Wetterhoun vs Molossus - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Molossus is originated from Greece but Wetterhoun is originated from Netherlands. Molossus may grow 17 cm / 7 inches higher than Wetterhoun. Molossus may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Wetterhoun. Both Molossus and Wetterhoun has almost same life span. Both Molossus and Wetterhoun has almost same litter size. Both Molossus and Wetterhoun requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Sporting dog
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Greece
Netherlands
Height Male:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
55 - 59 cm
21 - 24 inches
Height Female:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 16 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
6 - 8
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Molosser, Mastiff-type
Frisian Water Dog , Dutch Spaniel, Otterhoun
Colors Available:
All colors
black or black & white, Liver & white, Liver
Coat:
Generally short and smooth
Oily, Thick, Tight curls all over except smooth head, legs and ears. Coat must not be woolly. waterproof
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
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.

wetterhounThe Wetterhoun is a water dog developed in the 1500 or 1600s to hunt otters. The breed was developed by the Frisians in the Netherlands near the Northwest corner. In addition to catching otters in the lakes near by, they were also used as gundogs to hunt game. They are a fearless, tough and loyal working dog. They love the water and they are build for it with a waterproof coat and tight tail that is spiraled. They will swim happily in freezing cold weather as well.

The Wetterhoun is rare and not seen outside of the Netherlands. Descendent of the Water Dog, that is now extinct, he is probably a relative of many spaniel types that also call the Water Dog their ancestor. Yet the Wetterhoun is not a spaniel or spaniel type.

The breed almost disappeared during World War II, like many others, they brought back and are now becoming more and more popular. The breed is only recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the United Kennel Club. AKC does not recognize them, but there are many hunting clubs and other registries that do. They are often promoted as one of the rare breeds.

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.

wetterhoun puppy - descriptionThe Wetterhoun is a compact, medium sized breed weighing about 55 to 77 pounds. Great water dogs they are athletically built with low set ears hanging next to their heads, a waterproof coat, distinctive eyes with a very serious expression and a tightly curled tail held aloft over the back. Their coat is waterproof, somewhat oily, curly and thick. The fur is of a smoother texture on the ears, head, and legs. They can be solid black, solid brown, brown with white, or black with white.

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.

Characteristics

Children friendliness -yes but large and active

2.Special talents loves to swim

wetterhoun dog - characteristics3.Adaptability – not a great apartment dog even though he is not that big. They need space. They need a job and they will finish their job at their own pace no matter what you say. It is impossible to train this trait out of them.

4.Learning ability Very high learning ability, very eager to learn and very smart. He is stubborn about finishing whatever job he is working on

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.

wetterhoun puppies - health problemsA hardy and healthy breed they do not have severe health issues. But like every his

  • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness and/or arthritis.

• Ear Infections – like any breed with hanging ears they can be prone to infection. This is particularly true because the dogs are in the water a lot. Be sure to clean and dry them after every water episode and inspect them on a regular basis even if the dog has not been in the water.

• Patellar Luxation – Knee cap issue with movement and inflammation. Can cause lameness and arthritis.

  • Hunting/Swimming Injuries.

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.

wetterhoun dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy -This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality puppy food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your puppy in smaller amounts 3-4 times per day.

2.Feeding the adult - This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality adult food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your adult twice per day.

3.Points for Good Health - general excellent health

4. Games and Exercises – This is an active working dog that needs a lot of exercise every day. A 30 minute walk is only the beginning. They need outdoor time to play and run. They need to swim if at all possible.

Comparison with other breeds

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