Molossus vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Molossus is originated from Greece but Border Collie is originated from United Kingdom. Molossus may grow 20 cm / 8 inches higher than Border Collie. Molossus may weigh 35 kg / 78 pounds more than Border Collie. Both Molossus and Border Collie has almost same life span. Both Molossus and Border Collie has almost same litter size. Both Molossus and Border Collie requires Moderate maintenance.

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.

border collie - historyThe Border Collie originated in Northumberland and was used to herd livestock. He is particularly well known for his intense stare in controlling the sheep in his care. The name Border Collier wasn’t used until 1915. This was so that the dog could be registered as a separate breed together with other Collie breeds already registered.

Sheepdog trials have been held since 1873. The very name of this dog gives you an inkling as to his heritage, as the word ‘Collie’ refers to sheepdogs and comes from Scottish dialect. Today the Border Collie is recognized as the ultimate sheep-herding dog, with his amazing intelligence and herding skills. The Border Collie was recognized by the American Kennel Club in October 1995.

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.

border collie puppy - descriptionUtterly responsive, intelligent, alert and keen, the medium sized border collie loves nothing more than to be actively working. He requires both mental and physical stimulation. The ideal height for this very intelligent dog is 46 – 53cm and they weigh in at about 14 – 22kg.

People who have been to sheepdog trials can only marvel a this dog and his intense stare, moving the sheep to precisely where his master wants them. The dog has a moderately long and smooth coat with a dense topcoat, with soft weather resistant undercoat. Most common color is black and white but other colors such as chocolate and white, liver and white or blue merle are also seen.

There are a few Border Collies which have a single-colour coat. He has a long feathery tail and the ears can be either erect, semi-erect and in some instances, even dropped. He has brown eyes but sometimes with the Merle Border Collie you can get one eye or part of the eye which is blue.

Border Collies are playful, energetic dogs who just love living in homes where the family involves him in all their activities. Because he is so intelligent, he is demanding of his human family, wanting them to take notice of him and provide him with lots of clever games and sports. If he is left without involvement, he can become frustrated and destructive. That is why it is so important to choose your pet carefully.

These highly energetic dogs require owners who recognize this need and are prepared to provide him with lots of games, walks and runs.

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.

border collie dog - characteristicsThe Border Collie is such an awesome working dog breed, being of tremendous help to farmers. With their endless energy and stamina, given the chance he would want to be working all day. This medium sized dog will need a family where they are hard working and active just like him. He makes a wonderful pet with the right owners and if everyone is active in the family, he becomes your devoted soulmate.

He is sensitive to what his owner wants and that is also because he is highly intelligent. Shower your wonderful pet with lots of love, give him lots of attention and plenty of activities, and you’ll have an awesome friend for 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.

border collie puppies - health problemsIf your Border Collie is healthy, he can live to be 14 years of age and longer. There are one or two dog ailments that are more common in this breed, so it is wise to be aware of what can go wrong, although with good care it is highly unlikely.

Epilepsy

Primary epilepsy, known as idiopathic epilepsy can be seen in your dog before the age of 5 years, and although a genetic link in border collies has not yet been identified, idiopathic epilepsy is more prevalent in some breeds. Seizures in your dog are caused by electrical disturbances in the brain and treatment may be for life. While epilepsy in dogs can’t be cured, the condition can be managed with medication recommended by your vet and then he can lead a healthy life.

Hip Dysplasia

Collies are prone to developing hip dysplasia, which is an inherited condition with abnormal formation of the hip socket. For your pet it can mean lameness as well as painful arthritis. You’ll see your collie dog battling to rise after lying down. It is actually common in lots of dog breeds, but more so in larger breeds.

Collie eye anomaly

This is an inherited problem that can lead to your dog going blind. About 70 to 97% of collies in the UK and the United States are affected. Your veterinarian will examine your dog to determine the extent of the defect. It is common in the first year of a dog and can be be prevented if caught early.

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.

Exercise

border collie dogs - caringThis is a dog that will need plenty of exercise and attention. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny home. He’ll want lots of place to run and play and with his owners involved in his activities. It is unfair of any dog owner to buy a dog like this and then leave him so that he becomes distressed from being ignored.

Training

Do your dog a favor and see that he is socialized as a puppy and trained as he grows older. Once he has been trained, he becomes a super pet, obedient, sensitive and willing to please.

Grooming

Border collies shed throughout the year, and with Summer his shedding becomes a bit more. He will require a good brushing at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to ensure that the long hair doesn’t become tangled. He isn’t considered hypoallergenic and is regarded as a safe pet to have for people with allergies.

Feeding

This high energy working dog will require top quality food from the top brands if you intend feeding him from commercially produced dog food. He will certainly need raw meat added to this food from time to time to ensure you stave off skin problems such as rashes. You can also add in rice, meat and vegetables for variety to ensure his is getting in all the minerals and vitamins he needs. Fresh, cool water should always be available to him day and night.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Greece
United Kingdom
Height Male:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
48 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 16 Years
10 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
4 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Molosser, Mastiff-type
Scotch Sheep Dog, Sheepdog
Colors Available:
All colors
White and Black, Chocolate and White, Liver and White or Blue Merle
Coat:
Generally short and smooth
Moderately long and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Border Collie vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Border Collie vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  3. Border Collie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  4. Border Collie vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  5. Border Collie vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  6. Border Collie vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  7. Border Collie vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. Sakhalin Husky vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  9. Catahoula Leopard vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  10. German Pinscher vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  11. Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Puli vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  13. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  14. German Spaniel vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  15. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  16. McNab vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  17. Porcelaine vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  18. Finnish Lapphund vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  19. Griffon Nivernais vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  20. Hokkaido vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  21. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  22. Pumi vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  23. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  24. Istrian Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  25. Jamthund vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  26. Perro de Presa Canario vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  27. Molossus vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  28. Molossus vs Dogue De Bordeaux - Breed Comparison
  29. Molossus vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Molossus vs Dogo Guatemalteco - Breed Comparison
  31. Molossus vs Danish Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  32. Molossus vs Bakharwal Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Molossus vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  34. Molossus vs Canis Panther - Breed Comparison
  35. Molossus vs Cao de Castro Laboreiro - Breed Comparison
  36. Molossus vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  37. Molossus vs Cordoba Fighting Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Molossus vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  39. Molossus vs Korean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  40. Sage Koochee vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  41. Perro Cimarron vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  42. Perro de Toro vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  43. Samoyed vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  44. Old English Sheepdog vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  45. Presa Canario vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  46. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  47. Saluki vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  48. Rough Collie vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  49. Mountain Cur vs Molossus - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds