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Working · Greece

Molossus of Epirus

A walker's guide to the Molossus of Epirus: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Giant, 45 to 65 kgEasy-goingGreek mastiffFlock guardianAncient typeGiant breed
Exercise a day60 min plus
Energy2 of 5
Walk styleHeavy, slow, vigilant
With other dogsIntolerant of strangers

Overview

The Molossus of Epirus traces its name to the Molossians of ancient Greece, whose war and guard dogs were famous across the classical world. The modern dog is a heavy flock guardian from the mountains of north west Greece, broad-headed, thick-necked and short-coated in dark colours, kept by shepherds to stand between the sheep and the wolves. It is extremely rare outside Greece.

Everything about it says guardian. It is calm and slow to react with its own family, protective of its territory, and not inclined to accept strangers or unknown dogs. It will not go looking for trouble, but it does not need to; its size and resolve make the point for it.

Exercise and walking needs

An hour a day in two slow walks is adequate. Mastiff-type guardians are built for stamina at a walk, not for speed, and their joints should be spared hard running and jumping. A steady patrol of a quiet route is the dog's natural pace.

Short-coated but heavy, it warms up fast in summer. Early starts and plenty of water.

Daily minimum60 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeNot recommended

On the walk

  • Trust: Earn it before you take the lead alone. Several supervised meetings with the owner are the minimum for a guardian of this size.
  • Strength: A heavy harness, a short lead and a route where you will not need to brace against the dog. Avoid situations rather than relying on strength.
  • Other dogs: Unknown dogs are intruders. Keep a wide margin and never take this breed into a group walk.
  • Strangers: Nobody reaches for the dog. Stand between it and anyone who approaches, and keep your own manner calm.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Walk at quiet times in quiet places and keep the route predictable.
  2. Watch for the dog planting its feet and staring; it has seen something and needs a moment, not a tug.
  3. Keep sessions calm. Guardians dislike confrontation and remember it.
  4. Check that your insurance covers a mastiff-type guardian before you start.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • How was the dog socialised, and how does it respond to strangers and other dogs?
  • Has anyone outside the family walked it before, and how was that introduced?
  • What equipment does the dog accept, and does it tolerate a harness being fitted by someone new?
  • Any joint or heart concerns that limit distance?
Greek ShepherdA large livestock guardian from the Greek mountainsCane CorsoThe Italian mastiff: athleticNeapolitan MastiffA hugeŠarplaninacA heavy-coated Balkan flock guardian from the Šar mountains: patient