Himalayan Sheepdog vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison

American Molossus is originated from United States but Himalayan Sheepdog is originated from India. Both American Molossus and Himalayan Sheepdog are having almost same height. Both American Molossus and Himalayan Sheepdog are having almost same weight. Both American Molossus and Himalayan Sheepdog has same life span. Both American Molossus and Himalayan Sheepdog has almost same litter size. American Molossus requires Moderate Maintenance. But Himalayan Sheepdog requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Working dog
undefined
United States
India
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
51 - 60 cm
20 - 24 inches
58 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
38 - 48 kg
83 - 106 pounds
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 43 kg
70 - 95 pounds
38 - 43 kg
83 - 95 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
9 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
American Molosser • American Brabanter • American Bullenbeisser
Bhotia • Bhotiya • Bhote Kukkur • Gaddi • Gaddi Leopardhund • Himachal Pradesh • Himalayan Guard Dog • Himalayan Mastiff Guard Dog • Himalayan Chamba Gaddi • HSD
Colors Available:
Colors are black, black brindle with some white
Black, fawn, light brown, beige
Coat:
coat type coarse, dense, smooth and long
rough dense long
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

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.

himalayan sheepdogThe Himalayan Sheepdog comes from Nepal originally and was bred as a guardian for livestock. The exact location where the breed comes from is not documented well but it is thought that they come from North India and Nepal and they are rare outside of that area. They are a mountain dog – close in ancestry to the Himalayan Mastiff, and the Kinnaur Sheepdog of Tibet (Himalaya). All these Himalayan mountain dogs were all called “Gaddi dogs”. The term was used for all the large dogs no matter what their breeds actually were.

The Himalayan Sheepdog is called by various names depending on where they were from. They are called Gaddi Leopardhund in Himachai Pradesh, In Nepal they are known as Bhote Kukkur or Bhotiya. Then there are Chamba Gaddi dogs. They are an ancient breed that existed before documentation on breeds was kept.

They acted as both guardians and herders. They guarded the mountain men’s encampments as well as the livestock. They were also used at times to hunt large animals. Today they are found only within Nepal and India. These Himalayan Sheepdogs are on the verge of extinction in India. There are no breeding programs and their isolation has caused the dilution of the gene pool. It is not recognized by any clubs including the UKC and the AKC.

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.

himalayan sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe breed is a large dog, very athletic and strong. The Himalayan Sheepdog is muscular with a deep chest, strong neck and strong shoulders. It has a medium tail that is thick and busy, curled high over its back. It is a daunting dog that can be very intimidating. They have well padded and large paws. With a broad head and wide forehead, they have a strong, wide muzzle. Their ears are high on the head and hang from the sides. They have almond shaped medium eyes that are deep set with a black nose.

They are a very active and swift dogs. By their nature they are constantly in motion, patrolling their territory and guarding their flock and people. Their devotion to their people and their courage is the stuff of legends. Their coat is double with a large ruff around their necks that resembles a mane. The inner coat is dense and short while the outer coat is longer but dense as well.

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.

Children friendliness

himalayan sheepdog dog - characteristicsYes with enough proper socialization

Special talents

Protection and loyalty

Adaptability

They are not especially adaptable and need a large yard. They are not good in an apartment.

Learning ability

Intelligent but stubborn and independent making them able to learn if they want to.

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.

himalayan sheepdog puppies - health problemsThis is a pretty healthy breed with very few health issues. They have the usual large dog issues.

  • Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis
  • Elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis
  • Arthritis – can cause extreme pain and lameness
  • Patellar luxation – kneecap issues that are painful and can cause lameness
  • Obesity – they have a tendency to overeat and are not that active
  • Glaucoma – can cause blindness

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 puppy

himalayan sheepdog dogs - caringFeed the puppy 2-3 times a day with a total of two cups of a quality dog food for large breed dogs.

Feeding the adult

Feed the adult dog twice a day with 3 to 4 cups of a high quality dry dog food for large breed dogs.

Points for Good Health

They are very strong and athletic.

Games and Exercises

The Himalayan Sheepdog needs exercise but not to be overworked. They should be taken on long walks at least once a day. They might play fetch or run in a yard, but they don’t like too much exercise.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Molossus vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. American Molossus vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. American Molossus vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. American Molossus vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. American Molossus vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. American Molossus vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. American Molossus vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. American Molossus vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Molossus vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. American Molossus vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. American Molossus vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. American Molossus vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. American Molossus vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. American Molossus vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. American Molossus vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. American Molossus vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. American Molossus vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. American Molossus vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. American Molossus vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. American Molossus vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. American Molossus vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. American Molossus vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. American Molossus vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. American Molossus vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. American Molossus vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Himalayan Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Himalayan Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Himalayan Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Himalayan Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Himalayan Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Himalayan Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Himalayan Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison