Molossus vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Molossus is originated from Greece but Irish Terrier is originated from Ireland. Molossus may grow 26 cm / 11 inches higher than Irish Terrier. Molossus may weigh 43 kg / 95 pounds more than Irish Terrier. Both Molossus and Irish Terrier has almost same life span. Molossus may have more litter size than Irish Terrier. Both Molossus and Irish Terrier 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.

irish terrier - historyThe Irish Terrier is a dog breed from Ireland and one of the many different terrier breeds there are.

Nobody is too sure of the Irish Terrier's history but it is one of the oldest terrier breeds. It appears as if the dog breed was developed from a wheat colored terrier and the extinct black and tan terrier.

It was always a common practice to crop the ears of terriers, but in 1889 the Irish Terrier Club required that the ears remain uncropped. The first Irish Terrier was shown in 1881, and the first Irish Terrier registered with the American Kennel Club was in 1885. The Irish Terrier Club of America was founded in 1896.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Terrier dog
Origin:
Greece
Ireland
Height Male:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
11 - 12 kg
24 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
11 - 12 kg
24 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 16 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
4 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Molosser, Mastiff-type
Irish Red Terrier
Colors Available:
All colors
sandy, golden, Red, wheaten
Coat:
Generally short and smooth
Shortish, wiry, dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
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, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

irish terrier puppy - descriptionThe Irish Terrier is a medium sized dog who stands between 45cm and 50cm and weighs in the region of 11 to 12kg. He has a short, dense, wiry double coat which is a red, golden, sandy, wheaten color.

The ears of the dog are semi-erect/semi-floppy and the tail is held high and curved.The chest is deep and muscular and the front and back legs are strong, long and muscular.

Temperament:

The Irish Terrier is a companion dog today, even though he was once a guard- and hunting dog. He is an amicable dog while also being alert and active. He is also independent and strong-willed so he will require training and socialization as then he becomes obedient and relaxed and much easier to live with.

They're social dogs too, loving all the members of their human family, getting on well with children in the home.

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.

irish terrier dog - characteristicsIrish Terriers are good with people and want to be an active member of their human families.

They are active dogs and will require ongoing mental and physical stimulation. This is a lively dog, but he still loves to spend quiet time indoors with his family.

They’re intelligent dogs with a strong sense of loyalty towards their owner, making excellent family pets.

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.

irish terrier puppies - health problemsThe Irish Terrier is a healthy dog breed and you won't find yourself running to the vet often with him, but still he can land up with one of the common dog problems.

It is always wise to be aware of hip dysplasia as this is a disease which can occur in all dog breeds and all dog ages. Also look out for eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts as these can lead to blindness in your pet.

There is a disease known as cystinuria which is quite a concern with Irish Terriers. It’s an inherited kidney disease where increased amounts of arginine, lysine, amino acids cystine and ornithine are excreted in the urine.

In well-functioning kidneys, blood is filtered so as to create urine. Cystine is reabsorbed back into the bloodstream but with dogs affected with cystinuria they cannot reabsorb cystine back in their bloodstream, causing an accumulation in the urine. Dogs with cystinuria suffer inflammation of the urinary tract and can also develop urinary blockage and kidney failure. Immediate veterinary intervention is required.

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.

Grooming:

irish terrier dogs - caringThe coat of the Irish Terrier requires a brush twice a week to keep it bright. If you intend showing your dog, the coat will need to be stripped a couple of times a year to maintain the texture and color.

Other Irish Terrier owners take their dog to the groomers to have the coat clipped. The dog doesn't shed a lot and they are referred to as being somewhat hypoallergenic.

As with any other dog breed, other grooming needs with your Irish Terrier will include clipping the nails, checking his teeth for plaque build-up and checking inside the ears for infection.

If you're unsure how to perform these grooming procedures with your pet, simply ask your vet who will explain to you precisely how to ensure your dog remains in tip top condition.

Exercise:

He's a fairly active dog so you want to make sure that you are attending to his exercise needs. Take him for a walk every day, and if you've got a good sized garden, throw a ball for him. If you're a jogger you can count him in.

Diet:

What you feed your Irish Terrier will depend a lot on his age and his activity levels. Every dog is a unique individual and nothing is set in stone regarding their diets. Just like people though, feeding him a lot of junk food will contribute to illness and shorten his lifespan.

He needs quality food. If you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure to read up on how much to feed him. Try and mix in some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables from time to time as well as some raw meat.

Learn to know what foods are toxic for him. Make sure he has a bowl of fresh, cool water constantly available to him.

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. Schnauzer vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Irish Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Irish Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Irish Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Irish Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Irish Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Irish Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Irish Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  33. Irish Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  34. Irish Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Irish Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Irish Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Irish Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Irish Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Lakeland Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Jagdterrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Japanese Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Old English Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Scoland Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Skye Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Welsh Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds