Bull Arab vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison

Bull Arab is originated from Australia but American Molossus is originated from United States. Both Bull Arab and American Molossus are having almost same height. Both Bull Arab and American Molossus are having almost same weight. Both Bull Arab and American Molossus has almost same life span. Both Bull Arab and American Molossus has almost same litter size. Bull Arab requires Low maintenance. But American Molossus requires Moderate maintenance

History

bull arab - historyIn the 1970’s feral pig hunters wanted a dog that could be aggressive in finding and capturing the pigs. The hunters crossed the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Bull Terrier and the Greyhound to develop the Bull Arab. It is believed that the hybrid is at least 50% Bull Terrier. It is also possible that there is some Doberman, Mastiff, Great Dane and/or Pointer in the hybrid as well.

The job of the Bull Arab is to hunt out the feral pigs, grab one by the ear and hold it until the hunter arrives. They have a strong sense of smell and that is how they find the pigs.

Mike Hodgens, an Australian, developed the hybrid and added some Bloodhound as well to get that ability to smell out the pigs at great distances. They are also capable of catching buffalo and cattle. Some Australians use the breed in cattle or buffalo ranching. They are registered with the DRA or Dog Registry of America, Inc.

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.

Description

bull arab puppy - descriptionMike Hodgens succeeded in developing a powerful, well built dog. The Bull Arab has a powerful head and muzzle. He has moderate length drop ears and bright eyes that match the color of his coat. His chest is neither shallow nor deep and his back is straight and strong. Their tails are tapered and pointed yet the base is thick. They are a double-coated dog. They can be white with black, tan or liver, flecked or bicolor.

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.

Characteristics

bull arab dog - characteristicsThe Bull Arab is intelligent, calm and loyal. Like Pit Bulls in the U.S., the Bull Arab has a reputation for aggression against both people and animals. There is no data to support these claims. They have been used as therapy dogs and companion animals very successfully. They are great with kids and very affectionate. The breed is cited as being used for companion and therapy animals

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.

Health Problems

bull arab puppies - health problemsThis is an extremely healthy hybrid with no inherited issues, but they can possible have the same health issues as any of the parent breeds. This can include accidents while hunting, hip and elbow dysplasia and ear infections.

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

bull arab dogs - caringThis is a working dog so he needs to eat the right kind of quality dog food. In order to avoid bloat do not feed large meals but rather feed one to two cups of food two to three times a day.

Health issues

Displaysia – can cause lameness and arthritis

Ear Infections – check and clean regularly

Hunting Accidents – this is the biggest reasons for health problems with the Bull Arab.

Exercise and games

These are working dogs that are inactive when not working. They need a lot of exercise if they are not used for hunting. Agility, Tracking and hunting games, and field trials.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Australia
United States
Height Male:
63 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
61 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
51 - 60 cm
20 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
38 - 48 kg
83 - 106 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 46 kg
59 - 102 pounds
32 - 43 kg
70 - 95 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Australian Pig Dog • Aussie Pig Dog
American Molosser • American Brabanter • American Bullenbeisser
Colors Available:
white with black, liver or tan[
Colors are black, black brindle with some white
Coat:
short, harsh coat double
coat type coarse, dense, smooth and long
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  2. German Wirehaired Pointer vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  3. Bull Arab vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Gordon Setter vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  5. Magyar Agar vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  6. Eurohound vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  7. Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  8. Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  9. Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  10. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  11. Samoyed vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  12. Labradoodle vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  13. Mixed vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  14. Dogue De Bordeaux vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  15. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  16. Great Pyrenees vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  17. Old English Sheepdog vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  18. Presa Canario vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  19. Labrador Husky vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  20. Perro de Presa Canario vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  21. Argentine Dogo vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  22. Irish Setter vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  23. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  24. Giant Schnauzer vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  25. English Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  26. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  27. American Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  28. Gaddi Kutta vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  29. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  30. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  31. Broholmer vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  32. Great Dane vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  33. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  34. Newfoundland Dog vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  35. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  36. Leonberger vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  37. Alaunt vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  38. Bully Kutta vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  39. Irish Wolfhound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  40. Alangu Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  41. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  42. Mountain Burmese vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  43. Billy vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  44. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  45. Bisben vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds