Russian Setter vs Molossus - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Molossus is originated from Greece but Russian Setter is originated from Russia. Molossus may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Russian Setter. Molossus may weigh 23 kg / 51 pounds more than Russian Setter. Both Molossus and Russian Setter has almost same life span. Both Molossus and Russian Setter has almost same litter size. Both Molossus and Russian Setter requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Setter dog
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Greece
Russia
Height Male:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Height Female:
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 16 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
5 - 8
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Molosser, Mastiff-type
None
Colors Available:
All colors
Grey, reddish-brown with some black and white
Coat:
Generally short and smooth
Short or long, smooth or wiry
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

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.

People often think it is ridiculous that a Setter dog comes from Russia. It is believed that the Russians did have some kind of Griffon and the word Pointer is also often translated as Setter.

It is believed that the Russian Setter is one of the ancestors of the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and that it possibly shared an ancestry with the German wire-haired and broken-haired pointers.

References to Russian Setters were fairly common in the 19th century, but there is such contradictory information that it is hard to get good information on the dogs. The Russian Setter is believed to have existed before the Russian Revolution resembling the English Setter. Dog experts tell us the dog no longer exists.

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.

In terms of appearance, it was John Henry Walsh who said that the Russian Setter was a dog hidden by its long, woolly matted coat.It seems to have been a medium sized dog with an elegant appearance. It seems the dog came in two varieties - the curly coated liver coated dogs and the fawn colored dogs which are straight coated.

Because there is very little information on these dogs, we assume they were between 57 – 68cm in height and between 27 and 32kg in weight. The coat was no doubt in colours such as grey, reddish-brown with some black and white and shortish and wiry. The ears were floppy,and the face no doubt had some longer hair around the muzzle.

Temperament:

Nobody seems to know exactly what the temperament of this dog was, but when you look at some of his ancestors you can assume that he was strong-willed, confident and a skilled hunter.

He would have required a lot of exercise too. He was lively and energetic. Because he had Pointer in him you can be sure that he would have been intelligent so that he could be trained and socialized.

He would have been keen to learn with an owner who was firm and consistent in his treatment of him. He is a dog most happiest when he can spend time with his human family, a most loyal and devoted family friend, capable of getting on well with children and pets 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.

It appears, according to records that the Russian Setter has come and gone. However he would have been a calm, gentle pet with running ad hunting keeping him happy. He would therefore have required a lot of exercise.

We can assume that according to the few records that there are, that this was an affable, pleasing dog breed which made a great family pet.

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.

The Russian Setter had an average lifespan of 10 – 14 which is a fairly good innings for a dog. Nonetheless you would have had to be aware of some common dog problem. These dogs were prone to major health issues such as both hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid glands produce hormones that affect the function of many parts of the body. Dogs with this illness have a low production of thyroid hormones.

This disease is mainly caused by inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid gland. The most common signs of low thyroid in dogs is thinning of the fur, the coat is dull, there is weight gain and excess shedding. The dog doesn’t tolerate cold well either. These dogs also often have ear infections.

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.

Whatever kind of coat the Russian Setter ad it would have required a brushing twice a week to keep it in top form.

The medium length floppy ears would have to be checked inside for ear infection.

His owners would have checked inside the mouth for any signs of rotten or bad teeth.

His nails would have required trimming.

Diet:

Dogs need the best food there is to stay healthy. The Russian Terrier, if it were still around today, would have had the best commercially manufactured food there was.

You want to provide dogs with some good homemade food too. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency to avoid upsetting the stomach. Some home-cooked food such as boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach would be perfect for him. Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble once or twice a week. Raw meat should also be added in when possible to promote good skin health.

Make sure your pet is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Molossus vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Molossus vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Molossus vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Molossus vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Molossus vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Molossus vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Molossus vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Molossus vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Molossus vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Molossus vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Molossus vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Molossus vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Molossus vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Molossus vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Molossus vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Molossus vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Molossus vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Molossus vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Molossus vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Molossus vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Molossus vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Molossus vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Molossus vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Molossus vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Molossus vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Russian Setter vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Russian Setter vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Russian Setter vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Russian Setter vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Russian Setter vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Russian Setter vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Russian Setter vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Russian Setter vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Russian Setter vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Russian Setter vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Russian Setter vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Russian Setter vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Russian Setter vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Setter vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Russian Setter vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Setter vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Setter vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Russian Setter vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Russian Setter vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Russian Setter vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Russian Setter vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Russian Setter vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Russian Setter vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Russian Setter vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Russian Setter vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison