Molossus vs Himalayan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Himalayan Sheepdog is originated from India but Molossus is originated from Greece. Both Himalayan Sheepdog and Molossus are having almost same height. Himalayan Sheepdog may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Molossus. Both Himalayan Sheepdog and Molossus has almost same life span. Both Himalayan Sheepdog and Molossus has almost same litter size. Himalayan Sheepdog requires High Maintenance. But Molossus requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
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India
Greece
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Height Female:
58 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
38 - 43 kg
83 - 95 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 14 Years
10 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
5 - 9
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Bhotia • Bhotiya • Bhote Kukkur • Gaddi • Gaddi Leopardhund • Himachal Pradesh • Himalayan Guard Dog • Himalayan Mastiff Guard Dog • Himalayan Chamba Gaddi • HSD
Molosser, Mastiff-type
Colors Available:
Black, fawn, light brown, beige
All colors
Coat:
rough dense long
Generally short and smooth
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, 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:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

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.

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.

Description

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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  9. Molossus vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Molossus vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  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