One of the oldest known breeds, the Tibetan Mastiff, is a member of this impressive group of dogs.(13) Some argue that the first guardian dogs could date as far back as the middle Stone Age, when agrarian societies first found use for such protective animals to keep watch over their precious herds. While possibly dating back much further into ancient history, this large dog was first documented in China in 1100 BC. Sometimes called Do-Khyi(14)—meaning “tied dog”—these dogs were used to protect flocks of sheep, as well as homes and monasteries.(15)

Although records are unclear, Asian nomads are thought to have brought the guardians with them as they migrated west(19)—the very dogs that would become the foundation for the original Molosser (named after the Molossian tribes who used them for protecting their flocks in the mountainous regions of Greece). The appearance of certain livestock guardian breeds (such as the Kangal—a dog originating in the Kang territory lying between China and the Mediterranean) as early as 900 BC seems to support the theory that such dogs were introduced during the journey from their original home in the Far East.(19) It is also possible that other livestock guardian dogs were developed elsewhere in Eurasia separately to assist shepherds in the protection and migration of early domesticated sheep.(16)

As they were traded beyond the shores of Phoenicia, these protective dogs were quickly appreciated for their tenacity in the face of predators and adversaries, some developed into highly prized “war dogs” in Greece and Rome. Wars were won and conquests were waged for thousands of years with these brave and powerful dogs by man’s side.(20)(21)

As the guardian dogs’ hardy and courageous nature became increasingly apparent, they spread across Europe in the first millennium. Other types of working dogs such as hounds and herders were interbred with them for a variety of valuable functions. While they continued to be used as livestock guardians and personal protection both on and off the battlefield, some of these dogs were also later developed for use as castle guards, powerful hunters capable of bringing down larger game, cart pullers, and bull-baiters. Their exceptionally calm, tolerant, and steadfast nature continued to prove very adaptive to home and family protection needs as well, stewards to all that we cared to keep safe.