Molossus vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison

Fox Terrier (Smooth) is originated from United Kingdom but Molossus is originated from Greece. Fox Terrier (Smooth) may grow 35 cm / 13 inches shorter than Molossus. Fox Terrier (Smooth) may weigh 46 kg / 101 pounds lesser than Molossus. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Molossus has almost same life span. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Molossus has almost same litter size. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Molossus requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Molosser dogs
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United Kingdom
Greece
Height Male:
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Height Female:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
5 - 9
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Smooths Fox Terrier Smooth Coat, Foxy, SFT
Molosser, Mastiff-type
Colors Available:
white with brown, black, tan or ginger markings
All colors
Coat:
dense, flat
Generally short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Social, Stubborn
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:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

fox terrier smoothThe Smooth Fox Terrier is one of two Fox Terrier breeds, the other being the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. Fox Terriers are believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds and the ancestor of many terriers who came after. The Fox Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and the smooth Fox Terrier as a separate breed 100 years later in 1985. Some clubs still consider the two types of Fox Terriers as the same breed. The standard for smooth Fox Terrier was written in 1876 but not accepted until 1985.

Both breeds of Fox Terriers are thought to originate in the late 1800’s descended from various British Terriers, the beagle, the dachshund and the Fox Hound. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a base coat that is white. The hunters bred them this way, so they would not mistake them for the fox during the hunt. They have also been very successful in prestigious dog shows including Crufts in England and New York Westminster in the United States.

They are not that popular today unless you are hunting and showing them in Confirmation Competitions. However, the Smooth Fox Terrier is significant because of all the terriers that consider it their direct ancestor. This would include the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier and the Miniature Fox Terrier.

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

fox terrier smooth puppy - descriptionThe Smooth Fox Terrier is distinguished from the Wirehaired and other terriers by his V-shaped head and white based coat. The coat can have tan, black and black and tan marks on the white coat. The Smooth Fox Terrier is sturdy, strong, sleek and symmetrical. The breed has a short back, and proportioned legs. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a flat skull and tapered muzzle. The nose is black, and the eyes are dark. He has v-shaped ears and a docked tail. Docking is no longer legal throughout the United Kingdom.

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

Characteristics

fox terrier smooth dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness They shouldn’t be trusted with young children but if raised with older children ok

Special talents

They are good at performing tricks, Search and rescue, narcotics detection, tracking, and disability assistance.

Adaptability

Fox Terrier is adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

They have very good learning ability and are very intelligent but can be stubborn

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

fox terrier smooth puppies - health problemsOne of the major problems for the Smooth Fox Terrier that the Wirehaired does not face is the potential for deafness. This is an issue in dogs that are mostly white in color. Other concerns that he does share with the Wirehaired Terrier are:

  1. Distichiasis
  2. Eye lash in an abnormal place causing pain
  3. Legg-Perthes Disease
  4. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
  5. Shoulder Dislocation
  6. Causes pain and arthritis
  7. Post-nasal Drip
  8. Just annoying
  9. Mast Cell Tumor
  10. Cancer – could be fatal
  11. Myasthenia Gravis

Causes muscle weakness and problems swallowing.

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 puppy

fox terrier smooth dogs - caringFeed 2-3 meals per day and divide 1/8-1/4 cup

Feeding the adult

Feed two meals per day and divide ½ cup

Points for Good Health

hearing and vision

Games and Exercises

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an athlete requiring a lot of exercise. Take him on long walks and play with him in a large fenced yard. Don’t coup him up in the house. Be careful not to exercise him off leash as he will chase anything that moves and will not come when called. They need mental stimulation as well as physical. They are good at hunting, agility, tracking, performing tricks and being a watchdog.

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

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