Welsh Terrier vs Molossus - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Molossus is originated from Greece but Welsh Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Molossus may grow 37 cm / 15 inches higher than Welsh Terrier. Molossus may weigh 45 kg / 100 pounds more than Welsh Terrier. Both Molossus and Welsh Terrier has almost same life span. Both Molossus and Welsh Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Molossus and Welsh Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Terrier dog
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Greece
United Kingdom
Height Male:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
Height Female:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
33 - 37 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
9 - 10 kg
19 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
8 - 9 kg
17 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 16 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
4 - 8
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Molosser, Mastiff-type
Welshie Black-and-Tan Wire Haired Terrier • Old English Terrier • Old English Wire Haired Black-and-Tan Terrier • Welsh Black-and-Tan Rough-Coated Terrier
Colors Available:
All colors
black and tan and grizzle with a black jacket
Coat:
Generally short and smooth
The coat is double with a soft undercoat and a wiry, hard, dense outer coat with bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard.
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

welsh terrierOriginating in Wales and bred to hunt the Welsh Terrier might be the oldest dog breed from the U.K. still in existence today. They were bred to hunt badgers, rodents, and fox. Today however they are mostly bred for show and companionship.

There are only two breeds of terrier that are native to the country of Wales, the Welsh and the Black and Tan Rough Terrier. It is believed that the Welsh Terrier was descended from that Black and Tan Rough Terrier in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Welsh Terrier was separated out as a separate breed in the late 1700s.

This breed was hunting with the Otterhounds of Wales and was called a Ynysfor. At the same time their was a breed in England, the Old English Broken Haired Terrier. Both breeds were incredibly alike and once the Ynysfor or Welsh Terrier was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1886. When shown together they were considered the same breed.

Even though all these dogs from Wales and England were considered to be Welsh Terriers, the breed was not recognized until 1886. It is currently on the list of threatened breeds, with only 300 puppies registered every year. They were the 45th breed to be recognized by the English Kennel Club and the AKC. They are recognized by 14 clubs and registries.

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.

welsh terrier puppy - descriptionThe Welsh Terrier is a medium sized breed that is compact and sturdy. They had docked tails in the past, but the practice is now illegal in the U.K. The dog is about as long as it is tall. The head and face are elongated with a beard and whiskers. Females are smaller than males, but both are compact and sturdy.

Eyes are almond shaped, dark brown and small. The ears are small and V shaped. They should not be thin. The muzzle is square and strong with a black nose. The lips are tight and they are also black.

They have a double coat with is rugged and wiry on top and the undercoat is insulative and softer. The coat is waterproof and protects from wind and dirt as well. The puppies are all black until about 9 months when they become black and tan. The legs, head and underbelly are tan, with a black saddle.

The Welsh Terrier has wiry hair on the legs, muzzle and quarters. The hair is very dense in the top coat. Their gait and movement is straight, effortless and free.

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.

welsh terrier dog - characteristics1Children friendliness – The Welsh Terrier is good with kids and will follow them anywhere. They do want to play with the children by tugging on them and could cause a young child to fall. They can learn to play gently with small children.

2.Special talents – they love to swim.

3.Adaptability – They do fine in smaller indoor spaces as long as they have a robust exercise routine daily. They will be active indoors.

4.Learning ability -They are very smart, independent thinkers as can been seen by their ability to learn to play gently with small children. They need plenty of socialization early in life

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.

Health Problems

welsh terrier puppies - health problemsThe Welsh Terrier is a fairly healthy hunting dog, though they do have some health issues.

  • Skin irritations and allergies

• Onychodystrophy – Nails grow weak and are very brittle. They can break easily and cause pain, irritation and even infections.

• Primary lens luxation – causes secondary glaucoma which can cause blindness.

• If hunting, they are exposed to hunting injuries and should be checked over well after a field adventure, whether hunting or in field trials.

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.

welsh terrier dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – the breed is prone towards obesity so do not overfeed wither the puppy or the adult. Watch the calorie level and make sure they get high quality, high protein feed meant for the breed or for medium sized dogs. Feed the puppies small amount 3-4 times per day.

2.Feeding the adult - the breed is prone towards obesity so do not overfeed wither the puppy or the adult. Watch the calorie level and make sure they get high quality, high protein feed meant for the breed or for medium sized dogs. Feed the adult at least 2 times per day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina

4. Games and Exercises Full of energy and requiring a routine outlet for that energy, the Welsh Terrier is an active dog. Just running around a fenced yard all day will not be enough physical and mental stimulation for them. If bored they can get into trouble. They need a job or a challenge. They love to swim and they love to chase. They do well in agility, field trials and barnhunt.

Comparison with other breeds

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