Among Russian guard dogs, there is a unique Moscow Watchdog, which combines great watching and guarding abilities with the tenderness of a companion pet.
The Moscow Watchdog is a Russian dog breed, developed in the Soviet Union after WWII. This Soviet dog is very large and heavy, it has a massive, usually black-masked head, and a muscular, powerful body, covered in a thick, medium-length double coat of mostly white color with red, orange, or brown patches.
Brief Characteristics:
Height: 27-32 inches (68-81 cm) Weight: 99-180 lbs (45-82 kg) Lifespan: 9-11 years
Now becoming more known and popular outside its native country, the Moscow Watchdog still remains one of the Russian rare dog breeds and is not yet recognized internationally. The first litter of these dogs was born in the US only in 2015.
The Moscow dog was developed in the 1950s at the Russian army’s “Red Star” kennel by crossbreeding Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka) and Saint Bernard, with some additions of Russian Harlequin Hound, German Shepherd, and Russian wolfhound. Saint Bernard gave this new Russian guard dog its large size and gentle temperament, while its second major contributor, the Caucasian Shepherd, passed its great guarding and assertive traits.
This new dog breed was finally standardized in the late 1960s with its Russian name Moskovskaya Storozhevaya Sobaka ("sobaka" means dog in Russian). The Soviet military considered it to be a perfect service dog, able to respond the same way to any handler.
Aside from military service, the Moscow dog can be both a property protector and a loving family member. This dog looks very impressive but at the same time, it has a humble temperament. With its family, it is a benevolent, affectionate pet.
Moscow Watchdogs have a balanced psyche, and they are usually calm and quiet. They get along well with children if they know the children from a young age.
On the other hand, being a typical Russian guard dog, the Moscow Watchdog will fight with all its strength and firmness to protect its family from any threat. These dogs are equipped with strong guard and protection instincts, and they look very frightening if they get angry. Every threat makes them nervous and can make them act aggressively.
Moscow dog is reserved and skeptical towards strangers, and should never be harassed. Its distrust towards strangers refers not only to humans but also to animals. Therefore, caution from the owner is always necessary.
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This breed is characterized by strong health and good stamina but because of its large size, it may be prone to hip dysplasia and other big dogs’ problems. Therefore, an annual visit to the vet is recommended. The dog’s mouth, ears, and nose should also be checked regularly.
Already at the creation of the Moscow Watchdog, it was decided that this breed should be robust, efficient but at the same time unpretentious. It doesn't need any special grooming, though has to be brushed on a regular basis, especially during the coat change. Contrary to other “gentle giants”, this Russian dog doesn't salivate a lot.
A small apartment is surely not the best place for this dog. It is desirable to keep it in a house with fenced land. Also, daily walks are advisable.
Moscow Watchdog is not for beginners. It is recommended to experienced owners who have enough space and some free time. It is a good choice for rangers and farmers, especially in the northern regions.
The owners should have a strong character and toughness. Moscow Watchdogs are prone to dominance, they try to take a leading position and like to "argue". They are quite independent and can be stubborn. Consistent education is needed, therefore, to correct this behavior. This should be done before the dog has grown up and become uncontrollable.
When buying a Moscow Watchdog, the owner takes on the responsibility for this large and strong dog breed. Such a dog will fearlessly protect his family, but he needs a strong hand and early socialization.
Height: 27 to 32 inches (males 29-32, females 27-29)
Weight: 99 to 180 pounds (males 130-180, females 99-140)
Moscow dog, Moscow Watchdog, Russian watchdog, Moskovskaya Storozhevaya Sobaka, Russian: Московская сторожевая
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