Moscow Watchdog

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Moscow Watchdog is a large breed of dog of molosser type that was developed in former Soviet Union from crosses between Saint Bernard, Caucasian Shepherd and Russian Spotted Hound breeds. It was primarily developed for Soviet Army to be used as military watch and protection dog. With ferociousness and cautious nature of Caucasian Shepherd and remarkable strength, intelligence and well balanced temperament of St. Bernard, the Moscow Watchdog is indeed an excellent protection dog breed with ideal physical and mental traits of its progenitors.

This big boned, tall and beautiful dog is an attention puller with its massive size. This massive dog stands between 25-27 inches and weighs 100-150 lbs. It comes with a massive head and wide skull. It has round and medium size eyes and triangular shaped ears that lie close to the head. This dog has a big black nose. The chest is broad and deep with broad and muscular withers. Back is straight and muscular and belly slightly tucked-up. Set on high wide and long tail is carried hanging down when the dog is at rest and raised over the back when it is excited or moving.

The dog has double coat with topcoat being long and undercoat soft, dense and close-fitting. It comes in red and white coloring. This breed is rare outside its country of origin till the fall of former Soviet Union in 1990s. Since then it is available to public and is gaining popularity in European countries while it has been recently imported in United States of America.

The Moscow Watchdog is NOT recognized by AKC or any other major kennel club though efforts are underway to get this breed recognized by FCI.

Color

The Moscow Watchdog always comes in beautiful red and white coloring with or without black mask.

Coat

It comes in a double coat. Outer coat is medium to long with fringes. It is shorter on the head and face but more pronounced on neck, forming a mane in dogs. It is longer on backside of hindlegs. The undercoat is dense and close-fitting.

Personality

The The Moscow Watchdog is a fierce protector of its family, home and property as this is the prime purpose of the development of this breed. It is a fearless, courageous and very loyal dog that will not hesitate to go to any lengths saving its family. With its calm temperament, the dog is very friendly and obedient with the family but does need leadership skills from the master due to its sometimes stubborn and independent nature. It is an intelligent breed that is rather easy to train with the aim to establish all humans in the family as this dogs' packleaders. This dog is gentle and kind to children and loves to play with them. Though it likes and loves to get attention, this breed is not overly affectionate nor is this dog a cuddly type. This a rather aloof and independent breed due to strong watch and guard dog instincts. Due to its size, the dog needs lots of space and opportunities to play and run. This energetic breed, unlike most massive dogs, does need lots of exercise. This versatile dog can do most dog jobs due to high levels of intelligence. Early socialization and training will make this dog very loving family companion besides a great watch dog that it is.

Care

Generally a healthy breed. However, to make sure that you get a healthy puppy, you should buy a Moscow Watchdog puppy from a reputable breeder.

Training

This breed can be trained as a seeing eye dog. The objective in training this dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack.

Activity

Exercise is necessary for these dogs although they will not need any extra exercise than most other dogs.