Silky Terrier vs Molossus - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Silky Terrier is originated from Australia but Molossus is originated from Greece. Silky Terrier may grow 50 cm / 19 inches shorter than Molossus. Silky Terrier may weigh 50 kg / 110 pounds lesser than Molossus. Both Silky Terrier and Molossus has almost same life span. Silky Terrier may have less litter size than Molossus. Both Silky Terrier and Molossus requires Moderate maintenance.

History

silky terrier - historyIt is the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier which are the ancestors of the Australian Silky Terrier. This is by no means a new dog breed. It is believed that the breed came into existence at the end of the 19th century.

The dog’s purpose is to be a companion. This little canine wasn’t always known as the Silky Terrier, but in 1955 the name became officially Silky Terrier.

The breed is also recognized by the Australia National Kennel Council in the Toy Group. In fact the breed is recognised by a number of the major kennel clubs as well as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

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

silky terrier puppy - descriptionThis is a small dog breed, standing at just 21 to 26cm in height and weighing in the region of 4 to 5kg. He may be a toy dog, but he is robust and athletic.

The ears of the Silky are small and erect with a lot of silky hair that hangs down and the tail is preferably docked and held high.

His coat is eye-catching – straight, long, silky and shiny. If it is left unclipped, it will reach the floor. The colour of the coat is a tan and silvery grey.

Temperament:

The temperament of any dog is affected by things such as heredity, upbringing and the training and socialization he receives.

Small he may be, but the Silky Terrier can benefit from training as he is feisty and strong willed.

He is energetic and always ready for action. He is ready to come bounding after you and join his human family for any action they’re into. He is playful, bold, loyal, tenacious, independent, social and lively and he makes a good playmate for children.

He might tend to be a bit snappy and aggressive towards other dogs. He is also great as a watchdog, barking and alerting you to strangers.

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

silky terrier dog - characteristicsThe silky terrier is a good choice for those who want a smallish dog but one which is robust and adventurous.

Your Silky is a loyal dog who loves spending time with his human family, wanting their companionship.

He will need to be physically and mentally stimulated as he is bright and intelligent. He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside but will need to be well exercised wherever he is.

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

silky terrier puppies - health problemsJust like most other dogs, the Silky Terrier isn’t likely to get sick easily, but he can still succumb to any one of the dog illnesses there are.

Diabetes:

This is when your pet isn’t able to regulate blood sugar levels. Your dog will be drinking a lot more water than usual and also be urinating more often. The vet will explain to you a special diet for your pet and how the disease can be controlled with insulin.

Tracheal Collapse: 

This is a disease seen more often in smaller dogs like the Silky. It is caused by an obstruction in the airway and symptoms can include labored breathing and coughing. Your dog will need to be treated with anti-biotics and possibly surgery.

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:

silky terrier dogs - caringYou can imagine that with that silky hair, you’re going to have to be brushing your furry friend quite a bit. It’s such soft, silky hair that it easily picks up burrs and gets matted. You may want to get your pet to a professional groomer to have the hair cut. As you brush him, check for any unusual lumps and keep an eye on his skin.

Check your pet’s teeth. Bad teeth can cause bacteria that can affect every part of your dog’s body. Check inside his ears for redness and check his eyes that there is no discharge. Trim the nails. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to do all these things for him, make an appointment with the professional pet groomers who will do it for you.

● Diet:

The Silky Terrier will need quality food if you want him to enjoy a long, healthy life. Its always a good idea to have some of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods with you for convenience. If you want to give him the best there is, some home-made food will be a good choice, if you keep it simple.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple without any exotic spices that could upset his stomach. Your dog will lap it up and you will see how he loves it. Chop the home-made food up and add some of it into his dry kibble as a treat twice a week.

Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

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:
Australia
Greece
Height Male:
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Height Female:
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 14 Years
10 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
5 - 9
Size:
Toy dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Silky Toy Terrier, Australian Silky Terrier
Molosser, Mastiff-type
Colors Available:
Tan and silvery grey
All colors
Coat:
Long, straight and silky
Generally short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, 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:
Moderate
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. Silky Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Silky Terrier vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  27. Silky Terrier vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  28. Silky Terrier vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  29. Silky Terrier vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  30. Silky Terrier vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  31. Silky Terrier vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Silky Terrier vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  33. Silky Terrier vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  34. Silky Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  35. Silky Terrier vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  36. Silky Terrier vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  37. Silky Terrier vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  38. Silky Terrier vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  39. Silky Terrier vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  40. Silky Terrier vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  41. Silky Terrier vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Silky Terrier vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  43. Silky Terrier vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  44. Silky Terrier vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  45. Silky Terrier vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  46. Silky Terrier vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  47. Snorkie vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Toy Bulldog vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Mi-Ki vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds