Tenterfield Terrier vs Molossus - Breed Comparison

Molossus is originated from Greece but Tenterfield Terrier is originated from Australia. Molossus may grow 45 cm / 18 inches higher than Tenterfield Terrier. Molossus may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Tenterfield Terrier. Both Molossus and Tenterfield Terrier has almost same life span. Molossus may have more litter size than Tenterfield Terrier. Molossus requires Moderate Maintenance. But Tenterfield Terrier requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Terrier dog
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Greece
Australia
Height Male:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
26 - 31 cm
10 - 13 inches
Height Female:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
23 - 27 cm
9 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
28 - 30 kg
61 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
26 - 28 kg
57 - 62 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 16 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
2 - 6
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
Molosser, Mastiff-type
mini foxie terrier, miniature fox terrier
Colors Available:
All colors
white mixed with tan or black. They could also be tri-colored in black/tan and white or tan/liver and white
Coat:
Generally short and smooth
Short, smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
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
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

tenterfield terrierThe ancestors of the Tenterfield Terrier came to Australia with the British and from them came this Australian breed. The English terriers were bred to be ratters on the ships to Australia. Today’s breed is a hardy, strong, athletic and agile dog. These first dogs were miniature Fox Terriers, bred for ratting. The miniature Fox Terrier was an established breed in the late 19th century in Australia with families and was know as a Mini Foxie. The breed became a steady presence in homes by the 1920’s.

The breed might not have been named after the area of Tenterfield as many have guessed. Instead they may have been named after a breeder. The owner of the Tenterfield saddlery was called Tenterfield Saddler and he owned several of the breed. In 1990, Don Burke, a television personality suggested the breed be named the Tenterfield Terrier.

The Miniature Fox Terrier Club of South Australia. Now there were several clubs in Australia and a lot of disagreement about exactly what type of dog a miniature fox terrier was. Some did not think the name was legitimate, but they wanted recognition from the Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC). So, they became the Tenterfield Terrier Club of Australia in 1993. They were recognized by 2002.

Today the breed standard for the Tenterfield Terrier is different from the one for the Miniature Fox Terrier. They are now entirely separate breeds. In addition to the ANKC, the breed is recognized by the New Zealand Kennel Club but not by the AKC. It is also recognized by the American Pet Registry, Inc, the American Canine Registry and the Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Description

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.

tenterfield terrier puppy - descriptionThe Tenterfield Terrier is square and compact. He has a head shaped like a wedge and unusual in the terrier group. They have pricked ears and are predominantly white mixed with tan or black. They could also be tri-colored in black/tan and white or tan/liver and white. They have naturally occurring bob tails or docked tails. The nose is usually black unless the dog is liver colored, they have liver noses. The jaws are strong, and lips are tight with a strong neck.

Characteristics

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.

1.Children friendliness – yes like most other terriers they love kids.

2.Special talents –high prey drive and sense of smell.

tenterfield terrier dog - characteristics3.Adaptability – they need space even though they are small. They need a lot of exercise. They can adapt if they get another exercise. They can live in apartments and can play indoors as well as out.

4.Learning ability – They are extremely intelligent, but they can be stubborn like all terriers.

Health Problems

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.

tenterfield terrier puppies - health problemsThey are small in stature and because of their face they seem to have dental issues. The breed does not have a lot of health issues but deals with the same issues as many small terriers. Not all members of the breed are susceptible to these, but some are just like the Australian Terrier.

1. Legg-Perthes Disease – hip disorder occurring in puppies.

2. Cruciate Ligament Rupture – Weakness can cause this to happen.

3. Seizures – Can be medicated.

4. Patellar Luxation – Moving kneecap can cause pain and lameness.

5. Diabetes – rare but does happen.

Caring The Pet

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.

tenterfield terrier dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Don’t overfeed but do feed high quality puppy food for small breeds and terriers.

2.Feeding the adult – This is an active breed but don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality adult dog food for terriers or small breeds. Feed 2 times a day.

3.Points for Good Health – the breed has a lot of stamina and energy.

4. Games and Exercises – The breed has a high energy level and needs a lot of exercise. He is a terrier and loves to “go to ground”. Play activities that allow him to do that are best. He plays barn hunt, lure coursing and terrier specific competitions.

Comparison with other breeds

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