American Molossus vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison

American Molossus is originated from United States but Akbash Dog is originated from Turkey. American Molossus may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Akbash Dog. American Molossus may weigh 17 kg / 37 pounds lesser than Akbash Dog. American Molossus may live 3 years more than Akbash Dog. Both American Molossus and Akbash Dog has almost same litter size. Both American Molossus and Akbash Dog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

Based on the massive dog of Mesopotamia in 5000 BC, the American Molossus is the same dog recreated in the United States by and for the lovers of these giant dogs. The ancient Molossus was fierce to look at, massive in size, courageous and loyal. He was undaunted by any animal and stood up to any man attempting to hurt his master. When Rome fell the descendants of today’s Molossus were scattered and attempts to revive the breed have created carious large dogs. The American Molossus is the first true recreation that hits the mark.

The original Molossus was one of the most primitive of dogs, one of the earliest dogs that men domesticated. Their initials duties were the guarding of herds and homes against all enemies. They were incredibly loyal to their one master and stayed with him and protected him. These dogs also ate carrion and served the villages by eliminating animal carcasses. They could handle any other hunting animals such as wolves and large cats. This dog, although extinct was the ancestor of all the Mastiff-type dogs of today. The Molossus is said to be the ancestor of the St. Bernard, English Mastiff, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Rottweiler, Rottweiler and the Neapolitan Mastiff. Now these breeds have become the ancestry of the American Molossus.

According to Marcus Curtis, the founder of the new Molossus, the nearest relative of the American Molossus is the Neapolitan Mastiff. The Hines Bulldog, German Rottweiler, American Bandogge, and South African Boerboel together with the Neapolitan Mastiff were used to form the American Molossus. The goal of the founder was to make a great family pet and protector. It was specifically bred to be courageous, loyal and protective.

akbash dog - historyAkbash breed became popular in the 1970s. Around that period, Akbash was introduced to North America. There is archeological evidence that this breed was popular even in the 750-300 BC. Of course, it wasn’t the exact dog as we know it today, but there are many similarities between Akbash and dog from the ancient period. This breed was developed in Turkey to be a guardian dog. They were perfect flock guardians.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
United States
Turkey
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
74 - 84 cm
29 - 34 inches
Height Female:
51 - 60 cm
20 - 24 inches
71 - 79 cm
27 - 32 inches
Weight Male:
38 - 48 kg
83 - 106 pounds
50 - 65 kg
110 - 144 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 43 kg
70 - 95 pounds
40 - 55 kg
88 - 122 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
8 - 9
Size:
Giant dog
Large dog
Other Names:
American Molosser • American Brabanter • American Bullenbeisser
Colors Available:
Colors are black, black brindle with some white
Brindle, White, Red Fawn, Liver, White & Biscuit and Blue Fawn
Coat:
coat type coarse, dense, smooth and long
Dense, Medium and Short, Harsh and Rough
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Description

This is a giant, massive dog in every way and this recently developed standard makes that very clear. The Molossus should be heavy bones, muscular with a lot of loose skin and wrinkles of all kinds, everywhere. He is an intimidating presence, with a massive square head, broad shoulders, height and mass. No, the American Molossus is not athletic, but he certainly is intimidating.

His head is massive in comparison to his body and it must be square. He has extensive wrinkles and pendulous lips and dewlap. The face is all folds of skin and wrinkles. Deep set eyes, drooping upper lids and lower lids as well as an intimidating expression. His brow is well developed with a marked frontal furrow. The nose is large, and the muzzle is about a third of the length of its head. It is short and broad. Everything about the head must be square. It’s neck and body are powerful and muscular. The chest is deep, wide and barrel like. The back is also powerful and muscular. The front legs are heavy and muscular while the hind legs are broad, strong, powerful and wide-stance. Do not remove the front dew claws. His tail is thick and wide then gradually tapers at the tip.

akbash dog puppy - descriptionWeight of the Akbash dog variates from 41-64kg, while their height is 71-78cm. Female Akbash is smaller than a male Akbash, but not for much. A lifespan of an average Akbash dog is 10-11 years, but if they have cared properly, they tend to live longer. Litter Size of Akbash is 8-9 puppies. Another Name for Akbash is Akbas Coban Kopegi, Coban Kopegi.

Characteristics

The American Molossus is an intimidating massive giant bred for protection and guard duty. He is incredibly loyal to his family and courageous in his protection of them. They are guard dogs, not attack dogs. Their simple appearance is usually enough to frighten off anyone intending harm on their families. He is in reality a loving giant. He is intelligent and stable with a strong desire to please his owner. He is a calm yet vigilant presence in the home.

Because the Molossus is so large, it is recommended that the puppy be socialized and trained professionally. It takes a strong owner to handle this breed. They need to know the rules and have the rules consistently applied. The owner must be the pack leader.

akbash dog dog - characteristicsHave in mind that Akbash is a large and powerful dog. They are bred through generations to be guardians and suspicious. They are very independent because they tend to make their own decisions while guarding flocks. They will require adequate socialization, but overall, they are very intelligent and they tend to learn quickly. It requires time and patience, but are great pets for right owners. Akbash has a white to biscuit color coat. They also have a dark pigment around nose, eyes, and mouth. Akbash is very quick and agile dog, which might be surprised because of its size.

It is important to train them since the puppyhood. They are working dogs and they will be happy when they have tasks during training. Due to their independence, consistent and steady training is important. An old-fashioned way of training that includes punishment is not recommendable. Positive training with awards is the best way to train your Akbash dog. They do not require a lot of daily exercises. Daily walks would do more than enough. Younger dogs need more exercise than more mature ones. They can be very good for other animals, but they have to be socialized with them. It is the best way to socialize your dog when it is still a puppy.

Health Problems

Like all Mastiffs the American Molossus faces a variety of potential illnesses, some brought on by its size, some not.

Spondylosis

This could easily be a function of its massive size. It is a degenerative disease and can cause the dog to become lame. In many cases the vertebrae can fuse, or severe pain can result. This is mostly seen in older members of the breed.

Cystinuria

Male Molossus can contract this inherited metabolic disease primarily. It can be life threatening and very serious as it affects the kidney and the bladder.

Wobblers Syndrome

This is essentially Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI) and is caused by the pressure of the nerves in the neck and cervical spinal cord. This compression can cause deformity, pain and abnormal stance/gait. IT has been attributed to the nutrition needs and rapid growth of the Mastiff breeds.

Like all giant Mastiff breeds the Molossus can have skin issues from the wrinkles, dysplasia in the joints which we will address below.

akbash dog puppies - health problemsGenerally, Akbash is a very healthy breed. They do not have any major health issues. As many large breeds, they can develop hip dysplasia and OCD. But with proper care, regular vet checks, and choosing the right puppy, you won’t be having any problems.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

Remembering that this is a very, very large dog you need to be careful about nutrition and how fast your puppy will grow. American Molossus puppies need four meals a day until 12 weeks old. Then until they are 6 months old feed then 3 times a day. Finally, from 6-month-old puppy to adult – feed them twice in 24 hours.

At one year either feed them once or two small meals.

Many people feed their Molossus eggs, vegetables, fruit, and cottage cheese as ten 5 of the total for the day but avoid other table foods. The Molossus can become very picky about what he eats if you feed him too many table scraps.

Health issues

In addition to the health problems listed above, the American Molossus is also susceptible to: Ditichiasis – Eyelashes that are in the margin of the eyelids and can cause eye irritation. May require surgery to correct.

Cataract

Could cause blindness if not removed. Ectropian/Entropion: Eversion and inversion of eyelids which cause ocular irritation.

PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This is a degenerative disease which causes the dog to go blind. It is a disease the affects the retinal visual cells, first causing night blindness then day blindness. A DNA test is available for detecting PRA in all Mastiff breeds.

Dysplasia of the Elbow or/and the Hip

Common in large breeds and especially in giant breeds like the Molossus. Multiple forms and causes but all can cause pain and lameness.

Skin issues

Do to wrinkles and loose skin – check often for moisture and infections.

Panosteitis or Wandering Lameness

The is a problem based on a variety of possible causes. It happens when the puppy is between 6-16 months of age. Lameness occurs over time in one limb or in all. It can be intermittent and might be caused by diet, genetics, stress, autoimmune or metabolic issues or infection.

HOD or Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy

This issue is developmental as the dog’s toes turn either inward or outward, then as the condition advances the dog suffers fever, pain in all joints, lethargy and the inability to stand. This happens when the dog consumes too many calories for his activity level in the development times.

Exercise and games

The American Molossus is not a couch potato. He needs to be walked at least twice a day and loves to play fetch. He will be greatly benefited by obedience training. Do not overdo it with exercise but make sure they don’t just lay around.

Feeding the Akbash

akbash dog dogs - caringAkbash dog is very easy to care. They can stay fit on a minimum amount of food. 2-2.5 cups divided into two meals would be ideal for your dog. They require meat, so giving them dry industrial food can be a solid substitute. Vegetables and oil can also be included in meals. It will keep your dog healthy and happy.

Feeding the Akbash

Puppies have to eat more meals per day. It is the best to give your puppy Akbash 3-5 meals per day. Those meals should be divided into smaller portions. It is recommended to give your puppy all necessary vitamins and minerals that include calcium for stronger bones. It will improve the overall health of your dog, and it will help it develop into a healthy adult dog.

Grooming the Akbash

Akbash will request some grooming, but they are not very difficult to groom. They require regular grooming. Every few days will be enough, except when they are shedding. Akbash will need daily grooming when shed. You can bath your pet occasionally, but not very often. Bathing, if necessary, should be done only 5-6 times a year. There is no need for more.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  2. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  3. American Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  4. Gaddi Kutta vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  5. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  6. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  7. Broholmer vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  8. Great Dane vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  9. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  10. Newfoundland Dog vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  11. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  12. Leonberger vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  13. Alaunt vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  14. Bully Kutta vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  15. Irish Wolfhound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  16. Alangu Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  17. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  18. Mountain Burmese vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  19. Billy vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  20. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  21. Bisben vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  22. Old English Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Akbash Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Akbash Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  25. Briard vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Rough Collie vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Bouvier des Flandres vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. East German Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Saarlooswolfhond vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Huntaway vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. South Russian Ovcharka vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Akita vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Samoyed vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Labradoodle vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Cane Corso vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Alaskan Malamute vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Mixed vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Bullmastiff vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Dogue De Bordeaux vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Bloodhound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Great Pyrenees vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds