Molossus vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison

American English Coonhound is originated from United States but Molossus is originated from Greece. American English Coonhound may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Molossus. American English Coonhound may weigh 28 kg / 61 pounds lesser than Molossus. American English Coonhound may live 4 years less than Molossus. American English Coonhound may have more litter size than Molossus. American English Coonhound requires Low Maintenance. But Molossus requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Molosser dogs
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United States
Greece
Height Male:
56 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Height Female:
23 - 65 cm
9 - 26 inches
50 - 76 cm
19 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 27 kg
55 - 60 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
25 - 55 kg
55 - 122 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 12 Years
10 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
12 - 13
5 - 9
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Coonhound, English Coonhound
Molosser, Mastiff-type
Colors Available:
Black and white ticked, blue ticked, red with black and white tick
All colors
Coat:
hard, sleek
Generally short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn
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:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american english coonhoundThe American English Coonhound was developed in the Southern part of the United States from the variety of English hunting dogs that came to the States with the early settlers. At one point they were known as the Virginia Hound. This breed is well known for its prowess in hunting raccoons and her endurance and speed. Of course as a hound dog he loves to howl during the hunt and at home with the family. He can be frustrated and destructive if his energy and need for a job are not satisfied.

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

american english coonhound puppy - descriptionThe American English Coonhound is an athlete with a deep chest and cute face. They have broad heads, domed skulls, dark eyes and soft, low ears. They are as fast and athletic as they look. These are highly athletic dogs with long legs and a slim but muscular body. They are so well built for their hunting role, that any deficiencies are quickly identified and bred out of the breed.

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

american english coonhound dog - characteristicsThe American English Coonhound knows how to relax just as much as he knows how to work. He is mellow after work and tenacious in the chase. This is not the dog for a first-time owner. They are stubborn and hard to train. They howl and bark at home as much as they do on the hunt. They need a strong pack leader, especially when living in the city or neighborhoods.

They are outgoing and friendly and very sensitive. They mature later than most other breeds their size. They are about 2 when they mature.

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

american english coonhound puppies - health problemsIf kept active and happy, the American English Coonhound has very few health problems. The benefit from a large gen pool but do have some health concerns including elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, cataracts, bloat, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. They do have a tendency to gain weight as they age. These issues will be addressed in more detail below. DNA testing is available for the dysplasia and eye issues.

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

american english coonhound dogs - caringyour working American English Coonhound needs different food than one who is not working. So, if you hunt with your dog remember he really needs the calories to keep his energy up. However, they can get obese as they age so cut back with less activity and more years. Watch the number of treats when training.

Health issues mentioned earlier include

Elbow and Hip Dysplasia – the joint issues prevent the bones from connecting and functioning properly. Any good breeder of American English Coonhounds will do tests for both.

Eye issues range from cataracts to PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) Again there are tests available for these conditions.

Bloat is a condition many medium to large size dogs can experience when their stomach can become inverted and intestines distended. The is a situational issue and can’t be predicted. Don’t allow your coonhound to wolf down food right before exercise and feed him more than once a day in a smaller meal.

Exercise and games

The American English Coonhound needs a lot of exercise and has an extremely strong work and prey drive.

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