Molossus vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Molossus is originated from Greece but Estrela Mountain Dog is originated from Portugal. Both Molossus and Estrela Mountain Dog are having almost same height. Both Molossus and Estrela Mountain Dog are having almost same weight. Molossus may live 4 years more than Estrela Mountain Dog. Both Molossus and Estrela Mountain Dog has almost same litter size. Both Molossus and Estrela Mountain Dog 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.

estrela mountain dog - historyAlso known as the Cao da Serra de Estrela, the large Estrela Mountain Dog from Portugal is an ancient breed, having been used for centuries to guard homesteads and livestock.

The Estrela, as a herding dog, has been developed over a long period of time because shepherds particularly wanted a dog that could survive in the mountains and be strong enough to guard livestock from predators.

The first official recorded breed standard was published in 1933, with an attempt to make the Estrela a distinct breed with a hooked tail and double dew claws.

Today the Estrela is a dog which can be found in other countries beyond Portugal, and in fact in 1973 pairs of the dogs were imported to the United States.

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.

estrela mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe large Estrela Mountain Dog stands between 62 and 72cm and weighs between 30kg and 50kg.

The dog has 2 coat types – short and long but always coarse and thick. The coat is available in a number of colors, from fawn to gray to yellow and brindle and there can be white and black mixed throughout the coat.

The head of the dog is large and long, the neck fairly short and thick, he has dark brown eyes, a bright, intelligent expression with small, floppy ears which are set high on the skull, falling backwards against the side of the head. The tail is long and thick and the dog has a deep chest.

Temperament:

A large, athletic dog, the Estrela Mountain Dog is actually a calm dog, while still being protective towards his human family.

He is an intelligent dog who responds well to training and socialization. He is an independent dog, so this training and socialization is important - will be good for him, turning him into an obedient, relaxed pet who gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

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.

estrela mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Estrela Mountain Dog loves his human family and takes guarding them and protecting them seriously. He is a strong willed, independent dog that will require training and socialization. He makes an excellent pet, and is calm and gentle with children.

The Estrela Mountain Dog has so much going for him – he is beautiful to look at, he is loyal and protective with his human family, he is intelligent, loving and a healthy type of breed, and he is just waiting to become a member of your family.

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.

estrela mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe Estrela Mountain Dog can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age, but as with any large dog, he will have a tendency to suffer from hip- and elbow dysplasia.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is another common heart failure disease found particularly in large-breed dogs. The Estrela is prone to this disease and you’ll notice he has shortness of breath, abdominal swelling and coughing. The disease may not be curable, but there are certainly treatments for it.

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.

Diet:

estrela mountain dog dogs - caringThe Estrela Mountain Dog is a large dog and thankfully, when it comes to feeding him, experts in dog feeding have come up with commercially manufactured dog feeds that particularly cater for a dog’s age, his size and any illnesses he may have.

As a large dog, your Estrela Mountain Dog can suffer with joint problems such as hip dysplasia. For hip dysplasia you want to be looking at a dog food for large dogs which contains joint-health ingredients. An ingredient in the dog food such as glucosamine can work to reduce the damage brought about by hip dysplasia.

Mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken into his kibble from time to time. You want your pet to live a long, healthy life and raw meat added in occasionally can increase your pets energy levels, reduce the risk of joint disease and ensure a shiny, soft coat. Raw meat can provide iron, zinc, vitamins, minerals and potassium.

Grooming:

The Estrela isn’t a huge shedder, but his beautiful, thick coat will require brushing twice a week. It’s your chance to check him over for fleas and ticks as well, and the entire grooming process – checking his ears, nails and teeth – is an excellent bonding experience for you and your canine friend.

Exercise:

The Estrela may be large, but he is fairly calm. He’ll love to join you on your daily walks or for a ball game in the garden. He can adapt to life in the city or the country, but his big size will mean he isn’t suited to a tiny property.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Greece
Portugal
Height Male:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
62 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
2 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Molosser, Mastiff-type
Cao da Serra de Estrela
Colors Available:
All colors
Fawn, gray, yellow, brindle
Coat:
Generally short and smooth
Short or long - coarse and thick
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
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, 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. Old English Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Rough Collie vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Saarlooswolfhond vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Estrela Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  7. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  8. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  9. Estrela Mountain Dog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  11. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. South Russian Ovcharka vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Samoyed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Labradoodle vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Mixed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Great Pyrenees vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Labrador Husky vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Perro de Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Irish Setter vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Perro de Presa Canario vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  26. Molossus vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  27. Molossus vs Dogue De Bordeaux - Breed Comparison
  28. Molossus vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Molossus vs Dogo Guatemalteco - Breed Comparison
  30. Molossus vs Danish Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  31. Molossus vs Bakharwal Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Molossus vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  33. Molossus vs Canis Panther - Breed Comparison
  34. Molossus vs Cao de Castro Laboreiro - Breed Comparison
  35. Molossus vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  36. Molossus vs Cordoba Fighting Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Molossus vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  38. Molossus vs Korean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. Sage Koochee vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  40. Perro Cimarron vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  41. Perro de Toro vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  42. Samoyed vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  43. Old English Sheepdog vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  44. Presa Canario vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  45. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  46. Saluki vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  47. Rough Collie vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  48. Mountain Cur vs Molossus - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds