Molossus vs Africanis - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Africanis is originated from South Africa but Molossus is originated from Greece. Africanis may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Molossus. Africanis may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Molossus. Africanis may live 4 years less than Molossus. Both Africanis and Molossus has almost same litter size. Africanis requires Low Maintenance. But Molossus requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
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South Africa
Greece
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
5 - 9
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Bantu Dog, African Dog, Umbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi, Khoikhoi Dog, Hottentot Hunting Dog, Zulu Dog
Molosser, Mastiff-type
Colors Available:
Tan, White, Black, Brown and Black & Tan
All colors
Coat:
Short, Hard and Thick
Generally short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Friendly, Independent, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

africanisAfricanis is one of the original African breeds. This breed was not shaped by humans, but they went through the process of natural selection. Humans did not affect this breed by standard breeding practices. Through the history, this breed became stronger and stronger because only the strongest of the breed survived. Africanis descent is the early dog that is originally from ancient Egypt. Approximately 4500 BC was the period of first data about this breed.

As time passes through, Africanis became more and more popular through the whole continent. This breed migrated with people for thousands of years, and now, a modern Africanis is similar to Greyhound dog. The original Africanis can be found in tribes and more traditional people. One of the oldest breeds in the world is one of the lasts that has been recognized by Kennel Union of Southern Africa.

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

africanis puppy - descriptionAfricanis origins from South Africa. The average Africanis weights 25-45 kg, with a height of 50-60cm, while females are slightly smaller. They are medium sized dogs who are friendly, but also independent and territorial. They can are good pets for training, but it requires persistent work.

The lifespan of Africans is 10-12 years, but lifespan always depends on health, genetics, and care of the dog. Therefore, if they are healthy and well cared they can live longer than average.

Litter Size variates a lot, so female can have 2-8 puppies.

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

africanis dog - characteristicsAfricanis is a very good and healthy breed. They are very intelligent and friendly breed. They are not an aggressive breed, but they tend to protect the master. Africanis is a natural guard dog. This breed is used to being alone because for the centuries they migrated close to humans, but they also have been independent.

Training Africanis is not very hard. They tend to learn very quickly. Positive training with awards is the best way to train your Africanis. The old-fashioned way of training dogs with punishment is not recommendable for Africanis. They are intelligent breed who requires patience and constancy.

They are very good with other animals too, but they need proper socialization. Africanis requires daily exercise so if you keep your dog in the apartment it should have few daily walks. Africanis can live in the apartments though.

Overall, they are very healthy breed, so with regular vet checks and proper care, they are perfect pets for the whole family since they are great and gentle with small children and kids.

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

africanis puppies - health problemsThe great thing about Africanis is that this breed is very healthy. Thousands of years of evolution made this breed one of the toughest breeds in the world. They can survive very tough conditions. Africanis has a very healthy immune system too. It evolves so strong that there are no internal or external parasites that can harm the dog.

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

Feeding the Africanis

africanis dogs - caringAfricanis has used to eat everything, so this breed does not require any special treatments. 2-2.5 cups of dry high-quality food would be more than enough to have healthy and well feed the dog. But have in mind that feeding the dog depends on daily activity and size. If the dog is more active, an extra cup wouldn’t be a problem for a dog to eat.

Feeding Africanis puppy

Africanis puppy should eat more times per day than an adult dog. 3-5 meals per day of quality dry food are good measure to feed your puppy Africanis.

Grooming Africanis

Since Africanis has short hair they are very easy to groom and care. Few brushes on a weekly basis with occasional bathing would be more than enough to have a clean and healthy dog.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  10. Molossus vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  26. Africanis vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Africanis vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Africanis vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Africanis vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Africanis vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Africanis vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Africanis vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Africanis vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Africanis vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Africanis vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Africanis vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Africanis vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Africanis vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Africanis vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Africanis vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Africanis vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Africanis vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Africanis vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Africanis vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Africanis vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Africanis vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Africanis vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Askal vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Atlas Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  50. Aussie Poo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison