Bulgarian Shepherd vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison

American Molossus is originated from United States but Bulgarian Shepherd is originated from Bulgaria. American Molossus may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Bulgarian Shepherd. American Molossus may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Bulgarian Shepherd. American Molossus may live 43 years less than Bulgarian Shepherd. Both American Molossus and Bulgarian Shepherd has almost same litter size. Both American Molossus and Bulgarian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Working dog
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United States
Bulgaria
Height Male:
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
51 - 60 cm
20 - 24 inches
63 - 72 cm
24 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
38 - 48 kg
83 - 106 pounds
45 - 57 kg
99 - 126 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 43 kg
70 - 95 pounds
40 - 52 kg
88 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
45 - 57 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
American Molosser • American Brabanter • American Bullenbeisser
Karakachan Shepherd Dog, Karakachan
Colors Available:
Colors are black, black brindle with some white
BlackWhiteTricolor
Coat:
coat type coarse, dense, smooth and long
Single
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

Based on the massive dog of Mesopotamia in 5000 BC, the American Molossus is the same dog recreated in the United States by and for the lovers of these giant dogs. The ancient Molossus was fierce to look at, massive in size, courageous and loyal. He was undaunted by any animal and stood up to any man attempting to hurt his master. When Rome fell the descendants of today’s Molossus were scattered and attempts to revive the breed have created carious large dogs. The American Molossus is the first true recreation that hits the mark.

The original Molossus was one of the most primitive of dogs, one of the earliest dogs that men domesticated. Their initials duties were the guarding of herds and homes against all enemies. They were incredibly loyal to their one master and stayed with him and protected him. These dogs also ate carrion and served the villages by eliminating animal carcasses. They could handle any other hunting animals such as wolves and large cats. This dog, although extinct was the ancestor of all the Mastiff-type dogs of today. The Molossus is said to be the ancestor of the St. Bernard, English Mastiff, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Rottweiler, Rottweiler and the Neapolitan Mastiff. Now these breeds have become the ancestry of the American Molossus.

According to Marcus Curtis, the founder of the new Molossus, the nearest relative of the American Molossus is the Neapolitan Mastiff. The Hines Bulldog, German Rottweiler, American Bandogge, and South African Boerboel together with the Neapolitan Mastiff were used to form the American Molossus. The goal of the founder was to make a great family pet and protector. It was specifically bred to be courageous, loyal and protective.

bulgarian shepherdThe Bulgarian Shepard Dog comes from the ancient line of Molossers of Central Asia and Tibet, and the shepherds of the Balkans, Turkey and Caucasus. Among the oldest and most valued of the working dogs of Europe, the Bulgarian Shepherd breed was created by mixing the Balkan breeds with the dogs from Central Asia by the proto-Bulgarians around the 7th century. The Karakachanskoto Kuche was introduced to Bulgaria and accepted by the sheep herders. Mixing this breed in with the Balkan and Central Asian mix developed the Bulgarian Shepherd we know today. In the long run the original Karakachanskoto Kuche became extinct, replaced entirely by the Bulgarian Shepherd even in places where the new breed is still called by the Kuche name. Although the breeds are not the same, most of the dog world does not know the difference.

In Bulgaria however the Karakachan is a national treasure and the history of the breed runs deep. One Kuche could run up to 1200 animals and hundreds were used by the herdsmen in the mountains of Bulgaria. There were many regional types of Bulgarian Shepherds with very little difference between those types. These dogs were so prized by the shepherds that the dogs ate first before the people. The dogs however ate a vegetarian diet of milk, wheat, water and oats. The Bulgarian Shepherd lives a long life of often over 20 years. The Bulgarian Army made good use of these dogs early in the 20th century.

Following World War II, the wolves were close to extinction and property in Bulgaria was nationalized. There was no longer a need for a large force of working dogs. The Communist government exterminated large numbers of sheep dogs including the Bulgarian Shepherd. Only those species on government owned farms and in remote regions survived. When the government farms were disbanded in the early 20th century, these dogs were exterminated as well. Only those in the mountains survived. Commercial breeding of the Bulgarian Shepherd in the end of the century has resulted in controversy as other breeds came into the breeding program.

Use of breeds such as Sarplaninacs, Caucasian Ovcharkas, St. Bernards, Central Asian Ovcharkas and Bosnian Tornjaks in these programs resulted in Bulgarian Shepherd or Karakachans that were a lot different from the original breed. There is therefore some concern about the future of the breed in Bulgaria, yet they received official Bulgarian national recognition in 2000. Today’s Bulgarian Shepherd is a guard dog for both property and livestock.

The official standard for the breed came about in 1991 and in 2005 it was recognized by the Bulgarian State Commission for Animal Breeds. Only those dogs that meet this standard are considered “true” Karakachans. The Bulgarian Shepherds are willing to fight bears and wolves in defense of its family and flock. The dog is brave and loyal, dignified and powerful. They are recognized by both the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) and the Bulgarian Republican Federation of Cynology (BRFC) a member of the FCI.

Description

This is a giant, massive dog in every way and this recently developed standard makes that very clear. The Molossus should be heavy bones, muscular with a lot of loose skin and wrinkles of all kinds, everywhere. He is an intimidating presence, with a massive square head, broad shoulders, height and mass. No, the American Molossus is not athletic, but he certainly is intimidating.

His head is massive in comparison to his body and it must be square. He has extensive wrinkles and pendulous lips and dewlap. The face is all folds of skin and wrinkles. Deep set eyes, drooping upper lids and lower lids as well as an intimidating expression. His brow is well developed with a marked frontal furrow. The nose is large, and the muzzle is about a third of the length of its head. It is short and broad. Everything about the head must be square. It’s neck and body are powerful and muscular. The chest is deep, wide and barrel like. The back is also powerful and muscular. The front legs are heavy and muscular while the hind legs are broad, strong, powerful and wide-stance. Do not remove the front dew claws. His tail is thick and wide then gradually tapers at the tip.

bulgarian shepherd puppy - descriptionA massive, powerful and muscular Molosser, the Bulgarian Shepherd is strong, agile, powerful and fast. They are intelligent and reliable. They have a long, thick, harsh coat in white with patches of black. Their skull is massive and broad with a furrowed forehead. The muzzle is massive as well while the nose has wide nostrils and is fairly large. It has close fitting, thick lips with strong, scissor bite jaws. The Bulgarian Shepherd’s eyes are deep, oblique and small. They are either hazel or dark. They have an intelligent and confident, yet firm almost grim expression.

Their ears are low set, small and v-shaped. They sit close to the head which sits on a powerful but short neck. They have a broad back, well-muscled body with a deep chest and long, rough tail. Their gait is a trot with a spring in their step. There are two types of coats – longhaired and shorthaired with no undercoats.

Characteristics

The American Molossus is an intimidating massive giant bred for protection and guard duty. He is incredibly loyal to his family and courageous in his protection of them. They are guard dogs, not attack dogs. Their simple appearance is usually enough to frighten off anyone intending harm on their families. He is in reality a loving giant. He is intelligent and stable with a strong desire to please his owner. He is a calm yet vigilant presence in the home.

Because the Molossus is so large, it is recommended that the puppy be socialized and trained professionally. It takes a strong owner to handle this breed. They need to know the rules and have the rules consistently applied. The owner must be the pack leader.

bulgarian shepherd dog - characteristicsThis is a working dog, intelligent and independent guard dog. Reserved around strangers but loyal and devoted with his family. Tolerant of children in their family if they were raised with them. Not only will she defend human family members, she will guard and defend household pets as well. He is quite capable of making her own independent decisions. These are very intense guard dogs that will respond aggressively if they think their people are being attacked.

Health Problems

Like all Mastiffs the American Molossus faces a variety of potential illnesses, some brought on by its size, some not.

Spondylosis

This could easily be a function of its massive size. It is a degenerative disease and can cause the dog to become lame. In many cases the vertebrae can fuse, or severe pain can result. This is mostly seen in older members of the breed.

Cystinuria

Male Molossus can contract this inherited metabolic disease primarily. It can be life threatening and very serious as it affects the kidney and the bladder.

Wobblers Syndrome

This is essentially Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI) and is caused by the pressure of the nerves in the neck and cervical spinal cord. This compression can cause deformity, pain and abnormal stance/gait. IT has been attributed to the nutrition needs and rapid growth of the Mastiff breeds.

Like all giant Mastiff breeds the Molossus can have skin issues from the wrinkles, dysplasia in the joints which we will address below.

bulgarian shepherd puppies - health problemsThe breed itself is known to be healthy but they do face some of the usual health issues of the massive, giant breeds. This includes knee and elbow dislocation; hip dysplasia; bloat; entropion and osteosarcoma. All of these conditions require medical intervention, but bloat and osteosarcoma are the deadliest. Bloat needs immediate attention and osteosarcoma is a deadly bone cancer.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

Remembering that this is a very, very large dog you need to be careful about nutrition and how fast your puppy will grow. American Molossus puppies need four meals a day until 12 weeks old. Then until they are 6 months old feed then 3 times a day. Finally, from 6-month-old puppy to adult – feed them twice in 24 hours.

At one year either feed them once or two small meals.

Many people feed their Molossus eggs, vegetables, fruit, and cottage cheese as ten 5 of the total for the day but avoid other table foods. The Molossus can become very picky about what he eats if you feed him too many table scraps.

Health issues

In addition to the health problems listed above, the American Molossus is also susceptible to: Ditichiasis – Eyelashes that are in the margin of the eyelids and can cause eye irritation. May require surgery to correct.

Cataract

Could cause blindness if not removed. Ectropian/Entropion: Eversion and inversion of eyelids which cause ocular irritation.

PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This is a degenerative disease which causes the dog to go blind. It is a disease the affects the retinal visual cells, first causing night blindness then day blindness. A DNA test is available for detecting PRA in all Mastiff breeds.

Dysplasia of the Elbow or/and the Hip

Common in large breeds and especially in giant breeds like the Molossus. Multiple forms and causes but all can cause pain and lameness.

Skin issues

Do to wrinkles and loose skin – check often for moisture and infections.

Panosteitis or Wandering Lameness

The is a problem based on a variety of possible causes. It happens when the puppy is between 6-16 months of age. Lameness occurs over time in one limb or in all. It can be intermittent and might be caused by diet, genetics, stress, autoimmune or metabolic issues or infection.

HOD or Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy

This issue is developmental as the dog’s toes turn either inward or outward, then as the condition advances the dog suffers fever, pain in all joints, lethargy and the inability to stand. This happens when the dog consumes too many calories for his activity level in the development times.

Exercise and games

The American Molossus is not a couch potato. He needs to be walked at least twice a day and loves to play fetch. He will be greatly benefited by obedience training. Do not overdo it with exercise but make sure they don’t just lay around.

Feeding

bulgarian shepherd dogs - caringThese are large dogs with large appetites, but you want to keep them lean and active. Feed them at least twice a day with a high quality large or giant dog dry food. Four to five cups of food per day is the maximum.

Health issues

Patellar Luxation – a floating kneecap or dislocated knee. Will cause lameness.

Bloat - distended or twisted stomach. Can cause death.

Osteosarcoma – bone cancer must be treated immediately as it is potentially fatal.

Entropion – eye issues when the eyelid turns inward and damages the eye.

Hip Dysplasia – May cause lameness and arthritis.

Exercise and games

The Bulgarian Shepherd needs a good amount of exercise every day. Remember this is a working breed and they need a job. Long walks every day are essential for his well-being.

Comparison with other breeds

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