Description: The Roman Rottweiler is just like the standard Rottweiler, except that it is bigger and more mastiff-like in appearance and temperament. Its large and massive body brings out an impressive and noble air. Its head is broad and heavy, with some wrinkling, and a deep and well-defined stop. Its muzzle is full and also broad, and its jaws form a scissors bite. Its lips are well-developed and thick. Its eyes are deep set and well apart, and its pendant ears are carried forward and also set apart. It mouth and nose are dark in color, with the nose usually black but really just follows the base color of its coat.

The Roman Rottweiler’s coat is thick and can be long. The usually desired coat is a thick plush one. Its chest is deep with well sprung oval ribs. Its legs are muscular and powerful. Its tail can either be docked or left natural and curved over the back

Dynamics: The Roman Rottweiler has a calm and confident temperament. It is highly trainable, is athletic, courageous, and reliable. Of course, firm and consistent training and socialization is needed. Without a firm hand to guide it, it can become aggressive and uncontrollable. But it is usually a very loyal and devoted dog. It is an intelligent breed and and is a good worker and companion mixed into one. It can also get along well with children and other household pets as long as it has been socialized with them since puppyhood. It can get suspicious with strangers but it is amiable with family and friends.

Breed Group: Mastiff, Flock Guardian

Weight: males at least 120 pounds (54 kg), females at least 80 pounds (36 kg)

Height: males at least 26 ½ inches (67 cm)and can grow to more than 30 inches (76 cm), females at least 24 ½ inches (63 cm) up to 29 inches (74 cm) or more

Color: The coat color of the Roman Rottweiler can be black and tan, black and rust, black and dark, black and mahogany, red and tan, blue and tan or black. Other colors can be expected but not as desirable as those mentioned.

Country of Origin: The Roman Rottweiler came to Europe with the Roman legions, before that serving to herd and protect cattle that fed the Roman soldiers as they were crossing the Alps. The breed was settled in Germany, and this proved to be its end. The Germans wanted Rottweilers smaller in size and began breeding the now popular Rottweiler while the Roman Rottweiler’s line slowly shrunk.

Activities: The Roman Rottweiler should be walked everyday and sufficiently exercised. It likes to run in an open area and there will be no worry for the owner because the Roman Rottweiler will not wander away. Swimming and retrieving a ball is also a favorite past time.

Grooming: The coat of the Roman Rottweiler is easy to groom. Just brush regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. Of course, if the Roman Rottweiler has a long coat then it needs more attention. But normally, brushing everyday is the most important.

Other Info: The Roman Rottweiler has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is susceptible to ACL damage and hip dysplasia. It is also prone to entropion, and it tends to snore and overeat. This breed will do okay living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

Photo: CollosalRottweilers.com

AKA: Mioritic Shepherd Dog

Description: Mioritic Sheepdog is a breed that has large size head and its skull is broad. Their eyes are regular in size that is hazel or amber that is shaped in oval. Ears are like pendant clinging unto its face, with big black nose. Their body is rectangular in shape that is strong and powerful with muscles. Teeth are in scissors bite and chest and shoulders are broad. They have long feathered hair that is carried down. They have a fluffy hair usually have patches of black in it.

Temperament: They are considered an excellent guard dog but could also be god pet dog to its owner. They are very dependent of their owner, affectionate also with children. But they are very alert to suspicious strangers that would invade their homes. They are an alert dog and fearless that could always protect their homes from all suspicious attacks. They are a very observant to every move they might hear or sense. But they should also be trained well on pack leadership for them to be more familiar with the basic rules to treat their owners as their leader above them and that would always lead their way.

Activity: They are required to have daily exercise like daily walking and jog so they would have more energy and be healthy and also for them not develop bad behaviors.

Health: No known health issues for this breed. Their life span is about 12-14 years.

Grooming: Brushing their long coat would be best grooming for them. Bathe them only when necessary.

Breed Group: Flock Guard

Color: white, lightly cream or pale gray, and with patches

Height: Male: 27-29 inches (70-75 cm.) Female: 25-28 inches (65-70 cm.)

Weight: depending on their waist to be proportional.

Country of Origin: Romania

Dynamics: This kind of breed is famous in Romania and has a lot of fans. That is because they are an attractive dog with fluffy hair and color patches on their hair.

Photo by Summer06

AKA: Pastore Abruzzese, Cane da Pastore, Maremmano-Abruzzese, ,Maremma, Pastore,Abruzzese Shepherd Dog , Pastore Maremano Abruzzese
Description: The Maremma breed is very strong, has good muscular built, they have very thick coat, head is big with black nose and heavy in weight, They also have fluffy hair that must be groomed well. They have an expressive eyes showing their alertness and full of energy. Their ears are pointed and comes in v-shape. Tail is also hairy and set low.

Temperament: A very intelligent dog, smart and friendly too. They are very loyal to their owner. They are born hunters too. They needed training to be more socialize with other pets. They could be a good guard dog and not a barker. They are independent dog could work well and serious towards their job. As a leader. Owner must be firm in trainings with this breed and be more serious for them to learn. And it requires a lot of patience and should be an experienced trainer for them to be more obedient. They are very keen with strangers that would alarm them for some suspicious strangers that would be invade their homes. They are the best enemy of wolf but is tamable my human.

Activity: They are required for a daily brisk walk and jog in a large yard and also to run free. This is needed for them to maintain good behavior.

Health: No known health issues with this breed. Their life span is 11-13 years.

Grooming: They needed good grooming especially o n their hair to prevent tangles. Comb or brush their coat regularly. Take away all dead hair.

Breed Group: Flock Guard
Color: white with markings of ivory, light yellow, or pale orange
Height: 23.5-28.5 inches (60-73 cm.)
Weight: 66-100 pounds (30-45 kg.)
Country Of Origin: Italy

Dynamics: This breed is a very independent dog that is hardworking originated in italy. They are cognated to other types of European mountain dogs. Bred to protect flocks from wolves. That is why they could be an excellent guard dog in their homes.

Photo by MGerety

AKA: Leo

Description: The Leonberger is a large dog with a black mask as its characteristic feature. The mask is only up to the eyebrows, but it never completes the entire face. The males have a somewhat bigger head than the females, with the skull a little domed. Its lips and nose are black. The jaws form a scissors bite. The ears are hanging and medium-sized. This breed is big and majestic but its eyes show its gentle and kind nature.

The neck is strong and firm, with no dewlap. The coat is waterproof, and there is a mane that adds to the majestic look of the breed. The mane of the Leonberger can take up to four years to form. For the females, the mane is not easily recognizable. For the legs, both are feathered. Rear dewclaws should be removed. There are also webbing between the toes of the Leonberger that helps them in swimming. The tail is bushy and is set low.

Dynamics: The Leonberger is loving and steadily affectionate. Its size and look may be a little intimidating, but it is actually very sweet and kind. Its friendly personality endears it to its family. It is also very patient, even with the most rowdy children. If ever it becomes irritated, it just walks away and settles in a quiet place. It does not get aggressive. It is a most loyal and trustworthy companion.

Likewise, it does not respond well to harsh training. Patience and gentle training is needed for this breed. The Leonberger is intelligent and brave and will do well if the training is also reasonable and patient. Socialization and training should begin early.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: males 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg), females 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg)

Height: males 29-31 inches (74-80 cm), females 27-29 inches (61-74 cm)

Color: The Leonberger’s coat ranges from tawny to reddish-brown and may have black tipped hair on the outer coat. There is also a small white star on the chest and sometimes a little white on the tip of its paws.
Country of Origin: The Leonberger got its name from its place of origin — Leonberg, Germany. German breeder Heinrich Essing crossed the Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and the Great Pyrenees to create a breed that could resemble a lion for the town of Leonberg.

Activities: The Leonberger needs to be taken on a daily walk. It does not need to have lots of exercises, though. It is an agile breed and has enough energy to be a good working dog and companion. It loves to swim, hike, and pull carts and sleds. The Leonberger has also been used to guard livestock, and for obedience and tracking. It also makes a good search and rescue dog, especially as a water-rescue dog.

Grooming: Because of its long coat and mane, the leonberger will have to be brushed regularly. Weekly brushing is enough, and the ears and teeth should be cleaned when needed. Bathe only if needed. De-matting may also be necessary

Other Info: The Leonberger has a life expectancy of 8 to 9 years. The breed is also prone to common diseases like hip dysplasia and bone disease. This breed is not recommended for you if you live in an apartment. It needs at least a large yard and prefer cool climates.

Photo: Dafping

AKA: Karabash,Turkish Kangal Dog
Description: Kangal Dog is a well muscled strong kind of breed. Their name Karabash means black head since they look like they have a black mask on their face. They have a big size head and proportioned body. Their ears are dropped down and tail is curled. Their coat is double that is regular in length and compact.

Temperament: This breed is a territorial dog. They tend to be alert as always especially with some suspicious strangers that they can sense. They are very aggressive breed. But if they are trained well, they could also be an obedient, well-behaved dog. They possess a certain speed and power to block threats to a group of sheep and goats that is guarding the turkey. They could be aloof with strangers too. They could also be trained well to be able to attain a pack leader status.

Activity: they needed a lot of exercise and walking and jog for mental motivation. And for them to become more fit and healthy.

Health: No known health issues for this breed.

Grooming: minimal grooming is required for this breed. Just a daily combing of their hair when they are shedding.

Breed Group: Flock Guardian
Color: light dun to gray
Height: Males 30-32 inches (77-86 cm.) Females 28-30 inches (72-77 cm.)
Weight: Male: 110-145 pounds (50-66 kg.) Females 90-120 pounds (41-54 kg.)
Country Of Origin: Turkey

Dynamics: This breed belongs to the flock guarding group that seems to be related with the mastiff dogs. They have the skills to guard flocks of goat and sheep. They have a very prominent behavior, looks and disposition in them that makes them a unique breed.

Photo by:Ivonne Neumann Quelle

AKA: (pl. Pulik) Puli, Hungarian Water Dog

Description: The Hungarian Puli is an memdium-sized sheepdog with a unique and distinctive corded coat. This heavily corded coat can reach up to the ground, making the dog look like a fluffy mop. The Hungarian Puli’s body is squarely proportional and muscular. The head is egg-shaped and the tail is curled tightly over the back. The almond-shaped eyes are dark brown and the ears are left hanging.

Dynamics: The Hungarian Puli is lively and cheerful. It is loyal to its family and is an excellent family companion. It is an intelligent breed that can adapt to most surroundings and conditions. It is not an aggressive kind, but is wary of strangers and annoyed by children that tease and are rough on them.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: males 25-35 pounds (11-16 kg), females 20-30 pounds (9-14 kg)

Height: males 16 to 17½ inches (41-46 cm), females 14½ to 16 inches (36-41 cm)

Color: The most common colors for the Hungarian Puli are black, any shade of gray, and apricot. White is rare in this breed.

Country of Origin: The Hungarian Puli came to Hungary with the Magyar tribe thousands of years ago and is one of the ancient breeds known to have settled in the country.

Activities: The Hungarian Puli has a lot of energy and should be given freedom to run around and play. It is also fond of water and swimming can be an exercise for them. The Hungarian Puli is used as a herder and flock guardian, and also as a family companion dog.

Grooming: The Mats formed when the coat starts to “cord” around should be separated manually and regularly. Clumps should be torn for the tip to the skin. Bathing the Hugarian Puli is easy but drying it takes some time. Without a dryer, it will take two days for the coat to dry. The eyes and ears should be cleaned and the nails trimmed.

Other Info: The Hungarian Puli has a life expectancy of 12 years or more. There no major health problems known within this breed, but it is still prone to hip dysplasia and eye and ear infections. The Hungarian Puli can adapt to any environment. It can live in the city, country, farm, etc. It is okay with any climate.

Photo by Sannse

AKA: Kuvasz

Description: The Hungarian Kuvasz is a majestic and muscular sheepdog that has a fine bone structure and sturdy body. It is rectangularly proportional, longer than it is tall. It has a medium-length coat, either straight or wavy. The skin is dark despite having white hair. The hair on the head and feet is short, while it is abundant around the neck, chest, and tail. The coat is even much fuller in the winter. The tail is carried low but is raised when the Kuvasz is excited. Dewclaws on the hind legs should be removed.

The head is also finely boned and structured. The nose, the lips and inside the mouth are black. The ears are folded and hanging close to the head. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown.

Dynamics: The Hungarian Kuvasz is an intelligent and brave sheepdog. It is also very protective and territorial. Its devotion to its family keeps it determined to protect and defend its people and territory. It can be willful and stubborn at times though, showing its independent side. Training the Hungarian Kuvasz will require a firm but gentle hand, and consistency.

Socialization is also important starting from puppyhood. The Hungarian Kuvasz can get along well with children if raised with them. It will be gentle and patient with the owner’s children, but may be suspicious of others. It is reserved and cautious of strangers. It also has the tendency to be annoyed with other animals. Dominance and aggression over another dog is common with this breed.

Breed Group: Flock Guardian, Working

Weight: males 100-115 pounds (45-52kg), females 70-90 pounds (32-41kg)

Height: males 28-30 inches (71-76cm), females 26-28 inches (66-71 cm)

Color: The skin of the Hungarian Kuvasz is generally dark, and the darker the better. The coat, however, is always white. Ivory coats are rare and not acceptable on shows.

Country of Origin: The Hungarian Kuvasz comes from Hungary, where its popularity was at it peak back during King Matthias Corvinus’ reign. This breed was almost extinct during WWII but was revived.

Activities: The Hungarian Kuvasz need regular exercise and has the need to work always. It serves as a flock guardian, herder, and as a companion dog.

Grooming: The Hungarian Kuvasz’ thick coat should be brushed regularly. Avoid bathing it; instead rub talcum powder or cornstarch into the coat and brush it out. Check behind the ears for matting.

Other Info: The Hungarian Kuvasz has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is prone to common health issues like hip dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (due to inflammation of shoulder joints), hypertrophic osteodystrophy, skin problems and allergies. The Hungarian Kuvasz is not suitable for the city or apartment life. It is at its best when it is on an open area. It should not be left alone too long as it may become destructive. It prefers cold climates and is uncomfortable in warm weather.

Photo by Kuvaszprince

AKA: Bhotia, Bhote kukur

Description: The Himalayan Sheepdog is a Nepali dog breed. It is now rare, and not much is known about it. What is known is that it is a large dog, with similarities in appearance to that of the Newfoundland dog and the Tibetan Mastiff. It has a long double coat, ranging from solid black to light brown. A white Himalayan Sheepdog is the rarest of them all. The Himalayan Sheepdog usually has a patch of white fur on the chest. It also has a long, round and hairy tail.

Dynamics: The Himalayan Sheepdog can be ferocious and strong-willed. This makes it great guard for livestock and farm houses. This breed is intelligent and at times can be very stubborn. Obedience training may be necessary. It is an excellent family dog. It is naturally reserved with strangers, though, because of its guarding instincts.

Breed Group: Flock Guardian

Weight: 62-84 lbs (28-38 kg)

Height: 26-32 inches (66-82 cm)

Color: The double coat of the Himalayan Sheepdog ranges from solid black to light brown. A white Himalayan Sheepdog is rare.

Country of Origin: Nepal

Grooming: The straight double coat of the Hokkaido Dog should be brushed and combed regularly.

Other Info: The Himalayan Sheepdog can live for some 10-13 years if they are bred properly.

Photo by Dogsindia.com

AKA: Greek Sheepdog, Greek Shepherd

Description: The Hellenikos Poimenikos is a dog breed of medium to large size. It has a solid body and massive head, exuding superior physical strength and power. The muzzle and cheeks are wide and deep, with the jaws forming either a scissors or plain bite. The ears should not be cropped. The eyes are almond-shaped and the eyelids are tight.

The chest is broad and deep. The coat is thick, it body covered with slightly long rough-looking hair. The tail is thick at the base. Some tails are long, some are short. Some have no tail. The breed is generally characterized by its heavy bone structure, good muscle, and thick coat.

Dynamics: The Hellenikos Poimenikos is a working dog that requires great patience. It is proud and hardworking as a sheep and goat guard. It works better in pairs, moving at the sides of the flock and looking out for wolves and other predators. It is a loyal, independent, and brave dog, with a strong protective instinct for the animals and territory. It can adapt to any rough condition. It is naturally observant and wary, and it will only heed to its owner or shepherd.

The Hellenikos Poimenikos has a serious temperament. It does not tolerate violent behavior and can be dominant when the owner does not have strong leadership over it. It is wary of strangers and cautious in getting along with others. It is aggressive towards other animals. It has a loud and powerful bark that is given as a warning to back off its territory. To avoid excessive aggressiveness, proper socialization is required. The Hellenikos Poimenikos can also be trained to be trustworthy.

Breed Group: Flock Guardian

Weight: males 84-110 pounds (38-50 kg), females 70-92 pounds (32-42 kg)

Height: males 25-29 inches (65-75 cm), females 23-26 inches (60-68 cm)

Color: The coat colors of the Hellenikos Poimenikos include black, grayish-brown, and white.

Country of Origin: The Hellenikos Poimenikos originates in Greece.

Activities: The Hellenikos Poimenikos is an energetic and serious dog breed that needs to work to keep itself busy. Boredom will only cause it to develop destructive behavior and excessive barking.

Grooming: Brushing and combing at least once a week is enough. Remove dead hairs. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Hellenikos Poimenikos has a life expectancy of 12 years. It is a generally healthy breed. This breed is not meant for the city life. It is a natural flock guardian, and is best on an open field guarding the flock from wild predators.

AKA: Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bulldog

Description: The French Mastiff is a mastiff breed that is short, stocky, and muscular. Its head is a distinctive feature, with an undershot and powerful jaw, and a distinguishable black or red mask around and under the nose, lips, and eye rims. The nostrils are very open and the upper lips hang thickly down over the lower jaw. The ears naturally hang down.

There is a dewlap on the neck. The thick skin is loose. The front legs are straight and the tail is straight, curving when the dog is excited.

Dynamics: The French Mastiff has a calm and gentle personality, although originally it was considered ferocious. It is a brave and loyal companion, and is patient and devoted to its family. It is gentle with children and other family members. It makes a wonderful watchdog and guard dog.

The French Mastiff can be aggressive with other dogs. It has to be socialized and trained firmly from an early age. The male French Mastiff generally does not tolerate other male dogs.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: 120-145 pounds (54.4-65.2kg)

Height: 23-30 inches (58-75cm)

Color: The French Mastiff comes in shades of fawn to mahogany. The black or red mask on the face is always present. White markings on the toes and chest are acceptable.

Country of Origin: The French Mastiff comes from France, where it has been a dog of many services throughout history, from being a war dog to becoming a cattle driver and bodyguard.

Activities: The French Mastiff needs a lot of exercise as it has a huge amount of energy within. This breed has served man throughout history as a war dog, flock guardian, dog fighter, cattle driver, watch dog, and guard dog.

Grooming: The French Mastiff’s coat does not need that much attention. An occasional combing and brushing is enough.

Other Info: The French Mastiff has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is generally a healthy breed, although litters are small and birth is difficult because of the puppies’ large heads. The French Mastiff will be fine living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.