More Molossers

Photo: Natascha Den Herder

Brachycephaly, Cephalic Index, More Molossers

Heady Stuff: Understanding the Cephalic Index

Comparing the width and length of the Molosser head.

Bullmastiff, Longevity, Research, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue De Bordeaux, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rare Molossers, Tibetan Mastiff, More Molossers

How Long Will Your Molosser Live?

A British study finds that size and muzzle length are correlated with longevity in dogs.

Graphic from the SABBS Illustrated Breed Standard Terminology sheet. How many numbers can you correctly identify? (Scroll down to the bottom of the story for answers.)

Appraisal, Boerboel, SABBS, More Molossers

The SABBS Appraisal: Boerboels, Inch by Inch

This South African assessment is a worthwhile tool for understanding a dog’s strengths and weaknesses.

AKC, American Kennel Club, Bullmastiff, Disqualification, FCI, Federacion Cynologique Internationale, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue De Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rare Molossers, Tibetan Mastiff, More Molossers

D is for Disqualification

How and why Molossers get booted from the ring.

Genetics, Seal, Seal Brindle, Cane Corso, Neapolitan Mastiff, More Molossers

The Genetics of Seal Brindle in the Cane Corso … Maybe Probably

While no one truly understands how this color pattern works, here is a genetics buff’s educated guess.

Blue brindle, Brindle, Bullmastiff, Dilute, Reverse brindle, Ultra brindle, Cane Corso, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rare Molossers, More Molossers

Brindle Basics: Who Knew Stripes Could Be So Complicated?

From blue brindles to reverse brindles, here’s how this striped pattern manifests in Molossers.

Photo: Mary Bloom.

AKC, Bullmastiff, Judging, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue De Bordeaux, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, More Molossers, Breeds

Becoming a Molosser Judge, AKC Style

Demystifying how new judges are minted and made.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Molosser style.

Bullmastiff, hypertype, Hypotype, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue De Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rare Molossers, Tibetan Mastiff, More Molossers

Hypertype vs. Hypotype: Making like Goldilocks

When faced with these two extremes, Molosser fanciers should choose the middle ground: “Just right.”

Babylonia, Bullmastiff, DNA, Elaine Ostrander, Genetics, Mesopotamia, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue De Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rare Molossers, Tibetan Mastiff, More Molossers

An About Face on Molosser Origins

Maybe the world's super-sized canines are related after all.

Adalena Serra do Barbanza, a Spanish import owned by Crystal Kaiser.

AKC, American Kennel Club, Elaine Ostrander, Karen Haywood, Pyrenean Mastiff, Rafael Malo Alcrudo, Victoria Betterton, More Molossers

Cherished Guardian of Spain

The Pyrenean Mastiff is headed for AKC’s Miscellaneous class in June 2024.