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Qen Ujk Zagar, Albanian Hunting Mastiff, Qen Ujk, Balioushi Vulkare, Shquiptar Qeni Ujk
This large Molosser is said to be a result of crossing the mountain-type Albanian Cattledogs and Sheepdogs with the wolf, but there are supposedly records stating that the Sarplaninac, the Spartan Sheepdog and the Greek dogs played a role in its creation as well. The Albanian Wolfhound is very rare today, believed by many to be extinct. There is some confusion tied to its name, since there is also an Albanian Greyhound breed which is sometimes referred to as the Albanian Wolfhound. It is estimated that there is less than 50 examples of this breed left in existence today.
Used as a large game hunting dog in the past, it also makes an excellent flock guardian and watchdog. Often described as overly vicious, the Albanian Wolfhound is an aggressive and independent breed, best suited for rural environment. This is a deep-chested and well-boned Moloss, leaner and more agile than other Albanian dogs. The head is large and round, with a lupoid muzzle and high-set ears which are sometimes cropped. The body is squarely built, with a straight back, strong neck and long legs. The tail can be docked or left in its natural state. The medium-length coat is rich and harsh, commonly wolf-grey, fawn and reddish-brown in colour, with or without white markings on the feet, chest and
Last updated 438 days ago by Molosser
Qen Stani, Albanian Shepherd Dog, Qeni Stani Shquiptar, Albanien Hirtenhund
This ancient Moloss is believed by some to be the direct descendant of Epirian and Alani dogs, but chances are it developed from numerous crossings between Greek, Yugoslavian and Albanian breeds. Oftentime mistakenly lumped under the Albanian Wolfhound name, the powerful Qen Stani isn't bred to a strict standard, but rather for work and resilience. Like most Balkan dogs, this hard worker is used for a number of duties, from herding and guarding sheep to being a village watchdog and fighting dog.
The Albanian Sheepdog is quite intelligent and responds well to obedience training, although it's rarely seen outside the rural environments where it requires minimal handling. Smaller and not nearly as aggressive as the other three Albanian Molossers, the Qen Ujk Zagar, the Qen Gjedhe and the Balioushi Sharplanina Dog, this rugged mountain dog is nonetheless very suspicious and cautious around strange people and dogs. The Albanian Qen Stani comes in a variety of types, from lupoid specimens to mastiffy examples, often with cropped ears and sometimes even docked tails. The rich harsh coat comes in all shades, both solid and particoloured. Average height is around 24 inches.
Last updated 438 days ago by Molosser
Deltari Ilir, Shkipetar Sharplaninac, Albanian Fighting Dog, Illiyrian Sheepdog, Baljus, Albanian Rud, Shquiptar Qen Sharri, Albanian Sarplaninac, Balyush, Sharri, Albanski Sarplaninac, Arnaut Fighting Dog, Rud, Baliusi Sarplaninac, Qeni Kosova, Shiptarski Sarplaninac, Qen Sharri, Kosova Sheepdog, Qeni Ilir, Illyrian Shepherd, Kosovo Sarplaninac, Qeni I Sharrit
Considered un-pure and inferiour by the Sarplaninac authorities, as well as by traditional Serbian and Macedonian breeders, the Albanian Qen Sharri is commonly found in the northern part of the country close to the Yugoslavian border, near and in the Shara mountain range. However, even though the name may imply Albania as the home country, the majority of the population of the so-called Albanian Shara Mountain Dog "breed" is actually found in the southern parts of Serbia (now the independent country of Kosovo), where the original incarnation was established through matings between Albanian Cattledogs and Albanian Sheepdogs with the existing Sarplaninec population, but maintained as a separate breed for many decades from all other local types by the ethnic Albanian residents of Kosovo. These large, strong reddish-brown dogs with white chests, legs and muzzles could still be encountered in Kosovo until the mid-1990's, but there aren't many left today, due to the assimilation in the new creation commonly referred to as the Deltari Ilir, better known as the Albanian Sharplaninatz.
Practically non-existent in Albania, the so-called Deltari Ilir is still most numerous in Kosovo, but thanks to the great popularity of organized dog fights, many specimens can also be seen outside of its designated home region, mostly in other parts of Serbia, as well as in Montenegro and Macedonia. Some Yugoslavian Sarplaninac fanciers speculate that a number of Albanian dogs have been crossed into many show and working Sarplaninac strains, due to the size, strength, prey-drive and tenacity of Albanian fighting lines, with detrimental consequences for the pure Sarplaninac breed, resulting in uncharacteristic colourings and temperaments occasionally seen within the modern Sarplaninac population. On the other side of the issue, most Albanians consider the Yugoslavian Sarplaninac to be an Albanian breed anyway, disregarding any concern that Serbian or Macedonian Sarplaninac breeders might have, perpetuating old conflicts and historical grudges that have plagued the area for centuries. These issues are strictly political and mainly based on nationalistic fantasies and propaganda, being very much tied to the Kosovo question, which is a matter of great concern for many Sarplaninec enthusiasts.
Even though the lines between them are constantly getting blurred, there are three main varieties of the Albanian Sharplanina Dog, mainly separated by their history and ancestry, these being the true dogs of the Shara mountain region simply kept by Albanian owners, belonging to the old Sarplaninac group, apart from allowing non-Standard colours, such as brindle and red, which aren't valued by the Serbian and European fanciers of the Sarplaninac breed, with the other two variants being the almost extinct true Qeni Kosova and the increasingly popular Albanian fighting crossdog. In recent times, the Albanian fanciers from both their native land and those living in Serbia and Macedonia, have been working on the separate standardization and recognition of the Albanian Shara Mountain Dog, with some of the suggested names being Deltari Ilir, Qen Sharri, Kosova Sheepdog and Shquiptar Qeni Sarrit, but separate recognition is not enough for many Albanians, who insist on using the "Illyrian Sheepdog" name for the entire Sarplaninac breed, regardless of its variants, while claiming to actually be Illiyrians themselves and the Sarplaninac "naturally" being their dog, understandably angering a great number of Sarplaninac fanciers, as well as history scholars from around the world.
Although dog-fighting has had a long history in Albania and many creations have been named the "Albanian Fighting Dog" over the years, the modern Deltari Ilir representatives are believed to be a result of crossing the working Sarplaninac and Goranac strains with other breeds, such as Central Asian Shepherds, Kangals, Kars Shepherds, St.Bernards and Caucasian Ovcharkas, as well as the Albanian herding dogs and imported European and American fighting mastiffs and bulldogges. It should be noted that as much as most Deltari Ilir fanciers resent the "non-Albanian" bloodlines, they continue to regularly import oversized Sarplaninac examples from a number of Serbian crossbreeders into Kosovo for their own breeding purposes. Although a capable livestock guardian, the main role of this dog is that of a fighter, but it also makes a good property watchdog and a loyal companion when handled properly. Depending on the bloodlines, Albanian Sarplaninacs can be either moderately aggressive or extremely vicious, but are all very territorial and unfriendly towards strange dogs. The body is well-boned, with a wide chest and a large head, but since neither recognized nor officially standardized as of yet, the Qen Sharri doesn't have a strictly set type, with some dogs having narrow muzzles and long legs, while others can be seen with mastiffy facial features and wider bodies. The coat is thick, densely undercoated and medium in length, although some richly longhaired and very short-coated examples are also common. Any coat colour is encountered and permitted, from white to nearly black representatives, with most dogs being brindle, reddish-brown or dirty gray in colour, oftentimes with white markings.
The average height is around 26 inches, but much larger dogs can be found, some of them reportedly reaching over 34 inches at the withers.
Last updated 438 days ago by Molosser
Qen Gjedhe, Albanian Mountain Dog, Balioushi Stokhare
An ancient Molosser descended from the original Alaunt, the Albanian Cattledog is a close cousin of the dogs of Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Yugoslavia, but nowhere near as standardized. This is an excellent working breed, used for more than just driving cattle. Like the Albanian Sheepdog, it is a capable sheep herder, flock guardian and even a fighting dog. Some believe that this is just a sub-type of the Qen Stani and not a separate breed. The Albanian Cattledog is often employed as a property protector, a role it takes very seriously. Extremelly aggressive towards strange people and dogs, this breed is not suited for the life of an urban companion. Although the Qen Gjedhe is an attractive and impressive Moloss, its ferocious personality makes it a poor choice for a pet. These dogs are reportedly very sweet and playful as puppies, but very temperamental and vicious as adults.
A true mastiff, this Albanian dog is very massive and strong, coming in a variety of sizes and coat types, based on use and area of origin. The head is large and round, with a strong muzzle and powerful jaws. The chest is wide and the body is well-boned and muscular. Some dogs have either one or both ears cropped, but unaltered examples are more common. The tail can be docked, although this practice is usually associated with specific rural regions of Albania. In general, the mountain type is larger and longhaired, whereas the lowland variants tend to be smaller and have shorter coats. Crosses between these types are very common, because this is first and foremost a working breed and the stud selection is based on working abilities of the dogs and not their type or appearance. The colouring is always either uniform white or predominantly white, with grey, red, brown, brindle or black patches. The height ranges from 22 inches to 30 inches at the withers.
Last updated 438 days ago by Molosser
Turkish Akbash, Akbash Yoruk Kopegi, Turkish Akbash Mastiff, Akbash Dog
This is truly an ancient breed, considered by some to be of pre-Molossian origin. There is a strong possibility that it has roots in the Armenian Gampr and Turkmen Alabai stock, brought to the area of modern Turkey by the nomadic Yoruk tribes. This long-legged and highly intelligent Ankara shepherd is almost certainly one of the main ancestors of all white breeds, which can be found throughout Europe. Although quite different than the Turkish Kangal and Kurdish Gammal dogs, it is often lumped with them into a single breed, the western creation known as the Anatolian Shepherd Dog. Akbash is mistakingly considered by some to be just a non-Karabash version of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, due to its name, meaning "White Head". But there are some obvious physical differences between these breeds. In reality, the closest relative of the Akbash is the ancient Yoruk Shepherd Dog, from which it is directly descended. Traditionally a valued white variant of the Yuruk Kopegi, the Akbash became very popular in America, where it gained separate recognition. There are not many of these dogs left in Turkey today and most Akbash breeders are actually in the United States.
Taller than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, but not as tall or mastiffy as the Kangal, the Akbash usually has a noticeably thicker coat and a leaner body. This breed is a bit more massive compared to the Anatolian Coban Kopegi, but equally fast and agile. Its main role is that of a flock protector and not a herder, although it handles herding duties quite well. A popular dog all around the globe, the Akbash is capable of chasing down, confronting and even killing a number of predators like the coyotes, wolves, bears, and even cheetahs and cougars. Compared to some other Molossers, this is a fairly stubborn breed which needs lots of obedience training through firm handling and proper socializing from the start. It does make a lovely companion, owing it to an immense natural devotion to its owner and family. Deep-chested, muscular and lean, this is a strong and resilient mastiff. In its native Turkey, the Akbash can be oftentimes seen with cropped ears, but the majority of these dogs worldwide are left unaltered. The uniform white coat comes in ivory, milk and pearl shades and needs regular grooming. The average height is 30 inches.
Last updated 438 days ago by Molosser
Chien de l'Atlas, Moroccan Aidi, Atlas Dog, Kabyle Dog, Maroccan Aidi
The Moroccan Aidi has been used as a herder and protector of livestock for centuries throughout the Atlas Mountains. This rugged worker changed very little, if at all, for over 2000 years and is one of the oldest standardized breeds of the region. The Aidi is related to the near-extinct Algerian Mastiff, but should not be confused with that breed. Primarily a shepherd's companion and protector of settlements, it also makes an excellent hunting dog, due to its good scenting powers and strong prey-drive. In Marakesh and other larger cities it is also used as a watchdog and a family pet, but the breed does much better in rural environments.
Very intelligent and independent, a well-socialized Moroccan Aidi is a friendly Molosser, but not a people-pleaser by any stretch. Neither vicious nor overly territorial, the Chien de l'Atlas is nonetheless a committed and capable property protector and can be unfriendly towards strange dogs. Even though it is fairly lupoid in facial features, this is a typical mountain Moloss breed of the light "bear" type, well adapted to the extreme weather conditions of the region and valued for its resilience and stamina. Aidi is a well muscled, deep chested dog, although quite a bit leaner than most Molossers. The coat is strong and harsh, usually around 2 to 3 inches in length. This wonderful dog comes in a variety of white-based colourings, but pure white, red, fawn, brindle and tricolour dogs are commonly found as well. Average height is around 25 inches.
Last updated 438 days ago by Molosser
Abruzzese Mastiff - Mastino Abruzzese
The oldest of the Italian sheepdogs, the Pastore Abruzzese has been present in its homeland for over 2000 years. The breed is descended from the ancient Alabai and the great white dogs of the Balkans, such as the Merdzan Sarplaninac and the White Greek Shepherd, as well as dogs of Albania. It is also one of the ancestors of some European breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees and the St.Bernard. A prized working dog for centuries, the Abruzzese Mastiff has an uncertain future, like many other rare Molossers from around the world. Although much older than most Italian dogs, this powerful mastiff is not very well known today. This is due to the 1951 decision of the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) to breed all of the Abruzzese dogs to a single type under the name Cane di Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese. Even though the today's Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog is a direct result of crossing the Abruzzese mountain molossoid dogs with the surviving lupoid examples of the old Maremma lowland breed of Tuscany, it is the only breed type accepted in Italy, as well as the only recognized variety in the rest of the world. It's a similar situation as with the Tibetan Mastiff, Caucasian Sheepdog, Central Asian Sheepdog and so on, in respect that numerous separate variants are being lumped under the same name, while favoring only one of the types. However, this case is slightly different, since many authors actually deny the existence of the breed itself. There are different types of the Abruzzo dogs to be found in the mountain regions, where people are still breeding them, disregarding the decision of the ENCI to eliminate all the types except for the one which corresponds to their master plan of creating a single breed out of two different breeds, the Pastore Maremmano and the Mastino Abruzzese.
This mighty Italian Molosser exists in decent numbers and has a loyal following in its homeland, but is disregarded by the official canine authorities in Italy and other countries as simply a variety of the Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog. It should be noted that some breeders of the Maremanno-Abruzzese Sheepdog regularly make claims that their dogs are the same thing as the Abruzzese Mastiff, especially in the West, but this is not only wrong, but also amazing to hear, seing how even the smallest and lightest examples of Abruzzo dogs are much larger than both the original Maremma and the modern Maremmano-Abruzzese breeds. Some of this confusion is created out of ignorance, but much of it is calculated propaganda. The Abruzzese Mastiff has a few regional varieties, separated mainly by coat type, height and temperament, but very much firmly rooted in the same pure breed, as is the case with many other Molossers. In this respect, the breed is very similar to the great Sarplaninac. Some of the types the ENCI and the Maremmano-Abruzzese crowd would seemingly like to see disappear are the Abruzzese Marsicano, A. Peligno, A. Aquilano, A. Pezzato, A. Baffuto, Abruzzese de Pascocostanzo, Abruzzo della Maiella and others. We can only hope that this wonderful Molosser, the one and only Abruzzese Mastiff survives and makes a comeback, for it is truly a great ancient dog. It is interesting to note that some people even consider the Mezzocorso to be a subtype of the Abruzzese Mastiff, which is a breed that even though related, is still a very different dog.
The Abruzzo is a giant breed, used for guarding property and protecting livestock from wolves and bears. Thanks to its legendary courage and power, it was even used as a large game hunter in the past. This rustic Molosser isn't suited for the role of an urban pet, due to its unfriendly attitude towards other dogs and distrust of strangers, but its intelligence and loyalty make it a good companion to experienced owners. It is very territorial and protective of its master's family, making a good guard dog. The head is large and wide, with a strong muzzle and jaws. The body is broad-shouldered and muscular, with a deep-chest and sturdy legs. The coat comes in a few lengths and textures, from richly longhaired examples to medium length and short-coated dogs. There is also a bearded variety, as well as a rare curly-coated Abruzzo type. The only colouring accepted is pure white, coming in pearl or ivory shades. In the past, the height was reportedly 35 inches, but in modern times, the majority of working specimens are averaging around 30 inches at the withers, although on occasion taller, as well as smaller examples can be encountered.
Last updated 439 days ago by Molosser
Sage Koochee Djence Sheri, Afghan Lion Dog, Djence Sheri
Descended from ancient Tajik and Turkoman tribal dogs, the Djence Sheri is the mountain type of the Sage Koochee group. Some consider the Sage Koochee to be a variant of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, while others believe that they are the ancestors of all Central Asian breeds. The Afghan Mountain Dog has even been bred into the Russian type Central Asian Ovcharkas, but it had also received some Caucasian Ovcharka blood during the years under Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Sage Koochee means "Dog of the Nomads", named after the nomadic tribes of Afghanistan and Djence Sheri stands for "Lion dog". This is the largest of the Sage Koochee breeds, much more mastiff-like in appearance than other types and resistant to extreme mountain temperatures and humidity.
Tall and massive, the Afghan Mountain Dog might seem lethargic, but this is not the case. Like other Sage Koochee dogs, the Djence Sheri moves slowly to conserve energy, but is very agile and quick when needed. This uncomplicated and resilient Molosser is an excellent climber and large game hunter. Very territorial and aggressive, it doesn't make a good companion pet. Not as common today, due to many wars throughout Afghanistan's history, the Sage Koochee Djence Sheri is found in the remote mountain regions, where it's still used as working dog, protecting property and its owners, as well as a competitor in fighting tournaments. The fighting strains within this breed tend to be leaner and with shorter coats than normally associated with the Djence Sheri, thought to be due to some Palangi type influence, as well as the Bully Kutta outcrosses in recent years. The Sage Sheri is a strong and rugged working breed, with a fairly large and broad head, a wide chest and a straight back. The coat is full and rich, medium-length in the summertime and longer during winter. It is densely undercoated and comes in any colour. The average height is around 35 inches, although some fighting lines can be a bit smaller.
Last updated 439 days ago by Molosser
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