Japanese Chin vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison

American Molossus is originated from United States but Japanese Chin is originated from Japan. American Molossus may grow 39 cm / 16 inches higher than Japanese Chin. American Molossus may weigh 42 kg / 93 pounds more than Japanese Chin. Both American Molossus and Japanese Chin has same life span. American Molossus may have more litter size than Japanese Chin. Both American Molossus and Japanese Chin requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Toy dog
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United States
Japan
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
20 - 27 cm
7 - 11 inches
Height Female:
51 - 60 cm
20 - 24 inches
20 - 27 cm
7 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
38 - 48 kg
83 - 106 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 43 kg
70 - 95 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
1 - 5
Size:
Giant
Small
Other Names:
American Molosser • American Brabanter • American Bullenbeisser
Japanese Spaniel, The Chin
Colors Available:
Colors are black, black brindle with some white
White and Red, Tri-colored - white, tan and black, White and Black
Coat:
coat type coarse, dense, smooth and long
Long, silky single coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

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.

japanese chinThe Japanese Chin, also known as the Japanese Spaniel, has always been known for thousands of years as a dog with strong companion characteristics.

Hailing from Asia, he is also known as the Japanese Spaniel. In Japan, the Chin dogs are royalty and lapdogs, and while the exact origin of the Japanese Chin isn't quite clear, it is an ancient toy breed.

The first Japanese Chin was brought to America in 1882. The toy breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888, as a Japanese Spaniel. The AKC changed the breed name to the Japanese Chin in 1977.

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.

japanese chin puppy - descriptionAs a small sized dog, the oriental looking Japanese Chin stands at about 20 to 27cm in height and weighs roughly 2 to 6kg. He has a large round head with big brown eyes and a short muzzle. The ears are long and feathery and the tail is long and held up over the back.

The long silky single coat is either white and red or white and black or it can be tri-colored too – white, black and reddish-tan.

Temperament:

The Japanese Chin is a small, evenly tempered dog and the toy-size dog, according to people who have owned him as a pet, say he has some cat-like features – the ability to leap and the ability to wash himself similar to what a cat does.

He is also a typical lap dog liking nothing more than to lie in your lap and be petted. He just loves being with his human family and his smallness allows him to fit well into city- or country life.

He is an intelligent dog. He is small but strong-willed and that is why both you and him will benefit from having him trained and socialized as he becomes more amicable and obedient.

Social, jaunty and content, he is everyone’s friend and will be a suitable playmate for children, being loving and devoted to his entire family. They make great therapy dogs as he has the knack of being sensitive to the feelings of people and adjusts his mannerisms to suit the people he is with.

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.

japanese chin dog - characteristicsThe Japanese Chin is just longing to be your special friend. When you treat him with the love and care he deserves, you'll discover that he is a sweet, gentle companion who will be loyal and loving to his human family.

He is a quiet pet and intelligent enough to be trained and socialized so that he is obedient and ready to please. Although he doesn't bark much, he makes quite a few other noises such as wheezing, snorting and snorting. He makes up for it by being entertaining and loving towards you so that you life is brighter just by having him in it.

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.

japanese chin puppies - health problemsThere are a few health issues with your Japanese Chin that are worth knowing about such as hypoglycemia, cataracts and heart murmurs. Allergies and dental issues also need to be checked.

Dog breeds with the flattened face always battle with dental-, eye and breathing problems. With good care however, your Japanese Chin can reach anything from 10 – 12 years of age.

Heart Murmurs:

Murmurs come about because of a disturbance in the blood flow and which can produce an audible noise. If your dog's murmur is associated with structural heart disease, your dog may display signs of congestive heart failure and he'll be weak for instance and be coughing.

When your dog gets to the vet, the course of treatment will be determined on the type of heart murmur. Luckily puppies with low grade murmurs often grow out of it but if you have an adult dog, routine diagnostic imaging may be recommended by your vet.

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.

Grooming:

japanese chin dogs - caringThe Japanese Chin has a single coat, and a brush once or twice a week will keep the coat silky and untangled.

Check his ears for dirt and wax and try to wipe inside the ears, being very, very careful not to go deep into the ear to avoid damage.

Clip his nails and brush his teeth as small dogs are more prone to dental disease. Periodontal disease is preventable with dental cleaning. Dental disease starts when plaque sticks to the surface of the teeth. It hardens, spreads under the gum line and cause tissue damage. It also damages the immune system.

Exercise:

The Japanese Chin is an energetic dog and loves a game and a walk. It isn't the kind of dog that you will take on your hikes or swimming as it tends to huff and puff after a while from too much exercise, and more specifically in hot weather.

Diet:

Dog experts say that a grain-free food is best for this kind of dog. Kibble which comes with lean protein and with plenty of vitamins and minerals such as taurine and carnitine is recommended. They are good for the joints, coat, heart and eyes. Japanese Chins can be prone to heart- and eye problems and kibble rich in omega 3 fatty acids will be good for the Chin for many excellent reasons.

If you're in any way uncertain about what to feed your Japanese Chin, speak to your vet as the type of food you feed your pet will determine how healthy he will be. Always ensure he has access to fresh, cool water.

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. Japanese Chin vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Japanese Chin vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Japanese Chin vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Japanese Chin vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Japanese Chin vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Japanese Chin vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Japanese Chin vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Japanese Chin vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Japanese Chin vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Japanese Chin vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Japanese Chin vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Japanese Chin vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Japanese Chin vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Japanese Chin vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Japanese Chin vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Japanese Chin vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Japanese Chin vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Japanese Chin vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Japanese Chin vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Japanese Chin vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Japanese Chin vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Japanese Chin vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Japanese Chin vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Japanese Chin vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Japanese Chin vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison