The history of the origin and the external standard of the Greek mastiff, behavioral features, health, advice on care, training, interesting facts. Purchasing a puppy. For many nationalities, tales and legends are associated with dogs. In Greek myths, they accompanied and served various gods. Including in the world of the underworld of the dead. In the afterlife, they were the guides of the lost souls of the dead or guarded the entrance to the underworld. The ancient Greek god Hades had a hellish dog Cerberus, who served him faithfully. It had three heads and gave out a terrible growl. Poisonous saliva dripped from its strong mouth to the ground. On the neck, in the form of a collar, hissing snakes developed, and its tail ended with the head of a dragon with large teeth. This monster reliably guarded the gate to the afterlife, but the greatest hero Hercules managed to tame him.
Mastiff-like dogs in ancient times were depicted in the company of the goddess Hecate. She patronized everything mysterious. They were also companions of the treacherous and treacherous god of war Ares. Although these are all legends, in fact, in Greece, such warlike dogs were bred. They were shepherds, guards, bodyguards and warriors. Now such dogs are reliable friends and vigilant home guards. Their disposition became less harsh and firm, but they did not lose their working qualities.
History of the origin of the Greek mastiff
The name of this breed sounds right like the Epirus Molossian. The Greek state of Epirus has existed since ancient times. The word "molossus" comes from the tribes that ruled this country for a long time. The mother of Alexander the Great, Olympius, comes from the Molossian family. It was this great conqueror who organized the first canine unit in his troops. Dogs were specially trained to participate in hostilities. They had their own uniforms in the form of steel armor with long and sharp spikes. In this armor, they fought against the heavy cavalry of the enemy. With the help of the progenitors of the Epirus molossians of our time, Alexander the Great conquered the Balkans, Persia and reached India.
Now on modern farms in Greece, as a rule, they keep one bitch and two males. But once in the ancient world, this state of affairs was unacceptable. The thing is that the Epirus rulers gave their allies only Molossian males, they kept the bitches with them. An interesting fact is that males can transmit the external characteristics of the breed, and the genes for working qualities are always transmitted by the mother. The rulers wanted to be the only owners of this breed.
Very quickly, powerful dogs from Epirus gained great popularity and became a symbol of the country. Their cost was so great that only people with a large fortune could afford them. Aristotle, Homer, Plutarch and Aesop mentioned Molossian dogs. To many modern people, stories about ancient war dogs may seem only legends, but researchers have other data.
In ancient times, "toothy warriors" could influence the result of a big battle. They possessed great strength and stamina. Until now, it is believed that these animals were bred to help people, and exclusively in military operations. This is not entirely true, because such large dogs have guarded homes and livestock at all times. They were shepherds and watchmen. Only then, through targeted selection, more active and aggressive individuals were selected for military use. Until now, in Greece, a similar division has remained. Some dogs are used for guarding purposes, others as shepherds. Previously, dogs guarded livestock, both from wolves and from people. Stealing a lamb while driving through the village was a common thing, however, provided that the herd was not watched by a four-legged guard. Otherwise, the thief was threatened with death from the teeth of the mastiff.
For the Greek mastiffs, sheep and goats are one big family. Very small puppies are not allowed into the herd, because the animals will simply trample them. But when they grow up, they spend most of their time with livestock. They can be found here in almost any village. In its homeland, the Epirus Molossian is still considered a custom breed. They graze livestock in the mountains and guard people's homes. These animals are rarely represented at exhibitions - they are workhorses. A kennel club has been established in Greece to preserve and improve the breed. People really appreciate and love these dogs. For many, it is a national property.
The external standard of the dog is the Greek Mastiff
Powerful, large, heavy-boned dog. The Greek Mastiff is distinguished by great endurance and balanced temperament.
- Head large and massive. Wide, slightly rounded forehead. The superciliary arches are not pronounced.
- Muzzle powerful, square, with a moderate transition to the frontal part. The lips are tightly closed - black pigmentation. The flews slightly overlap the lower jaw. Strong teeth and canines. Scissor bite.
- Lobe the nose is large, black. The nostrils are well open.
- Eyes in the Epirus molossus, they are not large, of medium landing, and round in shape. The eyelids are black pigmentation. Eye color only brown in different shades. The look is confident and peaceful.
- Ears - low rise, medium size. Triangular, hanging close to the cheekbones. In the Greek Mastiff, one ear is docked.
- Neck broad, with strong muscles. Slightly smaller than average, with good withers. A thick collar on the neck.
- Frame moderately elongated, well-muscled. Powerful chest. The back is strong. The dense croup is slightly sloping.
- Tail low-slung, wide at the base, thick beautiful feathering along the edge. When moving, the Greek Mastiff bends it slightly upward.
- Limbs strong bones, muscular. They are located parallel to each other. Hind legs with well developed powerful hips.
- Paws large, in the form of a lump, on dense pads. The fingers are brought together. Strong nails.
- Coat dense, with coarse guard hair and thick undercoat. In the area of the neck, hind legs, on the tail, the coat is longer.
- Color the black and white combination for the Epirus molossus is very important. With the help of it, the dogs are not visible in the herd. The wolf, until the very last moment, should not guess that the sheep have a formidable guard. This color can be tan. They also have the so-called wolf color. It can be gray, silver in color with the inclusion of black and brown hair ends. It is distributed in zonal rings.
Features of the behavior of the Greek mastiff
Previously, the Epirus molossians were very evil and an alien who encroached on a herd could simply break. In the old days, they did not see anyone except the shepherd and the sheep. Now, if a stranger enters the house, the most they can do is bark and restrict his movement. This is explained by the fact that the Greeks are friendly and hospitable people, and their animals match them. After all, dogs copy the behavior of their owner.
Now life has changed, and with it the character of the dogs. Greek mastiffs have become softer and more flexible. They are very calm guys who know their worth. At the same time, they are very friendly. Spend more time at home with people. They love their master very much, and for them he is only one leader of the pack. Submit to him unconditionally. They are patient with children - they will never offend them. Even if the baby is intrusive, they will simply walk away and ignore his behavior.
It is impossible to call these dogs very contact. They are not angry, not aggressive, but they keep their distance from a stranger. They themselves know with whom, and when, they need to communicate. Greek Mastiffs carry themselves independently and with dignity.
To work in the mountains, you need strong dogs. Modern breeders in Greece look at the litter, and select the most hardy puppies. Maltsov is weaker, given to ordinary people who want to keep them in their yard.
Those puppies that enter the herd begin to work almost immediately. Of course, it's hard in mountain conditions, but mastiffs there grow up and learn faster. These dogs are not used as show dogs. In their homeland, the working qualities of these dogs - shepherds and guards - are appreciated.
Greek Mastiff Health
As for large dogs, Greek mastiffs live long enough, up to 12-14 years. They have passed natural selection and their immune systems have been strengthened. They practically do not get sick, but there are diseases typical for this type of heavy dogs. For example, these are problems with the bone apparatus. For their timely detection, pets need to do an x-ray in adolescence. Among them may be such as: dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints, osteochondrosis, inflammation of the bones. Epilepsy and hypertrophic neuropathy are not excluded.
These diseases are extremely rare for Greek mastiffs. The most important thing to observe for the good condition of the pet is to properly raise the dog. This means, first of all, nutrition, which includes a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and microelements. Before growing up, provide for balanced physical activity. In no case should you overload a young growing organism. This is fraught with problems not only with the musculoskeletal system, but also with the cardiovascular system.
It is also necessary to regularly carry out antihelminthic and antiparasitic procedures. This will save the dog from unnecessary problems and troubles. After all, these uninvited "animals" are carriers of many diseases. For helminths, the pet is given pills on an empty stomach, half an hour before meals, with an interval of three months. The dosage is selected according to the weight of the animal. Flea and tick treatment begins with the onset of warm days, when these parasites are activated. For this, there are various droplets and sprays that are rubbed into the withers of the pet.
Throughout life, animals that live in the city are routinely vaccinated. Until the age of one, three vaccinations are given, and then once a year. Mastiffs who lead a "rural lifestyle", helping a person, are not vaccinated. They have their own excellent immunity, capable of coping with various viruses.
Greek Mastiff Care Tips
- Wool. The most important thing in caring for their thick fur coat is regular brushing. To do this, you need a slicker comb. During the molting period, manipulation is carried out more often. This will help the pet to get rid of dead hair faster. They bathe Greek mastiffs only when they get dirty. This cannot be done with human shampoos - the skin balance will be disturbed, and dandruff will appear. Better to buy branded products for animals. Before bathing the wool, comb it well and disassemble all the tangles. After lathering your pet, wash off the concentrate well from its skin. To prevent the animal from catching a cold, until it dries completely, it must be in a warm room, without drafts.
- Ears. Be sure to check them regularly. After all, the dog spends a lot of time in nature, in the damp climate of the mountains. And as we know, excess moisture can be the cause of otitis media. If the auricles are dirty, then they need to be cleaned. This can be done with a cotton swab dipped in lotion. There is an easier way. The product is poured into the ear, its base is massaged, the dog shakes its head and removes all unnecessary.
- Eyes. They are rarely looked after. Wipe gently if necessary.
- Teeth. Of course, it is best to train the Greek Mastiff to clean the mouth from puppyhood. But their owners, people of rural labor, do not have enough time for this. Therefore, feed your pet dry food. When chewed, its particles will mechanically remove all unnecessary. It is necessary to provide the dog with ready-made bones from the veins of cattle and cartilages, which also have a positive effect on this problem.
- Claws these dogs almost never need to cut. They grind them down when moving. Sometimes you can cut a claw on a dewclaw.
- Feeding. Epirus molossi can be fed with both natural products and concentrates. When fed with natural food, it is properly selected and prepared. Give a vitamin and mineral complex separately. Concentrates are much easier to feed. We need special food for large dogs, very large sizes. They contain substances that support two of the weak points of large canines: the joints and the heart. And, in addition, the feed is properly absorbed and does not allow them to gain excess weight.
- Walking. These are not decorative animals for city apartments. They have a different purpose. Provide plenty of space for mastiff canines. Therefore, if you are not a farmer, then you should have a country house. The dog needs to walk a lot and get physical activity. Lack of stress has a bad effect on their health.
Training of the Greek Mastiff
Time softened the temper of the Epirus molossus, but nevertheless, it is recommended to get such a dog for those who are strict enough and will not follow the lead of their powerful pet. The owner should lead the dog, and not vice versa. For this giant, above all, discipline and order are needed. They show firmness, perseverance, and justice. Only then will persistent compulsion be correctly understood by the dog. In this case, you will receive the necessary output and the animal will do what is required of it. For example, when grazing livestock in Greece, the shepherd always comes in front. Behind him is a herd, and dogs close up the procession. They are taught this gradually, from an early age.
Interesting Greek Mastiff Facts and Puppy Acquisition
In almost all countries, wolfhounds have their ears and tail cut off - the most vulnerable and painful points. The European Union protests in every possible way against this cruelty to animals. But, as you know, laws are written by people who are poorly versed in their specifics.
The shepherds understand this, agree, but continue to do it in their own way. The Greek Mastiffs have one whole ear and the other cropped. It used to be thought that such dogs heard better. Modern shepherds question this fact, but still, according to tradition, they continue to cut animals one ear. Ear cropping is not the only protective measure.
Dogs wear special collars with long spikes. If the animal has to come together in a duel with the wolf, then the predator will not be able to grab the dog by the most vulnerable place - the neck. Hunting for wolves in Greece is prohibited by law, so wolfhounds are still in demand as guards. With wolves, you need to keep your eyes open. In the mountains of Greece, the number of these animals is considerable. Their habits have not changed, and they still want to eat.
Responsible breeders monitor each dog and include only strong individuals in the breeding work. These dogs need, above all, attention: in the maintenance, during childbirth, taking care of the puppies when they grow up. Epirus molossians mature at the age of three years. Experienced specialists will tell you all the nuances in their cultivation and education. Everything counts to get a great pet.
To purchase them, you will need to travel to Greece. In other countries, you will not find them. Therefore, you can find out the cost of such puppies only in their homeland. Well, of course the price will depend on the data of the dog. Bitches are always more expensive than males. After all, you can get offspring from them.
If you decide to have a Greek molossus, you will need to give up vacations and weekends. They require maximum attention, stress and love. These dogs are not for everyone. They were bred to help people. Therefore, it is genetically necessary for them to show this predestination. It is better to start them for people who are engaged in agriculture.
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