American Molossus

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American Molossus - www.oldworldmolossus.com/

The American Molossus is the resurrected ancient guardian of antiquity from 7000 years ago from ancient Sumer, Mesopotamia and Babylon. Before the Greek and Roman era and was used to create the Old English Mastiff and Neapolitan Mastiff.
These giant guardians are huge security blankets. The word that best describes them is Deterrent * a thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something wrong.
If you're looking for a beast from antiquity, that will love, guard and defend your entire family, home and other animals yet will not attack without great reason and is a home body, you found it.
Produced by
Marcus E Curtis
Founder of The American Molossus
Author of Dog Breedings secrets
Judge/ Handler ADF
Judge/ Handler USBR

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Continued: Breeder of the biggest puppy in the world
5000-2000 years BC, at a time much different than ours, it was a time where only the strong survived. A time where people were nomadic, barbaric and when they wanted land, riches, steel and even people they would just take it. A dark time and a time where people needed to have defense. They needed something that would protect the women and children left behind while men were hunting or at war. They needed comfort and peace of mind. They needed The Molossus.

The American Molossus is the resurrected ancient guardian of antiquity. This giant close quarter guardian was brought back using the true descendants of the ancient breed. The historical close quarter guardian was created and bred by Man as far back as 2000-5000 BC in Sumer, Mesopotamia and Babylon. Later in Greece where the reference name "Nasaru Urbat" translated to Guard Dog of Death was changed to the Molossus and was used to protect the villages, people, children and other animals from predators and enemies. This huge guardian was bred to deter and guard. Unlike other dogs used for hunting or travel this dog was strictly for close quarter guarding as documented. They are referenced down to the ancient cropping of the large toes. This would certainly indicate the need for the dog to stay close.
These giant guard dogs were huge with thick, massive, powerful bodies with loose skin around the head and neck for protection. These dogs were huge and massive not to be confused with the Jennings dog and the Laconian Hound of Greece. They were black brindle in color to be difficult to see at night and very intimidating in the day. Their ears were cropped to minimize engagement weakness and to improve hearing for guarding purposes.. Perhaps the best guarding dog in all of history by its long reign. This close quarter guardian was used throughout history the Sumerians, Mesopotamians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Kassites and ancient Greeks where they took on the name of the Molossus and then crossed bred and changed during the era of Alexander The Great 333-323 BC and during the Roman rise 753 BC-476 AD.
The ancient Molossus that was once the king of Guard dogs was cross bred to many other dogs over the centuries creating the Mastiff by crossing with a white shepherd dog and The Roman Colosseum dog known now as the Neapolitan Mastiff by crossing with a smaller fighting dog. Other crossings were done over the years creating many known breeds. This is where the term Molosser breeds come from as they are the descendants of the Molossus. The truest dogs in size and appearance were the Mastiff and Neapolitan Mastiffs and these were used to bring back the giant close quarter guardian. People for thousands of years needed a loyal giant guardian that would protect them, their home, children and animals but wouldn’t wander. They still do. This dog was needed and today this dog is back. I present to you, The American Molossus

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www.oldworldmastinos.com/america-molossus

American Molossus - 5000 years BC, at a time much different then ours, it was a time where only the strong survived. A time where people were nomadic, barbaric and when they wanted land, riches, steel and even people they would just take it. A dark time and a time where people needed to have defense. They needed something that would protect the women and children left behind while men were hunting or at war. They needed comfort and peace of mind. They needed The Molossus.

The Molossus of ancient Mesopotamia was an incredible dog, fierce in appearance, massive in build, dark at night and super loyal. A dog that would make men tremble at their site, intimidate thieves, harm doers and would stand up to any beast or animal alive with mal-intent. The Molossus was that exact animal. Huge and massive, strong and courageous, loyal and protective and due to its black and brindle coat, very difficult to see at night.

Mesopotamia, Babilon, Greece and Rome all fell and the descedants of these dogs have been scattered. Reorganized and have been recreated in 1 form or another but the use of such a magnificent guardian is just as needed today as it was then.

The American Molossus is that exact dog recreated and is finally available. Similar to the Neapolitan Mastiffs which in the 1990's were a close depiction of that dog. The American Molossus is a super sized Neapolitan Mastiff and the true version of the real Molossus of antiquity. Get ready to own both the greatest dog and guardian but to own a true throwback relic from the ancient past. A beast, a gargoyle an American Molossus.

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American Molossus

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www.americandogfederation.com/american_molossus1.html

Height: Dogs: 31-35 inches, Bitches: 27 to 32 inches.
Weight Average weight of mature Dogs: 200 pounds; Bitches: 150
pounds; but greater weight is usual and preferable as long as correct
proportion and function are maintained.
The absence of massiveness is to be so severely penalized as to
eliminate from competition.

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THE AMERICAN MOLOSSUS

www.americandogfederation.com/american_molossus1.html

ABOUT THE AMERICAN MOLOSSUS
5000 years BC. In a time much different than ours. A time when
only the strong survived. Men were primal by instinct, nomadic by
nature, and often barbaric by choice. In these dark times women
and children prayed for protection while the men who loved them
were away hunting or at war, but their prayers often fell silent
upon the ears of the gods. They wanted a defender. They needed
comfort and peace of mind. They needed The Molossus!

The Molossus of ancient Mesopotamia was a magnificent animal.
With a black brindle coat as dark as the night and a massive
build, they were fierce in appearance. These dogs made men
tremble at their sight. With a profound sense of loyalty, these
giants would defend against any man or beast that threatened the
safety of their masters.

Mesopotamia, Babylon, Greece, and Rome all fell, leaving the
descendants of these awe inspiring animals scattered across the
land. Mesmerizing stories of their feats of strength and courage
became nothing more than that of legend and myth.

The need for such a courageous beast is just as important today
as it was then. Through many years of hard work, dedication, and
research the guardian of guardians exists and is available once
again. That guardian is the American Molossus.

The American Molossus is today's most genuine version of the
Molossus of antiquity. We introduce to you a true throwback. A
bona fide relic from the ancient past. The very best protector and
companion a man could hope for....we introduce to you the
American Molossus

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Continued:

STANDARD

Head structure: Block style but with slight wrinkles. Not to
exaggerated.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The American Molossus is a resurrection of the ancient
Mesopotamian/ Sumerian Guard dog. A heavy-boned, massive,
muscular, intimidating dog bred for close quarter guarding of their
property and owner(s). He is characterized by his extreme and
intimidating stature, square head, loose skin on both his head and
over his entire body, abundant, hanging wrinkles and folds on the
head with pendulous lips and dewlap. What stands out about the
American Molossus is his intimidating barbaric appearance,
incredible head and imposing size and attitude. Due to his massive
structure, his characteristic movement is rolling and powerful, not
flashy and prancing. This dog is not athletic but built for shear terror
by appearance.
Size, Proportion, Substance Heavy boned dog, massive in substance,
rectangular in proportion. Length of body is 10% - 15% greater than
height.
Height: Dogs: 31-35 inches, Bitches: 27 to 32 inches.
Weight Average weight of mature Dogs: 200 pounds; Bitches: 150
pounds; but greater weight is usual and preferable as long as correct
proportion and function are maintained.
The absence of massiveness is to be so severely penalized as to
eliminate from competition.

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HEAD, EXPRESSION
Head - Large in comparison to the body and very square. The top of
the head should be square with extensive wrinkling and pendulous
lips which blend into an ample dewlap.
Skull - Lines of cranium and the muzzle must be parallel Wide flat
between the ears, slightly arched at the frontal part, and covered with
wrinkled skin. The width of the cranium between the cheekbones is
approximately equal to its length from occiput stop. The brow is very
developed. Frontal furrow is marked. Occiput is barely apparent.
Stop - Very defined, forming a right angle at the junction of muzzle
and frontal bones, and the sloping back at a greater angle where the
frontal bones meet the frontal furrow of the forehead
Face - is made up of heavy wrinkles and folds. Required folds are
on the top of the head above the eyebrows, those extending from the
outside margin of the eyelids to the dewlap, and from under the lower
lids to the outer edges of the lips.
Severe Faults - Top lines of the cranium and muzzle not
parallel, no stop or wrinkling to the point of no longer able to
see Disqualifications - Absence of wrinkles and folds.
Expression - Concerned at rest, intimidating when alert.
Eyes - Set deep and almost hidden beneath drooping upper lids.
Lower lids droop to reveal haw.
Nose - Large with well-opened nostrils, and in color the same as the
coat. The nose is an extension of the topline of the muzzle and should
not protrude beyond nor recede behind the front plane of the muzzle.
Severe Faults: Incomplete pigmentation of the nose.
Ears - Set well above the cheekbones. May be cropped or
uncropped, but are usually cropped and preferred. Crop standard is
complete with an exception of a very small triangle only for the
correct look and health reasons.
Muzzle - It is 1/3 the length of the whole head and is broad and
short. Viewed from the front, the muzzle is very deep with the outside
borders parallel giving it a "squared" appearance. The top plane of
the muzzle from stop to tip of nose is straight, but is ridged due to
heavy folds of skin covering it.
Severe Faults: Top plane of the muzzle curved upward or
downward.
Lips - Heavy, thick, and long, the upper lips join beneath the nostrils
to form an inverted "V". The upper lips form the lower, outer borders
of the muzzle, and the lowest part of these borders is made by the
corners of the lips. The corners turn outward to reveal the flews and
are in line with the outside corners of the eyes.
NECK, BODY AND GAIT
Neck - powerful, very muscular and of medium length. The neck
gradually increases in circumference as it approaches the shoulder.
Shoulders - Long, well muscled and powerful. Upper arms -
Strongly muscled, powerful. In length, almost 1/3 the height of the
dog.
Chest - Broad, deep and well muscled
Rib Cage – Barrel like and large rib cage extending at least to the
elbow or below. Ribs are long and well sprung
Forelegs – Thick heavily built, straight, heavy bone, well muscled,
exemplifying strength and in balance with the hindquarters About the
same length as the upper arms. Set well apart.
Upper legs - Strongly muscled, powerful. In length, almost 1/3 the
height of the dog.
Elbows - Covered with abundant and loose skin; held parallel or just
above the rib cage, neither tied in nor loose.
Front Pasterns - Thick and flattened from front to back, moderately
sloping forward from the leg.
Dewclaws - Front dewclaws are not removed.
Feet - Very large, round with arched, strong toes. Nails strong,
curved and preferably dark-colored. Slight turn out of the front feet is
acceptable as well as splayed feet but not preferred.
Dewclaws - Front dewclaws are not removed. Feet - Very large,
round with arched, strong toes.
Underline and Tuck up - The underline of the abdomen is
practically horizontal. There is little or no tuck up.
Back – Wide, strong muscular and powerful. When viewed from the
rear, there should be taper from wide shoulders tapering down to the
rear.
Topline - In profile the topline should be straight, level, and firm, not
swaybacked or roached slight dropping off behind the high point of
the rump acceptable.
Loin - Wide, well-muscled, and harmoniously joined to the back.
Hind Quarters- Broad, wide, powerful and strong, in harmony with
the forequarters.
Thighs - Second thigh developed, about the same length as the
forearms, broad, muscular.
Stifles - Moderate angle, strong. Legs - Heavy and thick boned,
well-muscled. Slightly shorter than thigh bones. Hocks - Powerful and long.
Rear Pasterns (metatarsus) - Heavy thick bones. Viewed from the
side, they are perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear,
parallel to each other.
Hind feet - Same as the front feet but slightly smaller.
Croup - Wide, strong, muscular and slightly sloped. The top of the
croup rises slightly and is level with and can be above the highest
point of the shoulder.
Tail - Set on slightly lower than the topline, wide and thick at the
root, tapering gradually toward the tip. It is docked by 1/3 . At rest,
the tail hangs straight or in slight "S" shape. When in action, it is
raised to the horizontal or a little higher than the back.
Severe Fault: Tail carried straight up or curved over the back.
Kinked tail.
Gait - The American Molossus movement is not flashy, but
lumbering yet powerful, bear like. Normal gaits are the walk, trot,
gallop, and pace. The strides are long and rolling, at the same time,
powerful, characterized by a long push from the hindquarters and
extension of the forelegs. Rolling motion and swaying of the body at
all gaits is characteristic. Pacing in the show ring is not to be
penalized. Slight paddling movement of the front feet is normal. The
head is carried level with or slightly above the back. Movement
should not be choppy or prancing.
Size, Proportion, Substance Heavy boned dog, massive in substance,
rectangular in proportion. Length of body is 10% - 15% greater than
height.
PROPORTION, SIZE AND COLOR
Size, Proportion, Substance Heavy boned dog, massive in substance,
rectangular in proportion. Length of body is 10% - 15% greater than
height.
The length of the dog, measured from the point of the shoulder to the
point of buttock is 10 to 15 percent greater than the height of the dog
measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the ground.
Height - Dogs: 31-35 inches, Bitches: 27 to 32 inches.
Weight Average weight of mature Dogs: 200 pounds; Bitches: 150
pounds; but greater weight is usual and preferable as long as correct
proportion and function are maintained.
The absence of massiveness is to be so severely penalized as to
eliminate from competition.

Coat- The coat is medium in length, coarse, dense and of uniform
length and smoothness all over the body. The hairs are moderately
short.
Colors are black, black brindle with some white allowed but not
preferred. Areas of white can exist under the chin, on the neck chest,
belly, penis sheath and some on the toes. All areas should be very
moderate or not at all. White in any other areas is a fault.

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Temperament
The American Molossus is steady and loyal to his owner, not
aggressive or apt to bite without reason. As a protector of his
property, owners and animals, he is always watchful and does not
relish intrusion by strangers into his personal space. His attitude is
calm yet wary. In the show ring he is majestic and powerful, but not
showy. They are not highly energetic but move quickly in short bursts
when provoked.

The Standard of the American Molossus was established on 11-23-
2015 by Marcus E Curtis and Yvette Curtis - Copyright 11-21-15
The Standard as written for the American Molossus is officially
recognized as the Breed Standard by the American Dog Federation
as of March 02, 2018.