The Molossus (Greek: Μολοσσός) (also known as the Molossian hound or molosser) were dogs that belonged to the ancient kingdom of the Molossians. The Molossians kept dogs of two distinct types, one a hunting dog with a broad muzzle which is sometimes considered the ancestor to the modern mastiff type, the other a large livestock guardian dog. Aristotle in his History of Animals wrote 'In the Molossian race of dogs, those employed in hunting differ in no respect from other dogs; while those employed in following sheep are larger and more fierce in their attack on wild beasts.' He also added that dogs that are born of a mixed breed between the Molossian and the Laconian dogs are remarkable for courage and endurance of hard labor. Today, Mastiffs (the presumed descendants of the Molossus), are grouped together with livestock guardian dogs by some kennel clubs as a single type despite evidence indicating they are distinct.
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