Old English Sheepdog vs Molossus - Breed Comparison

Old English Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom but Molossus is originated from Greece. Old English Sheepdog may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Molossus. Old English Sheepdog may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Molossus. Old English Sheepdog may live 4 years less than Molossus. Both Old English Sheepdog and Molossus has almost same litter size. Both Old English Sheepdog and Molossus requires Moderate maintenance.

History

old english sheepdog - historyThe origin of the Old English Sheepdog is unclear as records weren’t kept. However there are some aspects that suggest the dog originated in the 19th century and that the Scottish Bearded Collie had a significant part in the development of this dog which hails from England.

It is also believed that the Russian Owtchar was involved in the development of the Old English Sheepdog. The dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888. In 1904, the Old English Sheepdog Club of America was also founded.

The shape of the dog has changed very little over the years and it was in the 1880s that the dog was exported to the United States.

The Molossus has always been a popular dog and they have been around since ancient times. Mastiff type dogs are termed as Molossus.

Of course, when looking at the origin of the dog, there are many unsubstantiated claims about it. It has always been believed that the Molossus was a Mastiff-type dog, ferocious in battle. The Romans were dog breeders and recognized that the Molossus was a talented dog – good at guarding and herding.

Over the centuries the dog has changed but it is believed it was a Mastiff-type dog with a number of other breeds included in its origins such as the Rottweiler, Pug, Bulldog, Great Dane, Alano Espanol and Saint Bernard.

The Molossus isn’t a dog breed itself but rather a category that other dogs belong to. Today there are Molosser clubs and Molosser shows around the world.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Molosser dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
Greece
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 45 kg
59 - 100 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 45 kg
59 - 100 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
5 - 9
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
The Shepherd's Dog, Bobtail
Molosser, Mastiff-type
Colors Available:
Grey and white
All colors
Coat:
Long and fluffy
Generally short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

old english sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Old English Sheepdog is a large dog standing at between 50 and 60cm and weighing between 27 and 45kg.

He is muscular with a broad bottom and hip area. The head is also large and the small ears are carried flat. The tail has always been docked, giving the dog a large panda-bear look to him, but these days the tail is often left long, and the dog loses that square compact look.

When the tail is left long it is well feathered. The coat can become fairly long and is quite harsh and wavy to straight. The coat is essentially grey with white hair over the head area. The puppies are born with their hair being black and white, and later on the traditional grey coloring comes in.

What is quite interesting with this dog is that it stands lower at the shoulder than at the loins, so just like a Panda bear, he also lopes or walks in a bear-like fashion.

Temperament:

The Old English Sheepdog isn’t an aggressive dog. He is social, intelligent and entertaining for his human family, whom he loves to spend time with.

He is an energetic dog too and he would prefer a country setting where there are large fields to run in as opposed to living on a tiny property in the city. He is an adaptable dog though, and will slot into life in the city or suburbs, so long as he is well exercised.

Train him and socialize him and he will become an obedient, amicable pet to have around.

This Ancient dog breed from Greece has different descriptions of what it really looked like. It seems to have always been large to medium sized dog standing in the region of 50 to 76cm in height and weighing anything from 25 to 55kg.

The coat is mostly short and smooth and can be in a host of different colors. They are large boned dogs, solidly built with medium sized floppy ears, a short, thick neck, short, broad muzzle and a long tail which was later docked.

Molossers typically have heavy bones, pendant ears, and a relatively short and well-muscled neck, with a short, broad muzzle. These Molossers have always been used for a variety of jobs where strength, perseverance, speed and braveness are required. They have been used as rescue- and guard dogs, protecting livestock from predators.

Temperament:

The Molossus dogs all have the same kind of characteristics which have been bred into them. From their working days, they are known for their tremendous courage, taking on wild animals to protect their livestock.

They are territorial, wanting to protect their human family and home from intruders.They have also been bred to be loyal, loving family pets, and being highly affectionate, they want to be involved in the activities of the family.

This breed is gentle and loving, social and active and gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children. They’re intelligent dogs and will need to be trained and socialized to ensure they are obedient and amicable with visitors to the home.

Characteristics

old english sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Old English Sheepdog is the ideal dog for a family pet. They love spending time with their human family and are affectionate and loyal, getting on well with children as well as other pets.

From the time he is a puppy, you can see that he is fun-loving and easy going while also being intelligent. He is also a guardian and wants to protect his human family.

Provide him with the opportunity to get out into the country sometimes if you don’t live on a farm because he is essentially a farm dog. He used to be a herding dog and likes to be busy. Treat him well and have him trained and socialized and he’ll make you a superb pet.

The Molossus, contrary to what many people think, isn’t a vicious dog, but rather a good natured dog that makes a wonderful family pet.

These dogs are known also for being hard working dogs with characteristics of bravery. They are dogs who may look fairly tough, but they are actually gentle, calm and sensitive. It’s a bad upbringing from the owners that gives any dog bad characteristics.

Train your Molossus, have him socialized and be a responsible and loving dog owner, and these dogs promise to make you a splendid family pet.

Health Problems

old english sheepdog puppies - health problemsIt is estimated that the beautiful Old English Sheepdog can live to be about 10, 11 or 12 years of age if he is looked after well. Just like with other dog breeds though, this particular dog is also prone to some of the common dog diseases there are.

Some of these diseases include hip dysplasia, diabetes, eye diseases and deafness along with some skin problems.

Diabetes:

As a chronic disease, Diabetes can affect dogs as well as other animals and humans. Diabetes in dogs can’t be cured but it can be managed, with Diabetes Mellitus being the kind of diabetes most seen in dogs. Whatever kind of diabetes your pet has, the negative effects remain the same.

Cancer:

It can be devastating when your dog has been with you for about 10 years, to discover that he has cancer. Of course, cancer is the leading cause of death found in dogs older than the age of 10.

Many cancers are curable if you catch them early. Malignant lymphoma is a common cancer with dogs but there are other cancers too. The warning signs of cancer in dogs are much the same as what you get with humans. You’ll discover a lump or even an injury that won’t heal. There could also be abnormal bleeding.

Skin Problems:

There are many different kinds of skin problems seen in dogs, some of which are more common than others. You’ll notice your dog licking a part of the body so that the hair disappears and the skin becomes exposed.

There are skin problems started because of inadequate diet and lack of nutrition. There are plenty of commercially manufactured pet foods that don’t have the right amount of vitamins and minerals your pet needs. Always buy a good quality one to fight these very aggravating skin allergies. A vet may give hydrocortisone products but many dog owners these days try to treat their dogs with natural products.

These large dogs are particularly prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia, a genetic condition. A poor diet as well as environmental factors can contribute towards the disease too as well as rapid weight gain and obesity.

This disease develops because the dog’s hip joints haven’t developed properly. The hips then partially dislocate, and the dog has pain and battles to get around. If your dog shows signs of hip dysplasia, he will need to get to the vet to do a physical exam and come up with a treatment- and management program.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

old english sheepdog dogs - caringFood allergies are caused by your dog eating food with ‘bad’ ingredients which don’t agree with him. Make sure your pet has a wholesome diet.

Invest in the very best quality commercially manufactured food. Home-made food is always a wonderful treat for any dog but it needs to be kept simple. No exotic, spicy foods and no suddenly changing your pet’s diet.

Simple, nutritional boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach added into his kibble as a treat will do wonders for your pet and he will thank you for keeping his meals tasty and simple. A little bit of raw meat added in occasionally can also do him the world of good. Fresh, cool water must always be available.

Grooming:

The Old English Sheepdog is quite a high maintenance dog, what with that long hair and all, and some owners of this dog prefer to take him to the parlor to have the hair sheared and wash, otherwise it could become a mammoth task for a dog owner.

If you opt to keep the hair long, you may end up having to be constantly brushing your pet’s coat to prevent it tangling. Not only that, if you live in a hot area, cutting the hair can help towards keeping the dog cool.

The ears of your dog should be checked regularly for infection as well as the eyes, and keep the nails clipped as well.

Exercise:

These dogs were bred to be working dogs and they have always spent their time outdoors performing a guarding or rescue role. Today they require a lot of exercise – walks and ball games – as they are dogs with a lot of energy.

Diet:

Essentially a large breed, the Molossus will need a commercially manufactured food of high quality if you opt to make use of the convenience of these foods.

Make sure to choose one manufactured for large breeds and which is free of a host of bad ingredients such as corn, soy, wheat, dairy, artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives.

You want dog food which is high in protein and fat. Try and include some home-cooked food such as boiled chicken, brown rice, pasta and vegetables. An ingredient to look out for in your dog’s food is omega-3 fatty acid to help keep the skin and coat shiny and healthy. Puppies particularly benefit from DHA, or Docosahexaenoic acid, a form of omega-3 fatty acid that is good for brain development.

Grooming:

Brushing the dog’s coat twice a week will be necessary to remove loose hairs, especially during the shedding period. When you brush him, check for ticks and fleas and speak to your vet about flea treatment if necessary. Ears and eyes should be checked and cleaned regularly.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Old English Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Old English Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  4. Old English Sheepdog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  5. Old English Sheepdog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  6. Old English Sheepdog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Old English Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Old English Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  9. Old English Sheepdog vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  10. Old English Sheepdog vs Mioritic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  11. Rough Collie vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  12. Saarlooswolfhond vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  13. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  14. South Russian Ovcharka vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Samoyed vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  16. Old English Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  17. Old English Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  18. Old English Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  19. Old English Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  20. Old English Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  21. Old English Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  22. Old English Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  23. Old English Sheepdog vs Labradoodle - Breed Comparison
  24. Old English Sheepdog vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  25. Perro de Presa Canario vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  26. Molossus vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  27. Molossus vs Dogue De Bordeaux - Breed Comparison
  28. Molossus vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Molossus vs Dogo Guatemalteco - Breed Comparison
  30. Molossus vs Danish Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  31. Molossus vs Bakharwal Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Molossus vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  33. Molossus vs Canis Panther - Breed Comparison
  34. Molossus vs Cao de Castro Laboreiro - Breed Comparison
  35. Molossus vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  36. Molossus vs Cordoba Fighting Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Molossus vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  38. Molossus vs Korean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. Sage Koochee vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  40. Perro Cimarron vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  41. Perro de Toro vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  42. Samoyed vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  43. Old English Sheepdog vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  44. Presa Canario vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  45. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  46. Saluki vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  47. Rough Collie vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  48. Mountain Cur vs Molossus - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds