obtain than other breeds. American Molossus may have some genetic predispositions for certain health issues. These issues often arise later in the lives of these dogs. These dogs have a relatively short lifespan - even without preexisting medical conditions, compared to smaller dog breeds.
The following are some of the most common health issues Molossus could experience:
Hip dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Cherry Eye
Dermatitis
Regular vet checkups can help to detect health concerns early. You can develop a care routine for your dog with the help of your vet. There is a tendency for Molossus to gain weight, and they have a high energy level. Give your dog at least one half-hour- to hour-long walk per day, mixed in with a few active play sessions and shorter walks.
It is recommended that the American Molossus is fed a diet consistent with the diet of a large-sized breed with medium energy levels. They are often motivated by harder puzzle toys, as well as food-motivated tasks, such as snuffle mats or filled toys. It is better to train this breed with low-calorie treats, such as sweet potatoes, to help prevent obesity. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best food for your dog based on his or her specific diet requirements.
For the American Molossus to feel content, they need daily exercise. In addition to routine physical exercise, a lot of this stimulation can be mental. Every day, this breed should receive at least a 40-minute walk. Additionally, they enjoy playing tug-of-war and fetch indoors or outdoors. Apartments are not an ideal place to keep this breed. They can often become a nuisance to other tenants because of their size and bark.
Unfortunately, even if you do everything you can to keep your Molossus healthy, they can still get sick. Because of this, it's essential to be prepared for the things you cannot control. At Spot Pet Insurance, our number one priority is helping you give your dog the long, happy, and healthy life they deserve. Reach out today and request a free pet insurance quote to learn more about our range of well-rounded plan options for your Molossus. Animal parents can face a lot of stress when it comes to vet expenses. You can reduce that stress by enrolling in a quality pet insurance plan for your Molossus. Spot plans can help cover your eligible vet bills for covered conditions, so you can worry less about paying for your Molossus care. You get peace of mind with pet insurance.