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title: "Molossus of Epirus - temperament, price, health | Pedibase"
description: "Everything to know about the Molossus of Epirus (Greece): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 10-13 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+3
Dogs
# The Molossus of Epirus: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Greece
The great guardian of the mountains of Epirus: calm, territorial and built for the wolf.
Size GiantLife expectancy 10–13 yearsBudget ≈ €177/monthPuppy €900 – €1,800
[Find a breeder 1](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-molossus-of-epirus) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=molossus-of-epirus)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs Moderate
Apartment living Limited
First-time owners Limited
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Excellent
Strengths and weaknesses
- Deterrent power: Its size and calm protect a territory.
- Mountain hardiness: It is made to live outdoors with a shelter.
- Attachment to its group: It defends those it considers its own.
- Giant size: Space, food and gastric risks weigh heavily.
- Independence: He does not obey like a sport herding dog.
- Unsuitable for novices: A mistake comes at a high price.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Herds and farms: This is its historical role.
- Large estates: It needs a territory to match its size.
- Experienced owners: It is suitable for people accustomed to livestock guardian dogs.
Not recommended for
- City: None of its needs are met there.
- First dogs: Power and independence are too high.
- Looking for a very obedient dog: This is not a Malinois.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
73 cmMolossus of Epirus
- Height at the withers
- 65–80 cm
- Weight
- 45–70 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, dense, fairly harsh
- FCI group
- Livestock guardian dog
- Origin
- Greece
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Molossus of Epirus in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Molosse d'Épire, or Hellenic Molossus of Epirus, belongs to the very ancient family of Balkan mountain dogs. Selected to protect herds from predators in north-western Greece, it has retained a massive type, great autonomy and a strong attachment to its territory. The breed remains rare outside Greece and is not a fashionable dog. In France, it only makes sense on large properties or alongside sheep farms.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
Giant, massive dog, with heavy bone structure and deep chest. The head is imposing, the stop pronounced, the lips slightly pendulous, the ears drooping. The coat is medium-long, fuller at the ruff and on the tail. Coat colors vary: fawn, gray, brindle, marked white, sometimes masked. The gait is powerful, more of a patroller than a sprinter.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Calm, independent, very much a guard dog. He becomes attached to his family without being a dog that seeks constant contact. With the children of the household, he can be protective if he grew up with them. Strangers are assessed from a distance. Socialization is mandatory.
Intelligent Protective
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
He patrols and alerts. He needs space, not an apartment. Useful exercise is walking and guarding. A young dog isolated or chained becomes a dangerous adult. An enclosed garden, high and solid, is a minimum.
Training
## Training and socialization
Early, social, without confrontation. He is taught to accept visits, the leash and inhibition. This is not a bite sport dog. The owner must be experienced, calm and consistent.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Molossus of Epirus
A Molosse d'Épire puppy is often between 900 and 1 800 euros. The real cost is that of the space, the fencing and the food for a giant.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/molossus-of-epirus/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
Rustic giant: growth, stomach, joints, eyelids. An appropriate diet and a non-slip floor limit a large part of the problems. Responsible breeding refuses subjects that are too soft and too heavy.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/molossus-of-epirus/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Molosse d'Épire needs a complete, digestible diet adjusted to its age, its activity and its body condition. Protein quality and control of energy intake matter as much as the volume of the ration.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/molossus-of-epirus/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
Epirus is a land of mountains and transhumance, where these molossers were for a long time the shepherds' only "alarm system". It is linked to the great family of ancient molossers, without making it a legend. It must not be confused with the Anatolian Shepherd, more Turkish and often more lean.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Molossus of Epirus
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Molossus of Epirus a family dog?
Only on a large property, with experienced owners and exemplary socialization.
### Is it recognized everywhere?
It remains a niche breed, driven more by specialized clubs than by an international trend.
## Find a Molossus of Epirus breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Molossus of Epirus breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Molossus of Epirus breeders by country
[1 breeder of Molossus of Epirus in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-molossus-of-epirus)
[All breeders of Molossus of Epirus in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-molossus-of-epirus)
## Ready to welcome a Molossus of Epirus?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-molossus-of-epirus)
## Discover other breeds
[Anatolian Shepherd Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/anatolian-shepherd-dog)
[Caucasian Shepherd Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/caucasian-shepherd-dog)
[Mastiff
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/mastiff)
[Saint Bernard
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/saint-bernard)
[Maremma Sheepdog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maremma-sheepdog)
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