Papillon vs Molossus - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Papillon is originated from France but Molossus is originated from Greece. Papillon may grow 48 cm / 18 inches shorter than Molossus. Papillon may weigh 50 kg / 110 pounds lesser than Molossus. Both Papillon and Molossus has almost same life span. Papillon may have less litter size than Molossus. Both Papillon and Molossus requires Moderate maintenance.

History

papillon - historyWith his eye-catching butterfly-look-alike feathery ears, the Papillon, also called the Continental Toy Spaniel or the Squirrel Spaniel, is one of the oldest of the toy spaniels.

You can see that the history of the Papillon goes very far back as the dog has been depicted in early works of art dating back to the 1500s. They were at first bred for the companions of noblewomen, appearing in many paintings where they are seen in royal courts.

The AKC registered its first Papillon in 1915. It is believed that the dog hails from France and Belguim. The Papillon was first recognized by the AKC in 1935 and the Papillon Club of America was also formed.

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.

Description

papillon puppy - descriptionPapillon means 'butterfly' which refers to the dog's fringed upright ears. You also get the floppy eared variety which is known as phalene, meaning 'moth'.

The Papillon dog stands at between 20 – 28cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4.5kg. The tail arches over the back in a feathery plume. His coat is thick and silky but he doesn't have an undercoat. The coat is white with tan or white with black.

When you look at his bright little face, you can see that he is an intelligent dog who can be trained and socialized with ease. In fact he loves to be occupied with something challenging, so it will be a good ides to buy him some stimulating toys to play with.

Temperament:

When you first see the Papillon dog you might think he is fragile like a butterfly – a typical lap dog – but this isn't so at all. He is tough, robust, energetic, alert and friendly. Bright and alert, they also make great watchdogs.

He'll be able to adapt to life in the city or the countryside. Even though he is good with children and pets in the home, he'd prefer to live with adults as he couldn't handle undisciplined rough and tumble children who haven't learned how to respect dogs, especially little ones that can get hurt easily.

This is such a sweet-natured little dog that you want to do everything you can to keep him content

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.

Characteristics

papillon dog - characteristicsThe Papillon is a bright, intelligent and energetic little dog. When you bring him into your home you must remember that small though he is, he will require lots of mental and physical exercise.

You're going to love having the Papillon in your home as he is guaranteed to make the sweetest, most loving pet and companion.

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.

Health Problems

papillon puppies - health problemsAs a responsible dog owner you want to make sure that your pet has the best chance to reach the age of 14, 15 or 16. Unfortunately, there are always some common dog illnesses that you need to be aware of -

Patellar Luxation:

This condition occurs when the dog's patella or kneecap is dislocated and then it can only be returned to its normal position once the quadriceps in the hind legs of the dog relax and lengthen. You’ll see dogs with this condition holding up a hind leg. This joint abnormality is more common in toy breeds like this.

Collapsing Trachea:

The windpipe of a dog is made out of tissue membranes and when the dog breathes, air quickly moves through the trachea, causing the pressure inside of it to go down. A weak cartilage in the windpipe causes a collapsed trachea in dogs, and occurs almost exclusively in small dogs such as the Papillon.

Many small dogs are born with cartilage that is strong enough to hold the trachea open. As cartilage ages though, it weakens. You’ll notice your dog has a rasping cough when he is excited. Sometimes it is mistaken for kennel cough which can be remedied fairly quickly while a collapsed trachea in dogs is a lifelong syndrome.

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.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

papillon dogs - caringPapillons are average shedders so they will require brushing at least twice a week. Certainly the long ear fringes will need to be washed and brushed, after all this is this little dog’s trademark.

Diet:

You’ve got to be careful with a small dog like the Papillon as it can easily become overweight and that in itself can bring on health problems. There are excellent commercially manufactured dog foods for small breed dogs that have the right amount of minerals and vitamins in them. Choose the best quality ones.

Home-made food such as chopped-up boiled chicken, some brown rice or pasta and cooked vegetables such as carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes can keep your little dog healthy and fit. Dogs just want simple, nutritious meals which aren’t changed often as it could upset their digestive system.

Keep things consistent and avoid human foods such as chips, chocolates, coffee and spices Never leave your pet without a steady supply of fresh, cool water.

General Care:

Provide your pet with a nice warm, dry bed.

If you bring a puppy into the home, check on puppy vaccines to avoid some deadly diseases.

Get your dog neutered or spayed if you don’t want it to become a parent.

Exercise your pet and provide him with love and attention.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
France
Greece
Height Male:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Height Female:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
10 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 3
5 - 9
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
The Butterfly Dog, Squirrel Spaniel
Molosser, Mastiff-type
Colors Available:
white and tan, White and orange, white and black
All colors
Coat:
Medium length, silky
Generally short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, 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. Perro de Presa Canario vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  2. Molossus vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  3. Molossus vs Dogue De Bordeaux - Breed Comparison
  4. Molossus vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Molossus vs Dogo Guatemalteco - Breed Comparison
  6. Molossus vs Danish Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  7. Molossus vs Bakharwal Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Molossus vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison
  9. Molossus vs Canis Panther - Breed Comparison
  10. Molossus vs Cao de Castro Laboreiro - Breed Comparison
  11. Molossus vs Cao de Fila da Terceira - Breed Comparison
  12. Molossus vs Cordoba Fighting Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Molossus vs Gran Mastin de Borinquen - Breed Comparison
  14. Molossus vs Korean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  15. Sage Koochee vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  16. Perro Cimarron vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  17. Perro de Toro vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  18. Samoyed vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  19. Old English Sheepdog vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  20. Presa Canario vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  21. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  22. Saluki vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  23. Rough Collie vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  24. Mountain Cur vs Molossus - Breed Comparison
  25. Pomeranian vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  26. Pug vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  27. Papillon vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  28. Papillon vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  29. Papillon vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Papillon vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  31. Papillon vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  32. Papillon vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  33. Papillon vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  34. Papillon vs Miniature English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  35. Papillon vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  36. Papillon vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Papillon vs Jug - Breed Comparison
  38. Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  39. Papillon vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Papillon vs Dorgi - Breed Comparison
  41. Papillon vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  42. Papillon vs Carlin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Papillon vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  44. Papillon vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  45. Papillon vs Doxiepoo - Breed Comparison
  46. Papillon vs Bospin - Breed Comparison
  47. Papillon vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  48. Papillon vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  49. Papillon vs Lowchen - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds